2026 Midlife Beauty Favorites: Everything I Actually Use, Love & Keep Buying

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Hey you, it’s me! 💋

Sweet friend, can we talk about what happened to our skin somewhere along the way? Because I swear, every time I turn around, something else needs moisturizing. My lips, my hands, my elbows, my knees, and please don’t get me started on the skin underneath my eyes!

At 44, one of my biggest beauty lessons in 2026 was realizing that the routine I had relied on for years simply wasn’t meeting my needs anymore. I had to learn what my changing skin actually wanted. And with how far beauty has come, there are so many new options to explore. So I decided to stop being afraid to try something new.

I fell in love with a few products this year. Some are old faithfuls, some were new discoveries, some are drugstore finds and, yes, a few are splurges. These are the real products on my bathroom counter, in my makeup bag and in my shower. I’m sharing what changed, what I noticed, and why I keep reaching for them.

So grab your coffee. We’re talking menopause, makeup, moisturizer, and maybe a little lip gloss, because apparently I need all the help I can get in that department. 💋

Want to shop it all in one place? Shop my Beauty Favorites 2026 list on Amazon →

What Changed in 2026? I Started Listening to My Skin

My biggest shift was mindset. I stopped assuming that a product that worked at 30 would automatically be right for me at 44. My skin was drier, more sensitive in places, and particularly unforgiving around my eyes. I started paying attention to how products layered, how makeup settled, and how my skin felt at the end of the day.

There’s a reason midlife skin can feel different. As estrogen declines around menopause, skin can become drier, thinner, less firm and more easily irritated. Dermatologists report that skin may lose about 30% of its collagen during the first five years after menopause, with more gradual loss after that. Wounds may also take longer to heal. That’s information I wish every woman had before she started blaming herself for needing to change her routine. (American Academy of Dermatology)

And sweet friend, if I could underline one thing, it would be sunscreen. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is a daily habit worth protecting. Use the full recommended amount, and reapply according to the label, especially outdoors. It matters on cloudy days, too. (American Academy of Dermatology)

For me, that means I rotate between DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 in Medium Sheer Tint. I sometimes use both during a routine, but layering doesn’t mean you can add the SPF numbers together. Apply enough of your sunscreen for the labeled protection.

I also use prescription tretinoin at night. Retinoids can help with some signs of photoaging, but they need to be introduced and used thoughtfully because irritation is real. And if you’re navigating other menopause symptoms, talk with your clinician about treatment options. Hormone therapy can affect skin, but it is not recommended solely to improve skin appearance. (Menopause, 2026)

The Five Beauty Products I’d Rebuy Tomorrow

1. Lip Gloss and Plumpers: Because I Have Very Little Lip, LOL

I’ve never been a big lipstick girl. Give me gloss, a little shine, and a plumped look any day. My go-tos include rhode peptide lip products and Too Faced Lip Injection, especially Original Clear. I’ve also used Strawberry Kiss and Bubblegum Yum. I just love how a glossy lip makes me feel a little more put together.

2. Curology Morning and Night: My 2026 Skincare Change

Curology is a prescription. I took pictures of my skin and spoke with a care provider without leaving home, and my formulas were made for my skin.

I was already using tretinoin. The new addition was Curology’s morning formula, which contains azelaic acid 5%, niacinamide 4% and dexpanthenol 1%. My nighttime Curology formula contains tretinoin 0.05%, niacinamide 4% and dexpanthenol 1%. The two formulas cost me about $89 together.

After roughly three months with the paired routine, I’ve noticed a smoother look, more glow, and skin that seems a little tighter to me. Those are my observations, not a promise that anyone else will have the same results. And because I was already on tretinoin, I can’t say the morning formula alone caused the difference. Follow your own prescriber’s directions, especially when layering multiple products.

Current offer: Curology is offering new subscribers their first box free when you subscribe, a 30-day trial, after a quick online consultation with their medical provider. Restrictions apply and offers can change, so check the terms before you sign up.

