45: Skincare
Our new obsession.
There's something about entering your 40s that makes you suddenly become a little more interested in skincare. Maybe it's the fine lines that weren't there a few years ago, the realization that we probably should have been wearing more sunscreen in our 20s, or simply the desire to take better care of ourselves. Whatever the reason, skincare seems to become a whole new hobby at this stage of life. And honestly, we're here for it!
On this episode of You Handled That Perfectly™, we're lightening things up and talking about all things skincare. From our favorite products and daily routines to natural ingredients, self-care rituals, and some of the biggest skincare myths we grew up believing, we're sharing what works for us and what we've learned along the way. Because while we may have very different approaches to skincare, we can both agree that taking care of ourselves shouldn't feel like another overwhelming task on our to-do lists.
We recently saw a meme about women over 40 choosing their new obsession. Some get really into fitness, some dive into wellness, some start businesses, and others become completely obsessed with skincare. Apparently, we decided to do a little bit of everything! But there's something particularly appealing about skincare because it allows us to slow down while doing something good for ourselves. It's a form of self-care that doesn't necessarily require leaving the house, scheduling an appointment, or carving out hours of our day. Sometimes, it's simply a few quiet minutes at the bathroom sink before bed.
One of the things we talked about is the difference between having a skincare routine and creating a skincare ritual. Kelly loves turning her nighttime skincare into a relaxing experience, sometimes spending quite a bit of time applying different products and enjoying the process. Carly, on the other hand, has always struggled with maintaining a complicated routine, especially at the end of a long day when getting into bed sounds much more appealing than adding another 20 minutes to the evening. And we know we're not alone in that!
The good news is that skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be worthwhile. One of our favorite takeaways from this conversation is the idea of having two versions of your routine: the full experience for nights when you have the time and energy, and a simplified version for nights when you don't. For Kelly, that might mean washing her face, applying her favorite serum or facial oil, and finishing with moisturizer. Carly has a similar approach, making sure she removes her makeup, cleanses her skin, and moisturizes before calling it a night. It's a great reminder that consistency doesn't have to mean doing the exact same thing every single day.
We also talked about some of our favorite skincare brands and products, and one thing that has become increasingly important to both of us is being intentional about the ingredients we're putting on our skin. Kelly has been especially passionate about natural skincare for years and loves brands like Herbivore Botanicals, Indie Fog Naturals, and Evanhealy. She gravitates toward products that feel nourishing and turn skincare into a calming ritual rather than something that needs to be rushed through. One of her longtime favorites is Herbivore's Lapis facial oil, which she credits with making a noticeable difference in the redness and overall appearance of her skin. She also loves incorporating different facial oils, moisturizers, and hydrosol sprays depending on what her skin needs.
Another important part of Kelly's evening ritual is using magnesium body butter from Indie Fog Naturals. While it isn't necessarily something most people would think of as traditional facial skincare, it's become one of those little moments of relaxation that helps her transition from a busy day into the evening. And that's really what we love about approaching skincare as a ritual. It's not just about the products themselves. It's about creating a moment to slow down, check in with yourself, and do something that feels good.
Carly's approach is a little more streamlined, although she's definitely becoming more interested in expanding her routine and incorporating more natural products. Her current favorites include cleansers and moisturizers from La Roche-Posay, tinted moisturizer from DRMTLGY, and a handful of additional products for areas like under the eyes and forehead. She also loves a good cleansing balm because it removes makeup without making her skin feel stripped or irritated. After struggling with acne in high school and college, when products like Proactiv were some of the most popular options available, it's been interesting to see just how much the skincare industry has changed.
And can we talk about the skincare advice we grew up with for a minute? Because our generation really went through it. Between harsh acne treatments, alcohol-based toners, abrasive facial scrubs, and the idea that a product wasn't working unless your skin was practically burning, it's amazing that we have any skin barrier left! We were the generation reading beauty advice in magazines, using St. Ives scrubs, and thinking that stripping every bit of oil from our faces was the secret to clear skin. Thankfully, we've learned that being gentle with our skin is often a much better approach.
One of the biggest skincare myths we discussed is that oily skin doesn't need moisturizer. Kelly has combination skin, with some areas that tend to be oily and others that get very dry, and she's found that using the right moisturizing products has made a huge difference in how her skin feels. Having oily skin doesn't automatically mean your skin is properly hydrated, and choosing a moisturizer that works with your skin type can be important. We also talked about how products labeled noncomedogenic are designed to be less likely to clog pores, which can be especially helpful when you're trying to find the right balance.
