Are you a middle-aged beauty NEWBIE? Do you avoid the beauty isle at Target because you don’t know what ANY of that stuff is? Same. But, TRUTH: Being a 41 year old mom to 2 young kids is starting to take its toll on my face. That’s why creating a beauty regime is #1 on my self-care agenda this year. It starts HERE & NOW with my Beginners Beauty Guide for Moms Over 40 Series!
If you’re totally into this idea but don’t have a CLUE where to start–just keep reading. I’ve got you!
Beginners Beauty Guide for Moms Over 40 has all the BEST products for starting an affordable (low maintenance) beauty routine.
Motherhood is Marching Across Your Face
The wrinkles are coming on, the dark circles are there, always a little puffy, and is that discoloration?? Ugh. Quite frankly, it’s a shit show. At least, that’s what’s happening over in my corner of the world.
Full disclosure: I’ve never really been a huge fan of makeup. (I’m a moisturizer + mascara kind of girl). But, my 40’s are coming in HOT, and I want to feel better about this mature face of mine.
My goal this year is to dedicate a little time every day to this one and only face of mine.
That said, I will never be that girl who shells out hundreds (or even $50) for anything I put on my face. I’m way too cheap for that. So, all of these products are budget friendly.
Skin for the WIN
Our first goal in this Beginners Beauty Guide is to figure out what to put on that 40 year old skin of yours.
I have done some preliminary research, and I’ve come up with 6 PRIMARY products for women in their 40’s. This should give you a good jumping off point for starting your own beauty journey.
Please note that the frequency of using a product, which products to use together, etc. are really individualized based on sensitivities. My advice: take it one product at a time and see how it works for you before adding anything else into the mix.
After all, this is new to all of us!
Disclaimer: I am certainly not a dermatologist or beauty expert of ANY kind. I’m just a mom in her 40’s relaying the research I’ve found to help fellow moms get their shit together in the beauty department.
Best Products for Moms Over 40
#1: Facial Cleanser
Let’s talk about facial cleansers. Many of you may just use regular soap, but you may want to start using something that’s a little gentler. Regular soap is just working against you by drying you out and making it easier for wrinkles to creep up.
Also, no need to wash in the morning (who knew!), but, do wash with a gentle cleanser at NIGHT. Get a cleanser that has “anti-aging” listed on the label, or one of the common dermo approved staples.
Products You Should Try
#2: Vitamin C Serum
We all know Vitamin C is like the powerhouse of the vitamin world, and it does energy boosting things for your body. But, who knew it’s also kind of a kick ass face ninja, too?
Benefit: This stuff is supposed to make your face tighter, brighter (decreasing age spots) & is a great protector against free radicals.
How do I use it?
- It comes solo in serums – put it on clean skin and let it soak in before moisturizing or putting on makeup in the morning (or add it to your moisturizer & save a step).
- It can also be found in moisturizers.
- Note: 5% is a good base point (and can go up to 20%)
Products You Should Try
#3: Vitamin A (Retinol or Retinoid)
This is the ANTI WRINKLE part of the program. Everything you need to know about it is covered in this great myth busting article. Retinol or Retinoids are the secret ingredient that not only prevents BUT reverses wrinkles.
In all the articles I’ve read, I can’t tell you how many times RoC Retinol Cream has come up as a tried and true Retinol Cream. Honestly, I always thought of it as an old lady cream, but joke’s on me! Apparently, I’m there (or my skin is anyway)!
Benefit: Actually reverses the signs of aging—like scientifically proven.
How do I use it?
- Get a “night cream” with Retinol or Retinoids listed
- Start with a lower % and work your way up
- It will take a few months to see a difference—but it should be legit
Products You Should Try
#4: Hyaluronic Acid
This is the magic potion that makes your skin look amazing. Everything you need to know about it is covered in this Beauty Glossary breakdown.
Benefit: Minimizes fine lines, plumps your skin making it look younger & more vibrant
How do I use it?
- It comes solo in serums – put on clean skin and let it soak in before moisturizing or putting on makeup (or add it to your moisturizer & save a step).
- May ALREADY BE in moisturizers or serums
Products You Should Try
#5: Niacinamide
I know. It’s starting to sound like a chemistry class. This is exactly why I’ve given a hard PASS to beauty products in the past. Ugh. BUT, it’s basically a form of Vitamin B3, and it’s a badass in combatting free radicals.
Benefit: Decreases discoloration, fine lines & wrinkles (and helps with inflammation and acne)
How do I use it?
- It comes solo in serums – put on clean skin and let it soak in before moisturizing or putting on makeup (or add it to your moisturizer & save a step).
- May ALREADY BE in moisturizers or serums
Products You Should Try
#6: Moisturizer with SPF
Okay, so this one should be a no-brainer, but I think it needs to be covered (this is a beginners beauty guide). You need a moisturizer, and it needs to contain SPF. Nutshell: salvage what you have, ladies!
You may want to wear a lighter moisturizer in the AM & a creamier one in the PM right before bed.
Some (or even all) of the products listed above may already be in your choice of moisturizer. If not, you could experiment with adding them to your moisturizer. AGAIN: try this one product at a time in case any sensitivities pop up!
Products You Should Try
Not Quite WOKE, but CLOSE!
Let’s review: cleanse (but not too much), boost with Vitamin C, plump with hyaluronic acid, protect with niacinamide, turn back time with retinol, and moisturize with SPF. WHEW!
That was a TON to cover in one post! But, I feel a LOT more confident that I won’t walk away in shame from the Target beauty isle any more. That is a LEGIT WIN for me.
You’ve got your bearings, now go get your glow on mama! Where will you start your Beginners Beauty journey? Let me know in the comments below!
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