I never realized how my skin would change as I age. The older I have gotten, the dryer my skin has become, which means my powder cosmetics do nothing but accentuate my wrinkles and make my skin look dull. In this post, I am sharing several things I have been doing in my 30s that have been a game changer when it comes to makeup. I will also be sharing a recording of my Amazon Live on the topic.
How Your Makeup Routine Should Change in Your 30s
Before we get started, I have a new post sharing my favorite makeup review for high-quality, low-priced makeup in your 30s here!
Makeup for 30 Somethings
Always Start with Skincare
Ok, if you aren’t already using skincare and you are in your 30s, you definitely need to start. Just a like an artist preps his canvas before creating a masterpiece, you must prep the skin to get the most out of your makeup. Also, makeup is great for getting glam instantly, but when you take the time to nourish your skin from within, your complexion will begin to improve and you makeup will look even more glam. You should be using a serum and moisturizer daily. I really like the LaRoche Posay line because it is dermatologist recommended, the price point is fabulous, and you can conveniently pick it up at Walgreens. The Toleraine Moisturizer is a really great, lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer perfect for even the sensitive of skin. They have great serums as well.
Use a Lightweight Primer
As we age, we start to get age spots, discoloration, and sometimes our skin becomes dry. A light weight primer is applied underneath your makeup to help your makeup apply smoothly, stay in place and give your complexion an even-looking skin tone. I really like the MILK Pore Eclipse Primer because it is super lightweight and smoothing. It feels like silk on my face and makes my makeup perfectly stay in place for up to 8 hours.
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Use Cream Base Products
Powders really show every imperfection. I have completely swapped to all cream based products, cream blush, contour, and foundation. Ditch the powders. The two foundations I have been alternating between are Saie and Makeup Forever HD. I like the Saie foundation for a light, everyday wear and Makeup Forever HD for photos and television work. I also like the Saie cream blushes.
Learn to Contour
As we age, our face shape can change. You could gain in the face or possibly lose density in the facial skin. Either way, contouring can help frame and brighten your face. There are so many contouring kits out there but recently I came across Natural Face, which has a contouring kit that is less than $15 on Amazon. This kit is very pigmented with a look that lasts.
I really like Liz Wrenn Brundage’s post on How to Contour for Beginners. This is the image she uses to show you were to apply both the contour and the highlighter.
Use Lipliner
As I have gotten older, I have turned my focus from my eyes to my lips. I used to get really artistic with my shadow but admittedly, my lids are starting to sag a bit and I really do not want to accent that feature, therefore I have made my lips my priority! I really like Maybelline’s Super Stay Crayon to line my lips. This product drys matte and lasts for over 8 hours. It also helps to prevent bleeding from your lipstick or gloss.
What is Considered Mature Skin?
Mature skin is typically considered skin that has begun to experience noticeable changes in collagen production, elasticity, hydration levels, and cell turnover, usually becoming more obvious in your late 30s and 40s. But the truth is, skin doesn’t suddenly become “mature” overnight. It evolves gradually, and the shift often begins much earlier than most people realize.
For many women, your 30s are a transitional period, where your skin starts changing behind the scenes before it fully matures later on. This is the stage where collagen production begins to slow down, and your skin may not bounce back as quickly as it did in your 20s. You might start noticing subtle differences like dullness, dryness, fine lines around the eyes, or makeup not sitting the same way it used to. Even if you still have youthful skin overall, the foundation is beginning to shift.
This transitionary phase is important because it’s when your skincare routine often needs to evolve. Instead of focusing only on acne control or surface-level glow, your skin begins to crave deeper support such as hydration, barrier repair, and ingredients that help maintain firmness and elasticity. In many ways, your 30s are the bridge between youthful skin and mature skin, making it the perfect time to start treating your skin proactively rather than reactively.
Product Recommendations for Mature Skin
If you are noticing these significant changes in your skin, your skin may be changing into the mature skin phase. Here are some specific product recommendations for you.
Alastin HA Immerse
This is incredible for deep hydration when your skin is becoming dryer in the maturing process
Thorne Collagen Plus
Collagen Peptides Powder with Nicotinamide Riboside & Clinically Studied Ingredients for Skin Texture & Moisture
More on the Subject:
How Should I Wear My Makeup in my 30s?
Best Low Priced Makeup in Your 30s
Travel Makeup for the Middle Aged Beauty
Also, I am launching a Mid-30s Beauty Interactive Superguide and you can be the first to know of the launch.
Click here to join the waitlist!
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Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
