There is no single formula for looking your best and the products that transformed your complexion in your 30s may not be what your skin needs a decade later. The secret isn’t fighting your age, but understanding how your skin, hair and features evolve over time and adjusting your routine to match. Here’s where to focus your efforts.
Beauty in your 30s
Collagen production has already begun its gradual decline, and by your 30s, it can become more visible through fine lines and subtle changes in skin texture. Pigmentation may also become more noticeable.
Focus on:
- This is the decade when retinoids earn their place as a skincare essential. By supporting cell turnover and collagen production, they can help smooth fine lines and refine texture. Use a balm or serum two to three nights a week and pair with a moisturiser to minimise irritation.
- Daily SPF is non-negotiable.
- If you’re considering in-clinic treatments, chemical peels, microneedling and light-based treatments can target early signs
of ageing while skin still retains strong regenerative capacity.
Try these:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Fluid SPF 50+
$41.49 at Chemist Warehouse
A lightweight, tinted facial sunscreen offering very high SPF 50+ broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Ultra-waterproof, sweat-proof and sand-proof, its photostable formula is enriched with soothing, antioxidant Thermal Water to help protect skin from UV-induced damage while leaving a natural-looking tint.
Available at:
- $38 (usually $43.99) at Life Pharmacy
- $35.18 (usually $43.98) at Adore Beauty
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair 1% Retinoid Balm
$74 at Mecca
This targeted retinoid treatment helps instantly soften and plump the appearance of fine, dry lines while working over time to target deeper lines. Dermatologist and allergy tested, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Available at:
- $59.20 (usually $74) at Adore Beauty
- $63.26 (usually $78.44) at The Iconic
- $61 at Clinique
Alpha-H Illuminating Enzyme Polish
$74 at Sephora
This gentle enzyme-based exfoliant combines protease and lipase enzymes with ultra-fine rice powder and kaolin clay to lift away dullness, excess oil and dead skin cells. Activated with water, the powder creates a soft lather that leaves skin feeling smoother, softer and instantly refreshed without harsh scrubbing.
Available at:
- $57.56 (usually at $71.96) at Adore Beauty
- $71.95 at Mecca
Beauty in your 40s
Collagen and elastin loss become more noticeable and early hormonal fluctuations (often linked to perimenopause) can start to influence skin behaviour. You may notice increased dryness, occasional breakouts or heightened sensitivity alongside fine lines.
Focus on:
- Strengthen the skin’s barrier function with ingredients such as ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid. Retinoids still play a key role, but alternating nights or buffering with moisturiser can help manage sensitivity.
- Swap heavy matte foundations for radiant or skin-like finishes, and prep with a hydrating primer.
- Microneedling, radiofrequency and certain laser treatments can help maintain skin quality and firmness over time.
Try these:
Essano Future Skin Lifting Peptide Gel Cream
$16.19 at Chemist Warehouse
This lightweight peptide gel cream combines 1% ALGAKTIV® UpLift, biomimetic exosomes and peptides to help visibly lift, firm and smooth the appearance of skin. Its breathable, hydrating formula supports skin resilience while leaving a fresh, bouncy finish that layers easily under makeup or SPF.
Maybelline Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation
$25.92 at Chemist Warehouse
This lightweight foundation delivers sheer-to-medium coverage with a naturally radiant finish, helping to smooth and even the appearance of the complexion. Its glow-enhancing formula leaves skin looking fresh, healthy and visibly plumper without feeling heavy.
Available at:
- $39.50 at Adore Beauty
Revlon Illuminance Smooth + Hydrate Primer
$30.49 at Chemist Warehouse
This hydrating primer preps skin for smoother, more even-looking makeup while helping to boost moisture and extend makeup wear. Supercharged with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it helps visibly smooth the look of skin instantly and over time.
Available at:
- $21.11 at Amazon
Beauty in your 50s
Menopause can be a significant turning point in skin health, driven by a decline in oestrogen. This affects collagen production, hydration levels and the skin’s natural lipid content, often resulting
in dryness, thinning and reduced elasticity.
Focus on:
- Prioritise moisture retention and lipid replenishment with rich, barrier-supporting skincare. Look for ceramides, glycerin, squalane, fatty acids and nourishing oils to help maintain resilience.
- A serum under moisturiser can help visibly plump and smooth.
- Cream-based makeup textures such as foundation, blush and bronzer sit more comfortably on drier skin.
Try these:
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Day Cream
$28.79 at Chemist Warehouse
Designed for mature and menopausal skin, this rich day cream delivers intense hydration while helping to firm and smooth the appearance of skin. Enriched with Collagen AA Fractions and SPF 30, it helps target the look of sagging and age spots while protecting against daily UV damage.
