My Favorite Face Routine for Great Skin (Even If Skincare Was Never Your Thing)

My favorite face routine for great skin—perfect for women over 40, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

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First off, big shout out to my bestie Holly for teaching me these steps and introducing me to many of these products.

So let's dive in!

Taking care of my skin? It used to be not my thing. Hair, skin, beauty routines—I was never that girl who had it all dialed in. I was the one who grabbed whatever face wash was on sale, didn’t own a serum until I was well into my 40s, and often fell asleep with makeup on. I know. I know. But something changed—and if you're a woman over 40, especially in perimenopause or full-on menopause—you’ll get this.

Hormones. Aging. Stress. All the things that come with this powerful, unpredictable, and totally transformational chapter of life can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry patches. Dullness. Fine lines that weren’t there yesterday. And let’s not even talk about the hormonal breakouts. (Seriously, what kind of twisted joke is that?)

So yeah, skincare was never my strong suit—but now? Now it’s part of my day I genuinely enjoy. It feels grounding, nurturing, and—dare I say it?—luxurious. My skin feels better than it has in years, and that didn’t happen because I started chasing expensive trends or filling drawers with 20 products. Nope.

I found a simple routine that works, and I stick to it. Morning and night. Same steps. No fluff. Just good habits, a few favorite products, and a commitment to show up for myself.

So if you’re over 40, feeling overwhelmed with what to do with your skin now that everything's changing—this is for you. I'm breaking down exactly what I do, why it works (yes, we’re getting science-y too), and how you can make it your own.

Let’s go.

First, Why Skincare Matters So Much More After 40

Here’s the truth: after 40, everything about your skin starts to shift.

Collagen production slows down. That’s the protein that keeps your skin plump and firm. Estrogen levels start to drop during perimenopause and take a nosedive during menopause. Estrogen plays a huge role in keeping your skin hydrated and elastic. Less estrogen = thinner, drier, less radiant skin.

Also? Your skin’s natural barrier gets weaker, so it loses moisture faster. You’re also more prone to inflammation and irritation. All of this makes it even more important to support your skin consistently.

And I don’t say that to freak you out. I say it because knowledge is power. Your skin isn’t betraying you. It’s just evolving—and your routine needs to evolve too.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life or spend a fortune. You just need a smart, consistent, and doable routine that supports your skin’s changing needs.

My Morning Skincare Routine (Yes, You Have to Wash Your Face)

Step 1: Wipe the slate clean (literally)

I start my mornings by wiping off any leftover product or oil with a makeup remover wipe. Do I wear makeup to bed? Not anymore. But I still like starting with a clean slate, and let’s be honest, there’s always some residue hanging around.

Step 2: Wash your face (you’re not skipping this)

Yes, you have to wash your face. Even if you’re not wearing makeup. Overnight, your skin produces oil, collects dust, and sheds dead skin cells. A gentle cleanser wakes your face up and clears out the gunk so your other products can actually do their job.

Step 3: Toner that actually makes a difference

This is the toner I use: COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum

It’s lightweight, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants. What I love about this toner is how it preps your skin to absorb your next steps more deeply. Plus, it feels amazing. One swipe and my skin drinks it up.

Step 4: Serum time—hello, glow

Here’s my go-to: COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum This is like a power shot for your skin. Vitamin C is brightening, it helps even out your skin tone, and supports collagen production. Vitamin E and ferulic acid boost its effectiveness and help fight off environmental damage. Basically, this trio is your skin’s daytime armor.

Step 5: Lock it all in with moisturizer

This is what I use: Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream 100ml It’s lightweight, hydrating, and it doesn’t feel greasy. Your skin needs moisture every day, especially as estrogen drops. This formula has hyaluronic acid, which binds water to your skin and helps keep it looking plump and healthy. I swear by this stuff—it soaks in fast and makes my skin feel awake.

My Nighttime Skincare Routine (AKA My New Favorite Ritual)

Nighttime used to be when I just crashed and hoped for the best. Now? It’s when I slow down and actually care for myself. And trust me—this has become one of the best parts of my day.

Step 1: Wipe it off

Again, makeup wipe first. Get the grime, mascara, foundation—whatever you’ve got on—off your face. Don’t skip this. Clean skin is happy skin.

Step 2: Wash your face (yes, again)

At night, it’s non-negotiable. Your skin has been through it during the day—pollution, sun exposure, makeup, sweat, stress. Wash it all away.

Step 3: Lash growth serum, baby

This one’s a little treat I added recently: Babe Original Lash Serum If your lashes are thinning (like mine were), this stuff is a game-changer. It’s easy to apply and helps promote longer, fuller lashes over time. A little swipe across your lash line before bed—done.

Step 4: Reapply the toner

Yep, same toner as in the morning: COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum. Hydration, antioxidants, and that fresh, clean feeling before bed. Love it.

Step 5: Serum, again

Same vitamin C + E serum as earlier: COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum It’s gentle enough to use twice a day, and nighttime is when your skin repairs itself. Feeding it antioxidants before bed? That’s just smart.

Step 6: Night cream that works while you sleep

This is my holy grail: LANEIGE Cica Sleeping Mask: Korean Overnight Mask Retinol is one of the most studied ingredients for aging skin. It boosts cell turnover, helps reduce fine lines, and improves texture. This one is effective but gentle, which is key because retinol can be irritating if you go too hard. I use it every night and my skin loves it.

Step 7: Lip mask = soft, kissable lips

Final step: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask This is the cherry on top. I slather it on before bed and wake up with lips that are soft, smooth, and ready for lipstick (or, let’s be honest, more lip balm).

Why This Routine Works (and How to Make It Yours)

What makes this routine effective isn’t just the products—it’s the consistency. Doing something small for your skin every morning and every night creates momentum. It tells your brain, “Hey, I matter. I’m worth showing up for.”

Plus, every single product in this lineup has a purpose:

Toner hydrates and preps.
Serum fights signs of aging.
Moisturizers and night creams lock in hydration and support cell turnover.
Retinol helps fight fine lines and discoloration.
Lip masks and lash serums target the details that make a big difference.

Is it fancy? Not really. Is it expensive? Nope. Is it effective? 100%.

Tips If You’re Just Starting Out (Especially If You’re Not “That Girl”)

If skincare still feels overwhelming, here’s what I’d tell you:

Start small
Pick 3 steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (yes, wear SPF daily—more on that in another post). Then layer on the rest as you build the habit.
Do it for future you
Your skin doesn’t change overnight, but it does respond over time. Think of your routine like brushing your teeth—it’s maintenance. Prevention. Care.
Don’t chase trends
What works on 20-year-olds on TikTok probably won’t work on you—and that’s okay. You’re not trying to rewind time. You’re trying to feel good in your skin right now.
Hydrate, inside and out
Drink water. Eat healthy fats. Use hydrating products. Dry skin is tired skin.
Stick with it
You don’t need motivation. You need a routine. Build it, stick to it, and let the results speak for themselves.

Aging Skin Isn’t a Problem—It’s a Privilege

Let me say that again for the women in the back: aging isn’t something to fear. It’s something to honor. Every line on your face tells a story. Every change in your skin reflects the incredible things your body’s done to get you here. Your job? Show up for yourself. Care for your body. Nurture your skin. You’re not doing it to be flawless. You’re doing it to feel good in your own damn skin.

And this routine? It’s my daily reminder that I’m worth that time.

So, even if skincare was never your strong suit—maybe it can be now.

Got questions or want to share your routine? Let’s talk. Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear what’s working for you. We’re in this together.