I’ve been meaning to share this for quite some time and finally got my act together! If you prefer to watch first then read, here’s the accompanying reel. Despite being skincare-obsessed since my early teens, I’ve shied away from sharing more on this topic since it feels quite personal. What works for me may not work for others. Also, my routine is pretty pared back so it can seem uninteresting. However, a couple of friends reminded me recently that it’s important to have more middle-aged (what’s the nicer alternative to this word?!) voices in the beauty space, and more positive conversation on aging as well. Always happy to oblige and share my perspective!
There is this idea that aging gracefully means looking a certain way. To me it means aging with ease and having an attitude of gratitude. It means moving through change with joy and softness instead of fear and resistance. That same ease I often refer to when styling applies to everything else in my life, including my mindset and approach to beauty. I avoid complicated or costly professional treatments because I believe small things done consistently can be just as impactful, and I’d rather spend my time and money on other things. My mantra since my early twenties: keep it simple and do the daily work of caring for myself now. That way I won’t feel the need to do “damage control” later.
Some additional context! I’ve held off on getting any Botox or fillers because I’m a pragmatist and those treatments require regular maintenance. They say once you pop you can’t stop. I also want to age better, not backwards.
Good skincare boils down to understanding our skin, finding products that are gentle yet effective and taking care from the inside out. At 41, my skin and I are very well acquainted. We’ve weathered some rough and bumpy times and now I know how to adjust for smooth sailing. My skin is sensitive, leans dry (this is new since it definitely was oilier in my youth), is prone to milia and I’m starting to see fine lines so my goal is to achieve the right balance of chemical exfoliation and optimum hydration.
5-STEP SKINCARE (AM)
The routine doesn’t change, but sometimes I will try a new product (usually it’s a serum or SPF). Sometimes it’s a straight-up “rinse with water, slap some SPF on and go”. But most days I make the effort to do my full ritual since I enjoy slowing down and making time for myself.
A little facial workout with the Ziip Halo
I started using a microcurrent device around 5 years ago and I believe they are highly effective when used consistently. The ZIIP Halo is my new favorite tool. It uses a fusion of micro and nanocurrents to lift, tighten and brighten instantly and over time by stimulating muscles and skin cells.
The device is preprogrammed with a 4-minute treatment, but you can also sync it to the app for other specialized or targeted modalities (my other go-to is the one for the eyes). I appreciate that the app is an extension of the device and doesn’t require a subscription. How it works is you apply a conductive gel (they included a bottle of this) turn the Ziip on, select a treatment from the app and it sends it over to the device. The treatment begins when it touches your face, and you have the founder (electrical aesthetician to the stars Melanie Simon) guiding you through the movements. No need to figure out intensity levels or strokes. So easy. And the sculpting and radiance effects are just so good. I do this 4-6 times per week.
At-home devices like this aren’t cheap, but I think they are one-time investments that eventually pay for themselves. When you compare it to the cost of one facial or other professional treatments it just makes sense.
PS- They’ve so kindly given me a code for you! THERZIIP for a little treat.
Cleanse
I wash my face morning and night with Cerave’s Hydeating Cream-To-Foam wash. Simple and gentle. A cleanser is one item I don’t feel the need to splurge on since it rinses right off. It just needs to effectively clean without stripping, and my sensitive skin loves this stuff.
Treat
Next I apply a facial serum. Currently I’m using Dr. Diamond’s Instafacial Plasma Serum and let me tell you, it is really really good. Instant softening and smoothing, pores are tighter and my skin has more “bounce” after 2 weeks of use. I’ve also noticed much less redness. This is probably the most fancy and pricey serum I’ve ever used, but I think it’s a worthy investment. This plasma serum and its BFF night cream are meant to simulate the reparative and rejuvenating results of Dr.Diamond’s famous in-office Instafacial procedure that combines laser light therapy, microneedling with PRP, and a collagen mask.
A little fun anecdote! A couple years ago I found myself standing right next to Shay Mitchell at the airport security line. We were both headed home after NY fashion week. I don’t remember what she was wearing but I will never forget her perfect makeup-free skin. So glowy. So smooth. So even-toned. I’m always awkward about approaching celebrities in the wild since I want to respect their privacy. But I was dying to know her skincare routine and treatments. I activated sleuth mode and learned that she has a famous 58-step beauty routine on Vogue , she has had IPL treatments for melasma, and she is a Dr.Diamond girl. Well I may not have the time, money or energy for a 58-step routine or IPL treatments, but I sure can have a little bit of Dr.Diamond’s magic in a bottle.
