7 Small But Effective Changes To Your Beauty Routine

A few years ago, as I was sorting through photographs for a blog post, I felt like I didn’t quite look like “me”. Had I gained weight? Was I more tired than usual? Did I have a vitamin deficiency? I finally realized I was just showing signs of aging; subtle changes in my face that were adding up to a look that I wasn’t quite used to. That’s when I started making some changes in my beauty routine, trying to figure out what worked and what didn’t. If you’re looking for an affordable, clean, anti-aging beauty routine, you might want to incorporate some of these practices too!

1. Increase Collagen In Your Diet

One of the most effective changes that I made to my beauty routine was to add a collagen supplement to my coffee. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It gives your skin elasticity and helps to maintain healthy joints (amongst other roles!) The good news is that your body makes collagen. The bad news is that around age 25, collagen production in your body starts to diminish. You can help your body by eating more collagen-rich foods like chicken skin, eggs, and bone-broth soups. You can also take a supplement. I found that I just didn’t eat enough collagen-rich foods, so I opted for a supplement.

*Please talk to a health-care professional and do your own research before taking any supplements. I’m not a doctor or nutritionist; I have just seen improvements in my own body after taking collagen supplements.*

Since I started adding collagen powder to my diet, I’ve noticed more hair growth (especially in an area at my hairline that has been sparse for as long as I can remember). My face also feels and looks firmer.

I’m currently trying MindBodyGreen’s grass-fed collagen+ (unflavored). (Just FYI, unflavored doesn’t mean tasteless. I definitely notice it, but the flavor has grown on me). It is more expensive than other brands but it also includes other anti-aging supplements like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, and L-glutamine.

For about a year before that, I took Vital Proteins’ Collagen Peptides Powder. I did see improvements in my skin when I was taking it, but I didn’t have the same hair growth and shine that I have seen since starting the MindBodyGreen one.

2. Use A Serum Before Your Moisturizer

If you’re finding that your skin is drier now than when you were younger, you may benefit from using both a serum and a moisturizer. A serum is usually a concentrated dose of ingredients made up of small molecules that can penetrate into your skin. A moisturizer seals in those ingredients and creates a barrier between your skin and the environment.

I’m currently using Way Of The Will’s Brightening Serum from my Causebox subscription (you can buy the anti-aging version on Amazon). My moisturizer is Derma E’s Advanced Peptide & Collagen Moisturizer.

(If you want to read more about my favorite clean skincare brands, take a look at my 5 Skincare Brands That I Use Daily post).

3. Switch From Powder To Liquid Foundation

For years, I’ve used Mineral Fusion’s Pressed Powder Foundation but lately, my skin has been too dry for a powder. A friend introduced me to Jane Iredale’s Liquid Minerals Foundation which comes in a travel-friendly, mess-free pump. It’s light enough to look natural but offers enough coverage for my sunspots.

(For reference, I’m wearing the honey bronze color).

4. Focus On Your Eyes

As we age, our hair thins, especially our eyebrows and eyelashes. The skin on our eyelids starts to sag, making our eyes look smaller. So if you’re only going to apply only a little makeup, your eyes are a good place to start.

Try Mascara In Blue, Purple Or Magenta

The Spring 2021 beauty trend reports show mascara in unusual colors like blue, purple, magenta, and even red!

I’m wearing Zuzu’s Luxe Mascara in Navy in the photo above. Navy is pretty universally flattering, and won’t stand out too much if you’re not looking for a bold look.

Use An Eyelash Primer

When I want even more volume, I use a primer before I apply my mascara. I just bought Jane Iredale’s Longest Last Thickening Mascara and PureLash Lash Extender, and love that they’re clean beauty products that don’t smudge easily. A lash curler will also help magnify your lashes, but make sure you use it correctly (pain-free) so that you don’t tug too much on your lashes.

Fill In Those Brows

If you’re in your 40s, you might have the double-whammy of thinning hair and having over-plucked your brows in the nineties! There are many spa and salon treatments for brows, but being a minimalist, I use either a brow pencil or dark eyeshadow to fill mine in.

5. Use Matte Or Shimmery Eyeshadow

Frosty eye shadow can accentuate sagging skin and wrinkles, so if you are buying new eye makeup, you might want to look for a matte or a slightly shimmery finish.

Want to try on eyeshadow, without leaving your room? If you have the Pinterest mobile app, you can use their Try On function to see what you look like in makeup from brands like Sephora, bareMinerals, and Urban Decay. It’s a fun way to test out the changes in your beauty routine without spending a penny!

6. Apply Lipstick Correctly

I think the biggest pandemic enforced change in our beauty routine has been in lipstick! Have you been wearing any over the past year?

For video conferencing, I wear a very natural lipgloss (mine is from Beautycounter, gifted by a consultant; you can buy the updated version here).

On the rare occasion that we go out to dinner, I’ve been using my W3ll People Matte Lipstick (which you can buy at Target, or using my link from Amazon).

If you’re finding that your lipstick smudges under your face mask, dab a little foundation on your lips first. Using a lip liner to line (a must if you have fine lines around your lips) and fill your lips. Then apply lipstick and blot.

2021 make-up trend reports are calling for bold lip colors like red and orange, so let’s hope we won’t need to wear face masks all day, soon!

7. Add Shine To Your Hair

Talk to your stylist about keeping your hair healthy, shiny and full . As we age our hair tends to thin out and dry out.

Though my hair is fairly healthy, I was starting to notice dry ends and a lack of shine. So I had it cut into an angled lob which is much easier to maintain. In addition to hydrating shampoo and conditioners, I use Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer Shine which adds a slight shimmer without weighing my fine hair down.

So those are all the changes, I’ve made to my beauty routine in my 40s. What have you noticed about aging and beauty and what have you found that works for you?