Beauty Secrets for the 40 somethings

Youth is definitely wasted on the young but the wisdom of my 40's have served me well. Hmm, definitely on skincare and beauty but I am working on the other aspects of life.

Cleansing
Many years ago I learnt the art of "double cleansing" from Kanebo (could have been a Japanese line but carried in the US) and attribute my bright looking skin to their philosophy. It is a toss up between Fresh Soy Cleanser, Estee Lauder Renutriv Cleanser, (though any milky cleanser will do) followed by either La Mer gel cleanser, Le Metier de Beaute Vitamin C cleanser to get my makeup off and clean shiny skin to the surface. Lucky you if you own the wonderful cleansing tool, Clarisonic. Based on some conversations I have had with friends, we all seem to find skin is softer and more receptive to products if we double cleanse in the evening and rinse face with water in the morning.

Serums
I have always used a serum from one company or another to "stretch" my moisturizer from 3 months to 4 months but seriously to hydrate, refine skin texture, correct skin tones, brighten the skin. I don't think anyone over 25 should be without a serum. For hydration I absolutely love Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair, La Mer's Radiant Serum, Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Serum. 

Refiners/Scrubs/Masks
There are many products that cater to getting you to smoother skin. I have normal skin (not too dry and not too oily) but stay away from anything with harsh granules. If you are combination skin (dry or normal in some areas and oily in other areas) or dry (self explanatory) you might want to do the same. Clinique Pore Refiner, YSL Natural Exfoliator, any mask by Natura Bisse, Cle de Peau, Chantecaille get results. 

Moisturizers
If you were lucky enough to be dewier (we said oily when we were younger) now you are so grateful because your oil content should be stabilized now (fingers crossed)   I have always preferred a lightweight but emollient moisturizer for my face for the daytime and alternating between a retinol or Vitamin C product for the evening.