To help cut down on costs, I plan to lessen the frequency of repurchasing this serum by alternating it with my favorite Vitamin C serum by Drmtlgy. It’s so light, doesn’t irritate my skin and is definitely more affordable.
Aside from an overall facial serum I apply this Multi-Peptide Eye Serum by The Ordinary. It hydrates, smoothes fine lines and de-puffs thanks to caffeine.
Gua Sha
I give myself a facial massage with this Mount Lai Gua Sha tool and stainless steel facial roller. My facialist Tiff of Madison Crown Skin taught me a few moves to help reduce eyebags and sculpt the face. It’s all about light, gentle strokes that stimulate the lymphatic system and increase circulation. I really look forward to this. It is simultaneously relaxing and energizing, and I feel more awake right after.
Hydrate + Protect
In the summer I typically skip a moisturizer since my SPF provides enough hydration. However, in the winter months I layer this Aveeno gel cream moisturizer between my serum and sunscreen. It is super light, non-greasy and works well under my SPF or makeup.
I prefer mineral sunscreens for my face since they do not irritate my skin or eyes. Lightsaver is my favorite tinted SPF for daily wear during the summer since it is so light and not greasy. A drugstore favorite is this one by Cerave.
Never thought about an SPF for my eyes until I discovered Drmtlgy’s Luminous Eye Corrector (I use the shade medium). Puffiness and dark circles are my biggest pain so I’m always looking for remedies. This is basically an eye cream, SPF and light coverage concealer. I dot it around my eyes, use the cooling tip to gently massage then tap and blend. My eyes look and feel instantly refreshed!
On most days my routine ends here. When I want a little more polish for a day of meetings and maybe even date night I continue with the following steps.
3-MINUTE MAKEUP
I hunt for makeup that is more skincare-focused and I prefer subtle definition of my features instead of dramatic coverage and contouring. Foundation is reserved for special occasions. I’m learning that less is definitely more for me as I get older.
Brows
This Brow Glue by NYX is the only one I’ve tried that keeps my unruly hairs in place with a glossy and fluffy finish.
Conceal and contour
Recently discovered makeup artist Fara Homidi’s Essential Face Compact (I use the shade Sable) and it’s a makeup minimalist’s dream cream-to-powder concealer. It’s like a photoshop tool IRL that brightens and covers imperfections without looking like you have anything on, which is Fara’s signature look. Typically I tap and blend this around my nose, on the veins around my chin and a little under the eyes. It has the right amount of grip without being thick or tacky and doesn’t settle into lines or feel like you have any makeup on. I’ve tried a bunch of cream foundations and most of them can either be too dry, too greasy, too thick or not have enough coverage. Not the case with this one! The compact is so elegant and luxe, and it makes touch-ups on the go effortless. There is also a coordinating highlighter in the pan that adds a subtle glow without being glittery.
I apply Victoria Beckham’s Contour Stylus in the shade marble on my cheekbones, sides of my nose and jawline then blend it all in with my trusty Sephora Pro Airbrush Foundation brush (sadly no longer available) . A little goes a long way. I also use this Stylus to subtly define my eyes. I’ve learned that heavy eyeliner and shadow make my eyes look more tired.
Lashes and lips
This Jones Road Beauty (Bobbi Brown’s new makeup line) Mascara lifts and lengthens my sparse lashes without flaking or budging. The curved wand makes application effortless.
I’m a tinted lip balm junkie. It’s the one “makeup” product I rely on for a pop of color on my face. If I could only apply one thing it would be a juicy balm. I’m a huge fan of Eadem’s Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm. My lips are perpetually dry and this has a luscious plumping and smoothing effect. I’m wearing the shade Bissap Glaze, a rich plum. Patiently waiting for the Fig Sauce shade to restock.
And that’s it! I know it seems long on paper but it is quite pared-down in person! Again, you can see everything in action here.
Happy weekend friends!
Xx, T