3. Tinted Sunscreen: My Real Everyday Base

Most days, I reach for DRMTLGY SPF 46 or CeraVe SPF 30 Medium Sheer Tint. They fit the lighter, more natural look I want for errands, working from home, and everyday life. Foundation is for recording the podcast, a date night with my husband, or a special occasion.

4. Tarte Maneater Mascara: Favorite Favorite

You know I mean business when I buy multiples. I’ve stocked up on Tarte Maneater during sales, found it for around $10 to $12 during past Black Fridays, and even given extras to friends. I love this mascara enough to keep coming back. That does not mean it will hit the same sale price this year, so check the actual listing.

5. Lumify Eye Drops: My Allergy-Season Essential

I have blue eyes, and when my allergies act up, I notice the redness. Lumify is one of the products I keep on hand. It’s an over-the-counter medicated redness reliever, so please follow the Drug Facts label and speak with an eye-care professional about persistent redness, pain or irritation.

The Makeup Shift: Glow Over Perfect

The biggest makeup lesson I’ve learned? Keep the base light, and use placement to your advantage. My skin likes a hydrating moisturizer or primer first. For daily wear, I’d rather look like myself than like I’ve put on a full matte mask.

When I do want foundation, I reach for L’Oréal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup in W6 Sun Beige. My Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser is CN 40 Cream Chamois. I try to place concealer where I need it, including a light touch at the outer corner, rather than painting a heavy ring around my eyes.

I like creamier color and a higher blush placement, sweeping toward the temples. My makeup bag includes Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff, NYX Buttermelt Blush in 10 Back and Butta, and L’Oréal Lumi Glotion in 903 Medium Glow. I’m learning to use less powder overall and just a little where I get shiny.

And the product that surprised me alongside Curology? ONE/SIZE Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray. My under-eye area dries out, and powder can make everything look cakey. I love the way this setting spray helps the powder blend into my makeup so the finished look feels softer and smoother. That’s a discovery I wish I’d made sooner!

For brows, I layer Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue over Benefit Gimme Brow+ for hold. I like brushing brows upward to frame the face. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops in Sun Glow, and Tarte or Benefit mascara round out the rotation.

Morning, Night and Travel: What’s Actually on My Skincare Shelf

I still love my established routine. The meaningful 2026 change was adding Curology’s morning prescription. Here’s the sequence I’ve documented for my own routine; it is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. My prescription provider’s directions come first.

☀️ My Morning Routine

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
2. numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Toner
3. haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
5. Curology morning prescription
6. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
7. Clarins Double Serum
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream
9. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream
10. DRMTLGY SPF 46 or CeraVe SPF 30 tinted sunscreen, applied as directed

🌙 My Nighttime Routine

1. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
3. numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Toner
4. haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
5. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
6. Curology nighttime prescription with tretinoin, according to prescriber instructions
7. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ and numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Peptide Serum, as tolerated and per layering guidance
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream
9. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream
10. Extra hydration when needed, including rhode Glazing Milk

✈️ When I Travel

When I travel, I simplify. I use Curology Gentle Cleanser and switch my home toner to TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner. I pack SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ and my prescribed treatments, along with tinted sunscreen; at night, I add my cleanser, hydrating essence and moisturizer as needed. I prefer fewer bottles in my travel bag and a routine I can actually keep up with.

What’s in My Midlife Makeup Bag? Let’s Talk Lips

Too Faced and rhode aren’t the only glosses I use. I also reach for Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve in Strawberry Sorbet, Huda Beauty Faux Filler in Sugar Baby, and Softlips or eos balm when my lips need comfort.

One lip kit has a story behind it: Said It Beauty’s “I Said What I Said.” The founder, Jerod, is my friend and a former guest on Just Jelly Unfiltered. We talked about finding your voice, starting over, and living authentically. Getting to see him build Said It Beauty has been meaningful, and I use his lip kit myself. I want you to know about our friendship as I share his product. Listen to our episode.

