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Gel Nails at Home 💅
I shifted from long nails to shorter nails last year and haven’t looked back. And now I’m doing my own gel mani’s at home and loving it!! Here’s my exact nail kit and some extras that are clutch for longevity.

#LTKOver40

Gel Nails at Home 💅 I shifted from long nails to shorter nails last year and haven’t looked back. And now I’m doing my own gel mani’s at home and loving it!! Here’s my exact nail kit and some extras that are clutch for longevity. LTKOver40

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I've been wearing SPF every single day since I was 24 so I’ve tried many SPFs over the years, and not all SPFs are winners. 🫣 I’m so glad we have access to so many amazing formulas now and glowy SPFs are IT for me. My absolute favorite way to wear sunscreen.

These are the glowy SPFs I reach for again and again, all loved, all rebuy-worthy. 👌🏼

Gleam and Glow MD Solar Sciences This is an SPF 50 broad spectrum tinted sunscreen with a really pretty radiant finish. It gives the skin a natural glow and makes everything look a little healthier and more even. I also love that it has niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid in it, so it feels like you’re getting hydration and brightness along with your SPF.

Innbeauty Mineral Sun Glow This one is SPF 43 PA+++ and has that lightweight, silky texture that blends in easily and doesn’t leave a white cast behind, which we love because nobody has time for that. The finish is naturally radiant, not greasy, and it also has peptides and antioxidants in the formula. Comes in 3 shades.

Kosas DreamBeam This is an SPF 40 PA++++ mineral sunscreen that works really well either on its own or under makeup. It’s lightweight, gives a soft radiant finish, and just makes skin look fresh and healthy. It also has ceramides and peptides, so it feels a bit more supportive than a basic sunscreen. Comes in 2 shades.

Poco Beauty This is SPF 30 PA+++ and definitely gives more of that lit-from-within glow. It’s hydrating, illuminating, and makes the skin look fresh, juicy, and awake. It also has vitamin E, panthenol, and glycerin, so it feels nice and comfortable on the skin.

#LTKOver40 #LTKmorningroutine #LTKgrwm

At-home Laser
FDA cleared at-home laser that stimulates collagen. So easy to use, one session takes about 10 minutes. I did the initial protocol and now I use it 1x a week for maintenance. My skin is firmer, tighter, and more lifted.

SPF
An often unsung hero. It’s daily armour for my skin. Your skincare routine means nothing if you’re not wearing SPF every day. I love the sun, but I don’t love what it can do to my skin.

Red Light Mask
I’ve been consistently using a red light mask for over a year now. And the results are really amazing. Less redness, less irritation, softened fine lines, brighter and smoother complexion.

Hydration
At this age, I want my face slick and glazed like a doughnut. Every once in a while I’ll post a skincare video and get a comment like “ew your skin is so greasy” to which I reply “thank you” - I’ll take greasy aka glowy dewy skin over dry dehydrated skin any and all days of the week.

Tretinoin
Gold standard, especially as we get older and cell turnover slows. Smoother texture, more even skin tone, softer fine lines. Start slow, moisturise like crazy, and be patient. It's a long game but it pays off.

Vitamin C
A non-negotiable in my morning routine. It brightens, evens out skin tone, and gives that lit-from-within glow. It also works as an extra layer of protection against environmental damage throughout the day.

Microneedling
I used to be against microneedling at home but my mom intro’d me @PennSmithSkincare account and changed my mind. I watched all her YT tutorials, tried it for myself and love it!

Gentle Exfoliation
Just enough exfoliation to prevent buildup and keep my skin clear + bright without causing irritation.

Face Tape
I was skeptical at first, but this has become one of my sneaky little secrets. I use it overnight to train my skin and soften expression lines while I sleep. Low effort, high reward.

High Frequency Wand
Great for texture and zapping blemishes.It also boosts circulation and helps with product absorption.

#LTKselfcare #LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

Makeup I swear by as someone who’s basically a lazy makeup expert…

Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter. Most brow gels leave behind that crusty residue I cannot deal with. This one keeps my brows in place all day without leaving that gross film behind. Whenever I try something new, I always end up crawling back because nothing compares.

