Everything Beauty On My Bathroom Shelf

The skincare routine for my mid 40's

My skincare struggles began when I entered college at Indiana University at age 18. Up to that point, my skin was perfect and glowy without much work at all. We don’t know if it was hormones, stress, or the water, but I had severe acne. I worked with a dermatologist, playing the guessing game to get it under control. Looking back, the strategy was all wrong. I stripped my skin, dried it out, and it got worse.

The one lesson that I did learn was how important sunscreen is. My skin was more sensitive to the sun because of what I was using, so I needed to make sure I was protected. I started using Proactiv at the end of college, and it made a difference; my skin finally cleared up. This could be due to less stress, environmental changes, or it actually worked. We will never know! But I am grateful to finally clear my skin, and I don’t mess around anymore.

My Skin Type and Age

Before we jump into my skincare routine, I will note that everyone has different skin, and there are products for everyone. One product might work well for me, and you may not like it or have a reaction. Take my recommendations with a grain of salt and make the best decisions for you and your skin.

I am in my mid 40’s and have dry skin. Clean beauty and anti-aging are a focus of mine, and I try to make clean choices when I can. Sun protection is essential, and I wear it even on cloudy days and in the winter. I have not had Botox or fillers and do not plan to at this time. For anti-aging, I have done some laser treatments and am open to more in the future.

My Morning Skincare Routine

For a cleanser, I have been using this oil cleanser from Tata Harper that I really enjoy.

Serums are a non-negotiable for me and really help my dry skin. As a splurge, Sisley recently sent me this product that I love.

Since I have received requests for recommendations, here are some I love.

Skin Revive ($95), a little goes a long way, and my skin is glowing right now as I have been trying this one out.

Ursa Major does a great job with their serums; they are clean and affordable. This mountain glow serum ($75) has been a favorite and the first product I tried from the brand.

I alternate a bit with moisturizer in the morning. Tata Harper calming cream is a great one I reach for, and it's better when I feel drier.

Le Prunier Plumscreen is a great last-step moisturizer with SPF. The key ingredient is Zinc without giving you a white cast. This is TSA-friendly and a good one for travel with that added protection when I am out and about in Paris more often than being at home at the computer in Chicago.

Eye cream is something I struggle with. I am constantly trying new ones and have not found my go-to favorite. Open for suggestions. Currently using this MDPerricone one and Dr. Brandt.

For sunscreen, I am an EltaMD girl, thanks to my dermatologist's recommendation. I have one in my bathroom and another by the door for reapplication when I go on long walks with Henri.

My Evening Skincare Routine

Someone, or more than one person, will mention that I should be double cleansing. A milk cleanser and an oil cleanser to get off the SPF and makeup at the end of the day. I just ran out of this milk cleanser from Biologique and need to restock.

For the on-the-go end-of-day or flying, these wipes from Ursa Major come in handy. You can keep them in your travel or gym bag.

I swapped out my Elemis cleanser after some research to switch to a cleaner routine. This cleansing balm from Blue Lagoon is clean, and I have just ordered it to try. REBECCA15 gets you 15% off Blue Lagoon.

Serum or oil is a non-negotiable at night. This is when your skin repairs itself the most. Eight Day serum is a favorite. (a splurge)

Just as I like to clean up my kitchen and turn down the house before bed, it is important to prep your skin before bed.

In the evening, I love this Irene Forte hibiscus lotion. The scent is so good, it feels like a luxury every time I put it on.

I enjoy using the ZIIP Halo in the evening. It does take a little bit of time in the evening, and you absolutely need the gel.

My last step is a lip balm at the end of the night because my lips are always dry. This one from Blue Lagoon is thicker and works well.

Beauty Masks and Sunday Self-Care Rituals

I have a good amount of beauty masks and don’t use them nearly as much as I should. Once a week. I do love a Sunday self-care ritual, and that is a great time to squeeze in a mask.

Sisley Black Rose is a splurge and much cheaper in Paris if you have the chance. This is great for flying, too.

This Algae mask from Blue Lagoon is $95

One of my favorites and a fun color is this one from Le Prunier. I have worn it and almost scared my husband when he walked in, not realizing my face was purple from the mask. The smaller size is $30 and perfect for travel.

I love the eye patches, especially on days I have a shoot. My eyes typically wake up puffy and dark-circled. A good remedy is an ice roller. I also just tried this face tape and eye patches, and when I looked in the mirror, I was wowed.

*This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission on items purchased through my links. Merci.