Some beauty shifts are about keeping up with trends and even the changing seasons. Others? They’re about sparking a little joy when life feels… well, stale, and yet overwhelming at the same time!
It happens a few times a year, but have I found myself in a bit of a rut lately due to a variety of factors from: getting rear ended last week in my vehicle with my son (and dealing with insurance, ugh), worried about my aging parents as an only child, and work life in general as a freelance makeup artist whose business ebbs and flows.
Shew, that felt good just to admit it all out loud!
These events have been kind of weighing me down, making my “get ready” for the day process, not super exciting or as enjoyable as I’d like it to be.
That’s why when I was brainstorming for what to write about this week, I decided it was time to shake things up, in the easiest way possible. Over the past week, I have made FOUR small swaps to my beauty routine that have surprisingly boosted my mood and my confidence.
And now that I am officially OVER the hot weather, it’s time to look ahead to cool crisp days that the fall will eventually bring here in Georgia!
Below, I’m going to share these changes I have made that have sparked a bit more joy in my boring beauty routine and made me excited for the upcoming season change, which will officially be here on September 22nd.
How to Shake Up Your Fall Beauty Routine Over 40
1. Barely There, But Beautiful Skin Tint – Skin Booster Duo
I always apply my Amazon favorite skin serum mist before my makeup to awaken my senses and for instant hydration. And the smell is divine. This has been a staple skincare product that I don’t want to actually change!
But I recently was sent a new skin tint by Jones Road Beauty, which is known for being mature skin-friendly. Because the founder is THE Bobbi Brown, who has now started this as her spin-off makeup company since selling Bobbi Brown to Estee Lauder.
I love that this tinted moisturizer is basically foolproof, and I can slap it on in mere seconds with just my fingers on the go!
- Why they work: This specific duo is a quick and easy way to get a glowy yet even-looking complexion. The Jones Road is a super lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens skin tone with a soft touch of coverage. It hides redness, looks natural, and feels like (and looks like) nothing on your skin.
- Bonus: On days I just don’t want to bother with taking time to blend in a heavier foundation, both products can be used in a flash and with the fingers.
- What I used: Jones Road Just Enough tinted moisturizer, $44, I’m wearing shade beige. // And the viral D’Alba White Truffle Serum First Spray Serum, $24, I cannot recommend enough.
2. A New Bronzer (and Yes, I Use It on My Eyes Too)
This one’s for my fellow multitaskers: I found a bronzer with the perfect golden undertone that doesn’t look muddy or orange. I use it on my cheeks for warmth and sweep it across my eyelids for instant definition. I cannot explain how GOOD this new buttery formula from Anastasia Beverly Hills is!!
We are heading into fall/winter when we won’t be getting as much real sun on our skin, so we will need to fake a warm glow with a bronzer. Now is the time to invest in this one!
- Why it works: The tone ties the whole face together — your eyes, cheeks, and lips suddenly look intentional without extra effort. Its gel-powder hybrid formula makes it super easy to apply and look airbrushed, not streaky!
- Bonus: Even if I’m not using a separate blush or eyeshadow palette, this trick makes me look pulled together and polished in under a minute.
- What I used: Anastasia Beverly Hills Smooth Blur Bronzer in “Golden Beach Glow,” $38. // BK Beauty blush brush #107, and BK Beauty eyeshadow brush #201. This #201 is so versatile that I used this eyeshadow brush in my full highlighter tutorial post from last week on Why Aging Faces Should NOT Shy Away From Highlighter so be sure to check that one out!
3. Bold Pink Lipstick – The “I’m Awake and Ready” Trick
For months now, I feel like all we’ve seen are safe nude and pink tones in barely-there balms and lip oils, thinking they were more “age appropriate.” Which is totally fine. I know y’all loved the soft pink Lauren Sanchez wedding lip I posted here – it was one of my most purchased combos and is really pretty.
But one random afternoon while at Ulta, a bright batch of lipsticks from Maybelline caught my eye. So I bought one, and a matching lip liner, swiped on the bold, happy pink when I got home — and instantly my whole face looked fresher and more alive!
I know a bright pink might not seem very “fall-like,” but when paired with my brown tee, it just works. And I do love to bend the rules a little 🙂 Any bold look-at-me lip shade will also pair well with a very simple skin + eye look like I’ve created here because it lets the lips take center stage without overwhelming the rest of the face.
- Why it works: Vibrant pink reflects light onto the skin, bringing warmth and vibrancy, especially when our natural lip pigment starts to fade.
- Bonus: People notice. I’ve had a barista, neighbors, and even my teen daughter compliment me on it — which, let’s be honest, when any of my teens compliment me, it’s a true win!
- What I used: NYX lip liner in “fuchsia,” $6 ,and Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in “romantic,” $13.
4. A New Signature Scent – Instant Mood Shift
Perfume isn’t just about smelling good; it’s about how it makes you feel. I switched to this fragrance with notes of sandalwood, mandarin madagascar, and violet – very woody, floral, and moody. I now catch little whiffs of it during the day and instantly feel more put-together.
Why it works: Scent has a direct line to our mood and memory. This one makes me feel like the best version of myself — even if I’m just wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
- Bonus: It envelopes the feel of a cozy fall day but also smells so sexy.
- What I used: Victoria’s Secret “Bare” fine mist fragrance, $25. I like the mist as opposed to a heavier perfume, which allows me to spritz it on for just a hint of fragrance – I even wear this to the gym for an extra boost!
5. A Gratitude Journal – Daily Positive Vibes
Despite some of the not-so-fun adulting things that have been going on in my life, I do enjoy turning to this best-selling Gratitude Journal, $25, I bought myself from Amazon. It isn’t a “beauty” item per se, but having this allows me to be more present in the morning and in the evening through easy prompts. Which in turn makes me feel more beautiful.
This helps your mood shift in the positive direction when you take less than 3 minutes, twice a day, to reflect on simple things you’re grateful for on that day. I think this makes an AMAZING and inexpensive gift to give people you love as well.
The Bottom Line + Rest of My Outfit Details
Changing your beauty routine doesn’t have to mean a whole overhaul or spending hours watching tutorials. Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks — a pop of color, a multitasking product, a fragrance that lifts your spirit — that make the biggest difference.
Also not talked about enough is how much I layer gold jewelry these days, which elevates my look every time! I buy most of my gold jewelry from Amazon, Revolve, and Bauble Bar. And don’t forget a soft and sexy v neck tee, $25, in a fall shade to go with your bright lips!
So if you’ve been in a rut lately, try just one of these swaps. Your morning mirror moment might start to feel a lot more exciting. What are you most excited about for the fall?
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