Maxine’s Revenge French Face Concealer. I’ve used this concealer faithfully for almost 2 years. It’s made for mature skin, feels lightweight, blends beautifully, and takes basically no effort. Great coverage without looking dry.

Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer. There’s a reason this bronzer gets so much love. It’s genuinely foolproof. Even when I’ve gone in too heavy, it’s so easy to fix. Lightweight, seamless, simple to use, always looks good. Ideal for beginners and lazy makeup lovers.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer. This formula is so finely milled it almost blends itself. It’s become my favorite powder bronzer because it’s light, buildable, and makes the skin look really pretty.

MAC Glow Play Cushiony Blush. I can’t stop using these blushes. The cream-to-powder texture gives the prettiest wash of color and applies effortlessly. It blurs, lasts well, and the neutral shades are gorgeous. This blush has honestly spoiled me.

Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara. My lashes are sparse and stick straight. Most formulas drag them down and make them clumpy. This one actually helps hold them up, and I can get lift without a lash curler, which still shocks me.

Caliray Magic Hour Setting Powder. I’m not a powder person at all, so the fact that I love this says a lot. I tried it to test and now I use it all the time. It’s light, soft, and takes down shine where I need it without flattening out my glow.

If you’re in your five-minute face era too, I’m so glad you’re here 🤍 Let’s keep it effortless together ✨

At 45, the boring basics always win. (All my favorites from every category linked 🩶)

1 - SPF. Every. Single. Day. This is the one habit that compounds. I really believe that so much of my skin health today is due to the fact that I have continued to use SPF consistently over the years. I love the sun, but it can do a lot of damage to the skin. SPF is like the quiet overachiever of skincare.

2 - Double Cleansing. If I’m layering skincare, sunscreen and makeup daily, I need to properly remove it. Texture, congestion, breakouts, and dullness often come down to buildup. And I don’t want to add fresh skincare on top of old grime from the day.

3 - Hydration. My hydration game is top tier because hydrated skin looks smoother, calmer, plumper and brighter. In your 40s, dehydration can mimic “aging and no one has time for that - I LAYER on the hydration.

4 - Never Go to Bed With Makeup on.  I think I was probably 20, the last time I went to bed with makeup on. I don’t care of I’m sick, hungover, exhausted. I will never go to bed makeup on. Sleeping in makeup = clogged pores, irritation, inflammation. Skin repairs itself at night. I don’t want my skin having to work overtime because I have junk on my face.

5 - Gentle Exfoliation. I don’t punish my skin and absolutely no aggressive scrubs. I want just enough exfoliation to prevent buildup and keep my skin clear + bright without causing irritation.

6 - Actives (like Vitamin C and Retinol) - but never at the expense of your barrier. If my skin is feeling irritated, tight, or inflamed, I immediately stop using actives until my skin is calm. Healthy skin first, which allows the actives to show up and shine.

#LTKselfcare #LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

Tried and true staples that I’ve been using for years to help me look and feel my best.

I added a few similar items, the YSE exfoliation pads are spendy, so I linked some Thayers pad, much more affordable. The mirror I have isn’t available anymore, but the mirror I linked looks better even better than mine. 👌🏼

#LTKOver40 #LTKselfcare

Today’s scent combo. If you want to smelly like chocolatey honey 🍯 basically edible, this combo is 👌🏼

#LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

At-Home Skincare Devices You’d Have to Pry from My Cold Dead Hands…

These devices will not give you immediate results like in-clinic treatments often do - they take consistency and commitment in order to see results, but they DO work if you stick with it.

I’ve been using my Red Light Mask for 1 year, DermRays Laser for 6 months, High Frequency Wand for 9 months, Microneedling for 4 months.

#LTKOver40

Soft girl era hobbies as a 45 yo toddler mom.

#LTKOver40

My go-to affordable sunnies. So stylish, great quality, and if I lose them (or my toddler breaks them) I can easily replace without breaking the bank.

#LTKOver40

I get dazzled by the sparkly new makeup launches at Sephora, too.