Stila Convertible Colour Lip & Cheek Cream
$52 at Mecca
This versatile cream colour adds a sheer, luminous flush to both lips and cheeks for an effortlessly natural-looking glow. The creamy formula blends easily and comes in a compact mirrored case, making it perfect for quick, on-the-go touch-ups.
MCo Beauty Mile High Hydrating Serum
$28.79 at Chemist Warehouse
This luxurious gel-cream serum helps replenish moisture and revive dry, depleted or tired-looking skin for a healthy, hydrated glow. Formulated with squalane, panthenol and glycerin, it supports the skin’s moisture barrier while aloe vera, bisabolol and arnica help soothe and comfort.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluron Tinted Balm Foundation
$27.62 at Chemist Warehouse
With an 80% skincare base, this lightweight tinted balm combines hydration with natural-looking makeup coverage. Its buildable formula melts into skin for a healthy, radiant finish, while the compact on-the-go design includes an integrated mirror and fabric applicator.
Beauty in your 60s
Skin naturally becomes dryer, thinner, more fragile and slower to repair. Age spots may become more prominent. Hair may also start to feel finer, dull or less dense.
Focus on:
- Cream cleansers, barrier-repair moisturisers and lipid-rich serums help counter dryness. Look for ingredients like qualane, glycerin and panthenol.
- Simplify your routine, focusing on fewer, high-performing products that deliver hydration and comfort.
- Lightweight volumising hair products, bond-repair treatments and leave-in conditioners can help with shine.
Try these:
Trilogy Rosehip Cream Cleanser
$19.54 (usually $27.99) at Chemist Warehouse
This rich, creamy cleanser gently removes dirt, grime and makeup without stripping or disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. Enriched with nourishing rosehip oil and hydrating prickly pear, it leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, refreshed and comfortably cleansed.
Available at:
- $27.99 at Life Pharmacy
LolaVie Perfecting Leave-In Conditioner
From $30 at Mecca
This multitasking leave-in conditioner delivers intense hydration while helping to strengthen and smooth hair with bond-building technology. It leaves strands feeling softer, healthier and more manageable, with a polished finish and effortless shine.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Multi-Restorative Night Cream
$238 (usually $280) at Life Pharmacy
Give your skin a little extra TLC while you sleep with this ultra-rich night cream, designed to visibly target eight signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness and loss of elasticity. Its potent combination of encapsulated Idebenone and Bio-Rhythm Recovery Complex supports skin’s natural overnight renewal, leaving it feeling nourished, firmer and revitalised by morning. After just one night, skin looks less fatigued, while continued use helps improve the look of lines and elasticity.
Available at:
- $203.73 (usually $271.65) at The Iconic
Beauty in your 70s and beyond
Skin is typically more delicate, making hydration and barrier support the basis of any routine.
Focus on:
- Rich moisturisers with ceramides, peptides, glycerin and shea butter help reduce moisture loss. Facial oils can be layered on top for extra nourishment.
- Groomed brows, defined lashes and a flattering lipstick can have more impact than a full face of makeup.
- Whether embracing silver or continuing to colour, a great cut, healthy shine and regular maintenance can instantly elevate your appearance.
Try these:
L’Oréal Paris Cool Silver Enhancing Treatment
$19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Let your greys shine with this 10-minute colour-enhancing treatment, designed to neutralise unwanted yellow tones and leave natural grey hair looking luminous and silver. Enriched with ceramides, the mask-like formula also helps strengthen and soften hair, leaving it looking healthier, smoother and more vibrant for up to 15 days.
Revlon PhotoReady Lifting Brow Gel
$27.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Give brows an instant lift with this lightweight, buildable gel that shapes and sets every hair for a naturally fuller, laminated look. Available in four flexible shades, including clear, the nourishing formula can be built from soft and natural to bold and sculpted without stiffness, crunching or flaking. The all-in-one styling brush makes it easy to comb, shape and perfect every brow.
Available at:
- $33 at Life Pharmacy
L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Classic Lipstick
$23.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Add a pop of colour while giving lips a little extra care with this satin-finish lipstick, enriched with 75% caring ingredients including argan oil and vitamin E. The creamy, non-drying formula glides on smoothly while helping lips feel soft and moisturised. With 30 buildable shades spanning natural nudes, soft pinks, corals and classic reds, there’s a colour for every occasion.
Available at:
- $27.99 at Life Pharmacy
Why is daily SPF so important?
UV exposure remains the leading cause of visible skin ageing, quietly accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Daily SPF is non-negotiable – don’t stop at your face. Extend it to your neck, chest and hands.
Read more:
- Tired-looking eyes? Try these brightening and firming eye creams
- These 6 foundations for mature skin won’t settle into fine lines
- The dos and don’ts of perfect skin
