Why is it that when we were younger, nobody talked about aging? We all got the puberty talk and becoming a woman, but nothing about becoming a middle aged woman. And beyond that, nobody ever talks about when you start menopause; but that’s a whole other drama for yo momma. Literally.
As a day job and obsession, I am an esthetician. Treating skincare issues and pampering women is so rewarding. When we hit a certain age, our skin starts to get a mind of it’s own, again. Sometimes this means we get adult acne, start to see wrinkles, dull, dry, rough skin…. and how are our pores seeming to enlarge as the time goes on?!
Genetics and lifestyle have a lot to do with what is happening to your skin. But everyone has the same overall problem, the simple fact that as we age, our cell turnover rate slows way down. This means, you are not getting that natural fresh glow or plump cells as fast anymore. This isn’t a HUGE problem in your thirties, but it is a great idea to get a headstart on anti aging! Each one of these products is anti-aging, free radical fighting, brighting, cell boosting, cell renewing amazingness HAHA.
Slight disclaimer, if you will: At the spa I co-own and work at, we do have medical grade skincare lines. While I do use those after each microderm and microneedling service I get, I also use this line up of products from Sephora. These are tried and true. I have been using each of these for a couple of months and LOVE them.
#1 Cleanser
MURAD — AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
What it is: Sephora’s Take on it:
A highly active cleanser with a trio of exfoliating acids and jojoba skin-polishing beads to revitalize skin.
What it is formulated to do:
AHA/BHA Cleanser revitalizes skin by gently exfoliating and polishing away dullness. Three exfoliating agents—salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid—reveal younger-looking skin by loosening dulling buildup on skin’s surface. Jojoba beads polish away debris, dryness, and roughness while moisturizing agent sodium PCA attracts water to the skin to help it retain plumpness and elasticity needed to function as a strong, healthy barrier.
Terra’s Take on it: This cleanser is so creamy, yet you can feel the exfoliants. Does not dry my skin out and make it tight like most exfoliators do. Major plus.
#2 Toner
TARTE – – Knockout Tingling Treatment
What it is: Sephora’s Take on it:
A vegan, skin-tingling toner treatment that acts as a complexion workout in a bottle to help resurface your skin and balance its pH.
If you want to know more…
This treatment packs a punch against imperfections, transforming your skin while you sleep. The formula features 10 percent salicylic and lactic acids to help minimize appearance of pores and control excess oil, while other powerful ingredients like sulfur, niacinamide, and glycerin help clarify, soothe, and hydrate.
Terra’s Take on it: It stinks. Like vinegar. Do not let that stop you from getting this if you are battling adult acne or large pores. This is a game changer. Start out using this only 2 nights a week if you have sensitive skin.
#3 Eye Cream
OLEHENRIKSEN – – Banana Bright Eye Crème
What it is: Sephora’s Take on it:
A brightening, vitamin C-rich eye crème that targets signs of aging, reducing the look of dark circles while improving concealer application and wear—inspired by makeup artist secret, banana powder.
Solutions for:
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Dark circles
– Dryness
If you want to know more…
Wake up before you makeup. Banana Bright Eye Crème brightens, instantly targets fine lines and wrinkles, and reduces the look of dark circles, delivering age-defying results. It supports natural collagen while visibly firming and deeply hydrating, even as it feels deliciously lightweight. Formulated with powerful vitamin C, it helps revive and illuminate the entire eye area over time.
Terra’s Take on it: I instantly fell in love with this product. It truly feels like it works instantly. A very small amount goes a really long way. Glide it on with your ring finger and then gently pat with same finger tip. Smells so good. This product will make you happy.
#4 Day Time Moisturizer
FIRST AID BEAUTY – – Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream
What it is: Sephora’s Take on it:
An oil-free, refreshingly light water cream infused with skin nourishing coconut water that hydrocharges your skin with a burst of electrolyte-rich moisture.
Solutions for:
– Dryness
– Dullness and uneven texture
– Fine lines and wrinkles
If you want to know more…
Rich in electrolytes, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients, Coconut Water is known as nature’s perfect hydrator. This noncomedogenic formula absorbs immediately into skin while hydrocharging, to make it appear softer, smoother, and more plumped. The oil-free formula is boosted by a combination of sodium hyaluronate and alteromonas ferment filtrate to help reinforce skin’s moisture, protect against exposure to the elements and leave skin appearing smooth, soft and plumped.
Terra’s Take on it: As we age we need all of the above. We need boosters to help plump our skin! Plus this moisturizer smells amazing and gives instant relief from everyday dryness AND sunburns!
#5 Night Time Treatment
SUNDAY RILEY – – Luna Sleeping Night Oil
What it is: Sephora’s Take on it:
A next-generation retinol oil that boosts the look and feel of skin plumpness, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly younger-looking skin.
Solutions for:
– Fine lines and wrinkles
– Dryness and rough texture
– Pores
If you want to know more…
Luna works throughout the night to deliver more visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. Trans-retinoic acid ester (retinol) complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging, including fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness. Balanced with blue tansy and German chamomile essential oils—both rich in soothing, blue azulene—the look of redness and sensitivity are visibly balanced for a calm, even-toned complexion. Luna is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, radiance, and skin smoothness in as little as four weeks, while advanced retinol ester mixed with potent botanicals makes this product the ultimate transformational, soothing, sleeping night oil.
Terra’s Take on it: As we start to go down the rabbit hole of comparing the now to the 20 year old version of ourselves…. we start to see things. Lines appearing out of nowhere, redness, age spots (we like to call them sun damage) and general texture issues. First off, we HAVE to stop comparing. We are all beautiful women who have lived our lives and have the stories to tell them. Maybe the stories are shown on our skin, maybe they are hidden in our fine lines and dark circles. I know the 20 year old me doesn’t have all that, but she also doesn’t have all the memories and experiences that I do now.
Off rant, this is my go to product to work on all that while I sleep. Count me in for anything I can sleep through. A very little goes a long way and don’t get it on your clothes. Smells earthy in a good way. Add a little extra to your routine by bringing it down the neck and onto your decollete to help stop those lines!
My take on Sephora in general. Find a sephora employee that you vibe and connect with. This makes going in so much fun. As you guys get to know each other, she will get excited when you come in and have the best ideas for products for you. These girls go to classes and education events all the time, they have your best interest at heart and most know what they are talking about. If you find that she doesn’t, simply scan the room for someone else. LOL Life is too short for a lousy connection.
Speaking of connections…. Let’s connect on Instagram!! @terranelsonblog