I grabbed a new blush recently that I was so excited about. Applied it once, and it basically vanished into thin air on my skin. 🫠

So I went back, returned the blush that didn’t work, and picked up a similar shade in my tried and true favorite blush of ALL TIME @maccosmetics Glow Play Blushes. And while I was there I re-stocked a cream bronzer that never misses @makeupbymario Soft Sculpt.

I’m hooked on these because they deliver exactly what I need: effortless, lazy-girl makeup that always hits and actually lasts.✨✨

If it ain’t broke, why mess with it? 🖤

This product line-up from @anua_global leaves your skin so glowy and juicy. Affordable, gentle on the skin. A perfect morning skincare routine IMO. And the Zero Cast Sunscreen is ridiculous! I rarely get hyped over an untinted SPF but I’m genuinely obsessed. My new go-to SPF.

#anua #koreanskincareroutine #skincareover40

My Home Nail Care Essentials. After wearing salon nails for 4 years, I’m giving my nails a break and these are the products I’m using to keep them healthy and groomed.

Sometimes therapy is the makeup aisle at the drugstore.

Tried two drugstore gems I’ve been eyeing: 💄 @elfcosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Balm ✏️ @maybelline Lifter Liner in Line Leader (finally found it…it’s always sold out!)

ELF keeps knocking it out of the park. These balms are glossy, soft, not sticky, and the colors are lovely. Easily competing with some of the pricier ones in my drawer.

And the Maybelline liner is still a fave. Line Leader was worth the hunt.

Have you tried either of these?

My Favorite Beauty Hacks Part 3: Salicylic, Glycolic + Silk Pillowcase Edition ✨

I love the way a salicylic acid face wash can cut through build-up and residue on my pits and helps keep them fresh.

Glycolic acid is another great way to detox the pits and it also works great at breaking down rough skin on your heels and feet.

And a silk pillowcase is my secret to keeping my skincare on my face and no creases while I sleep.

Nothing fancy, just smart little tweaks that hit different in your 40s.

#skincareover40 #beautyover40

I’ve tried a lot of white sneakers in my 40s—and these 5 have earned a permanent spot in my sneaker rotation.

Comfort is key at this stage of my life (gone are the days of wearing heels every time I step out of the house) but I still want whats on my feet to be cute and stylish.

These pairs check every box:
✔️ Stylish (no frumpy vibes here)
✔️ Comfortable (like, actually comfy)
✔️ Toddler-wrangling approved
✔️ Go with everything in my closet

Whether I’m doing daycare drop-off, running errands, or just trying to feel put-together in 0.5 seconds, these are the ones I grab.

💬 Which one is your vibe—or are you a sneaker rotation girly like me?

I’m 44. I like glowing skin. I like makeup that doesn’t make me work for it. #lazygirlmakeup

If this is your vibe too - here’s the breakdown:

🧴 **Step 1: Kosas DreamBeam SPF**

This is my base. Glowy, hydrating, and it makes my skin look alive without makeup.

🪄 **Step 2: Maxine’s Revenge French Face Concealer**

Blends like a dream and covers what needs covering.

🌞 **Step 3: NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer**

Easiest bronzer ever. Controversial take - I might like this better than the MBM 🫣

🌸 **Step 4: MAC Glow Play Blush in Beach Please**

She’s bouncy. She’s blurring. She’s perfect.

💋 **Step 5: Karuna Tinted Lip Oil in Soar**

Glossy, hydrating, nourishing.

🪞 **Step 6: Benefit 24-Hr Brow Setter**

Brow gel that’s strong without the white gunk residue. Makes me feel put together, even when I’m not.

That’s it. No foundation, no stress. Just lazy girl glow in under 5 minutes.

#makeupover40 #beautyover40

Skincare trends come and go… but these 4 have earned permanent spots on my shelf.
✔️ Avene Cicalfate, the repair queen
✔️ Cosrx Snail Mucin, hydration + bounce in a bottle
✔️ Naturium Barrier Bounce, my skin’s comfort blanket
✔️ Byoma Balancing Mist it’s glow-on-the-go, anytime hydration

✨ They’re all affordable, barrier-friendly, and seriously effective, especially for 40+ skin that wants glow, moisture, and no drama.