Beauty on a Budget: The Finds I Actually Use

I will absolutely splurge on something I adore, but you’ll also find NIVEA, Aquaphor and Dove in my bathroom. There’s room for both.

NIVEA Skin Firming Sheer Hydration Lotion with Q10 and Vitamin C has been a standout. I’ve personally noticed firmer-looking skin on my inner thighs, including the places where I have stretch marks from carrying my children. That’s what I’ve seen, and it’s why I like using it. It doesn’t mean a lotion erases stretch marks or changes everyone’s skin in the same way.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment is another constant for me. Menopause has everything feeling drier, so I reach for it on my lips, hands, feet, elbows and knees. During allergy season, I also use it on the outside of my nose when tissues have made the skin sore.

Other budget-friendly products in my rotation include NYX Buttermelt Blush, Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue, L’Oréal Lumi Glotion, Dove Antibacterial Body Wash, Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Moisturizing Shave Oil, TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray and Softlips. I’ll share exact prices and deals when those are verified.

Haircare I’ve Fallen in Love With

I started using Kérastase in May, and the Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum has become a favorite. I smooth it onto my ends at night, and I love that it doesn’t leave my hair feeling oily. I’ve noticed hair growth while using Kérastase products, although I can’t credit one serum for causing it.

My shower and styling rotation includes Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, Pureology Hydrate, Redken Extreme Length, L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox, Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray and TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray. I use a REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS, Conair Double Ceramic curling irons, and a FURIDEN Lite travel mini curling iron when traveling.

Worth the Splurge: My Summer Glow

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil gets its own little moment. I love that glittery, golden summer glow. Yes, it’s a splurge, and for me it’s one of those fun things I bring out when I want to feel extra special. I also love the Soleil Blanc fragrance.

My higher-end shelf also includes SkinMedica TNS Advanced+, Clarins Double Serum, Kérastase and Oribe. A luxury product has to earn its place by how often I use it, how much I enjoy it, or what it does for me. Pretty packaging alone doesn’t get to stay in my bathroom cabinet.

A Careful Word About Beauty Tools

I use a derma roller, with precaution, and only with help from my skin care team. I’m including it so I’m being transparent about my whole routine, not telling you to run out and start it today. Please consult your doctor before use.

What Beauty Means to Me at 44

Here’s where I landed this year: care for the skin you’re in, then enhance what’s there. Glow over perfect. Lift and brighten instead of covering everything up. A few thoughtful minutes can be enough. I’m aiming for skin that looks hydrated, a little makeup that helps me feel put together, and the confidence to walk into a room looking like myself.

At 44, I’ve earned this face. I don’t need to look 30. I want to look rested, healthy, and like me.

And here’s the part I really hope you take with you, sweet friend. Self-care and self-love matter. We’ve spent so many years taking care of everyone else. We get to care for the woman in the mirror, too. When we feel healthy and happy, it touches our homes and the people we love. It starts with us.

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Tag Me! 💄

Tag me @justjennboard in your favorite beauty finds. I want to hear what’s working for you!

Before You Go…

💌 Your turn, bestie! What changed in your beauty routine this year? Tell me your favorite discovery in Pen Pal.

Shop all Jenn’s favorites:

• Shop my Beauty Favorites 2026 list on Amazon
• Shop all Jenn’s Favorites on my Amazon storefront
• See what’s on sale at Sephora and Ulta right now, and where I’d shop first in Sephora vs. Ulta Black Friday 2026

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Until our next shopping post, Shop Till You Drop! 🛍️

I love you,
Jenn 💋

Medical information is general education, not a substitute for individualized medical advice. SPF, prescription treatments and medicated drops should be used as labeled or prescribed. These are my personal experiences, and prices and offers can change, so check the current price before you buy.