Hey friend, let’s talk skincare — not the influencer kind with 13 steps and $400 worth of products, but the kind that actually works for real women with busy lives and real skin (hello, fine lines, breakouts, dullness, and hormonal chaos). We don’t have time for fluff, and honestly, our skin doesn’t either.
Once I hit my mid-30s, I realized my skin was changing, and what used to work... well, just didn’t anymore. After a personal health scare (melanoma, yikes!), I completely re-evaluated what I was putting on my skin and got serious about finding products that work with it, not just sit on top of it.
More importantly, I wanted a routine that I could actually stick to—not something that took 45 minutes every morning.
So let’s break down what really works, what you can skip, and how to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and low-maintenance. Because we deserve great skin and a life.
Step 1: Hydration is non-negotiable
If your skin looks dull, tired, or fine lines are becoming more noticeable, chances are you're dehydrated. Our skin naturally loses moisture more easily as we age, and we have to be proactive about putting that hydration back in. A good hyaluronic acid serum followed by a quality moisturizer with ceramides will help plump and protect your skin barrier. This step alone can make your skin look fresher and more alive. And yes, drink that water too (ugh, I know).
If you really want to get fancy with this step, use a lighter moisturizer during the day and a more "heavy duty" one at night. If you are only going to pick one, go with a lighter one. For me, I do a lighter one in the morning with spf (two birds with one stone!) and I do my holy grail one at night!
Here I linked some of my favorite moisturizers (and you get a 15% off discount!!)! You don't need all of these!! Just pick one or two. Feel free to DM me on Instagram for more specific recommendations for you!
Step 2: SPF isn’t optional
If I could go back in time and shake 20-something me who thought I was allergic to SPF and it didn't matter because skin cancer "wouldn't happen to me" ... I would. Daily sunscreen is the #1 thing you can do to prevent premature aging, sunspots, and worsening texture. And more importantly, skin cancer. And if you don't believe me, I am happy to show you the scars!
Look for mineral-based SPF 30 or higher and wear it even when it’s cloudy or you’re just running errands. For your face, you can also double up with moisturizers that contain SPF or makeup that contains SPF. And yes, you still need it in the winter. No excuses, friend!
Here is a link to my favorite Sun and After Sun Products on Amazon! And if you need a great self-tanner, got you covered there too!
Step 3: Retinol = worth the hype (but ease into it!)
Retinol helps with fine lines, uneven texture, breakouts (yep, those are back too), and overall skin renewal. But if you go too hard, too fast, you’ll end up red and flaky—and probably give up on it. Start with a low concentration 2-3 nights a week, and ALWAYS moisturize afterward. Give it 6-12 weeks to see real changes.
If your skin is sensitive or you’re nervous about trying traditional retinol, there are plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol that offer similar benefits with less irritation. Some brands (like Ogee’s Retinol Daily Elixir) use gentler, botanical-based formulas that still deliver smoother, firmer skin over time—without the scary side effects. The key is consistency and patience, not perfection. Ogee's is definitely my favorite so I linked it here for you!
Step 4: Your cleanser matters more than you think
If you’re still using the same face wash from your 20s, it might be time to upgrade. Our skin needs more TLC now, not harsh scrubs or foamy cleansers that leave it squeaky clean (aka stripped and dry). Look for a gentle, hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin or oat extract. Double cleansing at night—starting with a cleansing balm or oil—can also help remove makeup and SPF more effectively.
Don’t sleep on your cleansing routine—starting and ending your day with a clean, balanced canvas helps everything else in your routine work better. Plus, the wrong cleanser can actually undo all the good your other skincare products are doing by disrupting your barrier or drying you out. Think of it as the quiet MVP of your routine.
Admittedly, this is the part I skip the most (shame on me!) because this is the part that FEELS the hardest. But I am trying to be better and I am encouraging you to do the same. After all, I have years of not washing my face through my teens and 20's to undo!! I have some of my favorite cleansers linked HERE (along with other Amazon Skincare Faves). And if you do decide to try the double cleanse, I LOVE the Ogee oil cleanser linked in the section above (the bottle is also huge and will last forever!!).
Step 5: Skip the fads, stick with the basics
Do you need snail mucin, a jade roller, and 5 types of exfoliators? No. Can they be fun to try? Sure. But the basics are what make the biggest difference. Cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and one or two targeted treatments (like retinol, vitamin C, or peptides) will do more than a 12-step routine ever could. Consistency > complexity.
Step 6: Don't Skip the Eye Cream!
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face—and it’s usually the first place to show signs of aging. I know it is definitely my most vulnerable place (and the part I am most self-conscious of!!). A good eye cream with ingredients like peptides, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid can help minimize puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. Use your ring finger to gently tap it in (never rub!) and let it soak in before applying makeup. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but using something targeted for that area is a smart move. And again, MOST important is that you use it consistently! Even the best eye creams can't do much every once in a while!
I love the Ogee eye cream linked here at night and this eye cream which has caffeine and is lighter for day time!
Bonus Tip: If perimenopause is messing with your lashes and hair—you're not alone
One of the unexpected side effects of perimenopause? Hair thinning and eyelash fallout. Hormonal shifts can weaken follicles, slow growth, and make it feel like your lashes are disappearing overnight. If you’ve noticed shorter, sparser lashes lately—same. That’s why I started using a lash serum, and let me tell you, it has made a HUGE difference.
If you're in the same boat, I’ve got you. I use and love the Hello Lash Serum, and it’s become a staple in my nighttime routine. It’s gentle, effective, and my lashes are finally starting to look fuller and stronger again.
Because you deserve lashes that feel just as fabulous as you are—even during hormonal chaos. 😉. If you decide to give it a try, use the code KALII20 for 20% off!
I'm With You, Sister!
Your skin doesn’t need perfection. It needs consistency. Don’t let the endless beauty trends convince you that you need to overhaul your routine every month. Stick with what works, give it time, and take care of your skin like it’s the only one you’ve got—because it is.
And hey, if you’re just now starting to care about your skin in your late 30s or 40s? You’re not behind. You’re right on time. Your skin is still capable of changing, improving, and thriving—and you don’t need a drawer full of serums to make that happen. I'm in the same boat so I feel ya!
Let’s keep it simple. Let’s make it work. And let’s glow, together. ✨
If you want more resources, you can check out my free Facial Revival Guide HERE.
I would also love to connect more on Instagram and I am happy to answer any questions, just send me a DM! And if you want to keep up with my recommendations and just generally have some shopping fun, don't forget to follow me on LTK!