🛍️ I linked everything in my shop (affiliate links—meaning I may earn a small commission if you shop through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support my content 🤍).

📌 Save this for the next time your skin’s screaming for help.

✨ This SPF? She’s giving glowy, protected, 40-something skin that’s thriving.

I’m picky about my sunscreen. It has to feel good, look good, wear well, and its always a bonus if it actually does something for my skin.
 And this one from @mdsolarsciences checks all the boxes.
☀️ SPF 50 protection 💧 Moisturizer + Glow filter in one 🍊 Packed with skin-loving ingredients (vitamin C, green tea + caffeine) 🧴 No fragrance, no irritation, just radiant, protected skin.

I wear it on no-makeup days, under makeup it’s the perfect primer, and base if don’t like to wearing foundation like me.
 Over the past 6 months it’s made its way into my top 3 rotated sunscreens. There’s nothing I don’t like about it. It’s advertised as a universal tint, I can’t speak for darker skin tones, so that could be my only critique. If you have darker skin, and tried this, let me know your thoughts.

If your 40+ skin loves a beautiful radiant glow and solid protection, you should meet Gleam + Glow ✨

Do you have a ride-or-die sunscreen? What’s a tinted or glowy SPF that I need to try?👇

#skincareover40 #suncreen #beautyover40

Skincare treatments at home. 👰🏼‍♀️

#LTKOver40 #LTKWedding #LTKBeauty

Deep in wedding prep mode and I’ve been testing these white strips. Great value and they work!

My Favorite Beauty Hacks Part 2: Coconut Oil + Castor Oil Edition ✨

Coconut oil is an OG in my routine—I’ve been slathering it on for over a decade. I love the fresh, nutty scent and how it gives my skin that first hit of hydration before I layer on lotion.

But adding castor oil lately? Game-changer. My bodycare routine seriously leveled up.

My current trifecta: 🧼 Exfoliating washcloth 🥥 Coconut oil 💧 Castor oil

And can we talk about lashes and brows?! I was so skeptical about castor oil’s hair growth hype, but this stuff made me a believer real fast.

What’s your bodycare MVP?
Dying to know 👀

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Shop My Stash: Lip Combo 💄 
Glossy new lip products are my kryptonite. I’m completely powerless in their presence. (Hi, I’m Candida 👋🏼 and I hoard lip glosses)

But lately, I’ve been making an effort to shop my own stash—to actually use the gems I already have instead of impulse-buying more every week. 😅

✨ Today’s Lip Combo: 🖊️ Liner: e.l.f Cream Glide Liner in Pinky Swear — it's $2. TWO DOLLARS. 💋 Gloss: Lawless Forget the Filler in Nudie — juicy, glossy, pinky nude with a pearl finish. One of the best formulas I’ve ever used, and I somehow forgot I owned it?!

I’m obsessed all over again.

#LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

My Favorite Beauty Hacks Part 1: Exfoliating Washcloths

These washcloths keep your skin incredibly smooth and soft, even in those hard-to-reach places like your back! They perfectly prep your skin so oils, lotions, and creams just glide on and absorb effortlessly.

Dealing with back breakouts? Just add a body wash with Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide and watch those blemishes clear right up!

They're not winning any beauty contests, but they GET. THE. JOB. DONE. And your wallet will thank you too.

Massage therapists to friends giving me a hug—everyone is always shocked at how soft my skin is.✨

So tell me—are you still using regular washcloths? Trust me, your skin deserves an upgrade!

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Re-stock of this 🔥 duo.
So affordable and so gentle for my sensitive skin.

There is some kind of magic in the @garnierusa Waterproof Micellar Water. 👌🏼

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Some of the MVP’s in my skincare routine that help me maintain my skin glow at 44.

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 on 40+ Skin.

Great SPF option if you’re looking for something that with a light tint, that applies easily, disappear’s into the skin, leaves it looking hydrated - your skin but better.

I love that they offer a wide shade range.

✨I’m wearing shade LP110

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

40+ busy mom glowy makeup look with @versed 👌🏼

Final Thoughts: I did end up powdering my t-zone just a bit as I headed out on some errands. And the look held up really well during the course of my day. My skin looked healthy and glowing. No separation. I did have to touch up with the blush stick but it applies to easily, I actually enjoy putting it on.

I think this makeup is great if you want to lightly enhance your skin / features with products that you can easily and quickly apply.

#makeupover40 #beautyover40 #versedmakeup #minimalmakeuplook #busymommakeup #glowingcomplexion

Do you have a uniform?

I didn’t intentionally set out to find a go-to outfit formula, I just started to notice that when I was rushed and pressed for time when getting ready (which is pretty much everyday now that I’m a mom) I’d throw together a similar combination of things. And even though I’d leave the house frazzled, I still felt good. Like a functioning human.

So if I’m mentally strained or pressed for time, it’s an easy outfit fix.

Add in some jewelry and of course some cute sunglasses and 👌🏼

Some oufit deets:

If you’re looking for a great quality oversized tee this one from H&M is it. The cotton is really nice, It washes well, and holds up. I’ll absolutely riot if H&M changes or stops selling this shirt.

And these leggings are probably one of my best Amazon finds. High waisted, just the right amount of compression, they don’t stretch out, so comfy. I own two pairs and will probably buy a third. 11/10

#LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip

Morning supplement non-negotiables.
Creatine, collagen and my multivitamin.

#LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

20 year old me would be proud and also probably a little jealous 💁🏼‍♀️

What I Used:
@garnierusa Micellar Water
@irestorelaser Red Light Mask
@prequelskin Hypochlorus Acid Spray + Multi Acid Milk Peel
@byoma Balancing Mist
@theordinary Argeriline Solution + GF 15% Solution
@cosrx Comfort Ceramide Mist + Advanced Snail Mucin Essence
@clearstemskincare Cellrenew Serum
@irisandromeo Skin Cocoon Barrier Glow Serum
@savorbeauty Caviar Eye Cream
@innbeautyproject Extreme Cream
@naturalfacebible Japanese Face Tape

#skincareover40 #nofilter #skincareroutine #skincareroutineover40 #beautyover40 #skintips #skintipsover40

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Proof that I’ve been obsessed with this serum. #empty

This serum is beautiful, and I would expect nothing less from Iris&Romeo who have a gift of making stellar formulations (hello Weekend Skin!) that are skin loving, gentle, and enhance the complexion perfectly.

I love the way Skin Cocoon melts into the skin. It’s hydrating, plumping, and leaves my skin looking so glowy and bright. It also provides barrier support for my sensitive, reactive skin. 👌🏼

If you’ve been looking for a barrier support serum that’s super nourishing and delivers visible results this is definitely one to try.

#LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

I’m not one to do a first impression review, especially when it’s skincare. I really have to thoroughly test a product before I share about it.

And I’ve tested Skin Cocoon by Iris&Romeo so much, I’m about to have an empty soon.

This serum is beautiful, and I would expect nothing less from Iris&Romeo who have a gift of making stellar formulations (hello Weekend Skin!) that are skin loving, gentle, and enhance the complexion perfectly.

I love the way Skin Cocoon melts into the skin. It’s hydrating, plumping, and leaves my skin looking so glowy and bright. It also provides barrier support for my sensitive, reactive skin. 👌🏼

If you’ve been looking for a barrier support serum that’s super nourishing and delivers visible results this is definitely one to try.

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Is it just me?! 🫣

I love the formula and shades of the original @elfcosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oils so I couldn’t wait to try the Glimmer Finish version.

And I absolutely love them! I purchased Super-neutral (the shade I’m wearing in the video) first and immediately picked up Candy Coated as well.

It’s the same cushiony soft feel as the original - I’m obsessed with the way the formula feels on my lips, I just love applying this gloss - with the perfect amount of sparkle. And at $8 bucks each I’ll definitely be adding another shade, or two, to my collection.

I took both Super-neutral and Candy Coated with me to Mexico last weekend and they were the only glosses I wore.

Have you tried these?

#beautyover40 #affordablelipgloss #lipglossaddict #glowreviverglimmer