Another myth we're happy to leave behind is the idea that everyone needs an elaborate 10-step skincare routine. We love a good serum, facial oil, mask, and moisturizer as much as anyone, but not everyone needs all of those products every day. Sometimes, keeping things simple is exactly what makes a routine sustainable. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun can provide a great foundation, and you can build from there based on your individual needs. The goal isn't to own every trending product on social media. It's to find what works for you and actually enjoy using it.
Speaking of products, we also talked about some of the extras we love incorporating when we have a little more time. Hand masks, foot masks, lip scrubs, overnight lip treatments, and facial masks can all turn an ordinary evening into a little at-home spa experience. Carly loves using moisturizing gloves and socks, especially when her hands or feet are feeling dry, while Kelly recently attended an Evanhealy skincare event where she got to experience different products and a relaxing facial mask ritual. Sometimes, it's those little additions that make skincare feel less like maintenance and more like something we're doing just for ourselves.
Of course, we couldn't have a skincare conversation without talking about makeup. While Kelly enjoys the process of applying makeup and finds it relaxing, Carly tends to appreciate the finished result more than the actual application. But we both agree that makeup should be something you wear because it makes you feel good, not because you feel like you need it. That's something we've been intentional about teaching our daughters, too. Makeup can be fun, creative, and confidence-boosting, but it shouldn't be something we feel obligated to wear.
And if there's one makeup product we can both agree on, it's mascara! Carly is especially passionate about Thrive Causemetics tubing mascara, which she loves because it can be removed gently with warm water rather than requiring a lot of rubbing around the eyes. As we're getting older, we're becoming much more aware of how delicate the skin around our eyes can be, and finding products that work well without irritating our skin is becoming increasingly important.
Another big topic in this episode is sunscreen, and let's just say our generation has come a long way. We grew up somewhere between our parents' generation of baby oil and tanning in the sun and our kids' generation of sunscreen reminders and water bottles everywhere they go. Many of us spent our younger years in tanning beds or trying to get the perfect summer tan without fully appreciating the long-term effects of sun exposure. Now, we're much more aware of the importance of protecting our skin, especially as we start noticing changes in its appearance.
One thing we're both trying to be more intentional about is extending our skincare beyond our faces. Our necks, chests, and hands are exposed to the sun regularly, but they're easy to forget when applying skincare products. We've started paying more attention to moisturizing and protecting those areas, particularly our hands, which get plenty of sun exposure while driving. It's such a simple habit, but one that can make a difference over time.
We also talked about how finding the right sunscreen can sometimes be a challenge. Carly has struggled with sunscreens that irritate her eyes or make her face feel uncomfortable, and it wasn't until her daughter started complaining about similar issues that she realized the product itself might be the problem. Kelly loves the tinted sunscreen from Indie Fog Naturals because of its lightweight, oil-like texture, while Carly has been using tinted moisturizers with sun protection. Finding a sunscreen you actually enjoy wearing makes it much easier to use consistently, although it's important to make sure you're applying enough for adequate protection.
Beyond the products we put on our skin, we also touched on the importance of taking care of ourselves from the inside out. Hydration, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness can all influence how our skin looks and feels. We talked a little about collagen supplements and the growing number of wellness products marketed to women, but one thing we always try to remember is that these are businesses selling products. Just because something is popular or works well for someone else doesn't necessarily mean it's something you need. Supplements may have a place in some people's routines, but they aren't a replacement for the basics, and it's worth looking at the evidence before investing in the latest trend.
Ultimately, what we love most about skincare at this stage of life is that it's becoming less about trying to look younger and more about feeling good in our own skin. We're learning to appreciate the routines that make us feel cared for, the products that work for our individual needs, and the quiet moments we can create for ourselves in the middle of busy lives. Some nights that might mean a full skincare ritual with all the oils, serums, masks, and moisturizers. Other nights, it might mean washing our faces, putting on moisturizer, and getting into bed as quickly as possible.
And both are perfectly okay.
Because self-care doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming to count. Sometimes, it's simply finding a few things that make you feel good and giving yourself permission to enjoy them. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast with an entire bathroom cabinet dedicated to products or someone who's just trying to remember to wash their face before bed, there's room for all of us.
So here's your reminder to take care of your skin, drink your water, wear your sunscreen, and find a routine that works for your life. You don't have to do it all, and you certainly don't have to do it perfectly.
Remember: handling it perfectly isn't about being perfect. It's about finding what works for you, making time for yourself when you can, and embracing the season of life you're in.
And in case no one told you today, you handled that perfectly.
Our absolute faves: (some links are affiliate links!)
HERBIVORE Lapiz Oil (Carly’s absolute FAVE!!)
HERBIVORE Bakuchiol
HERBIVORE Green Magic
HERBIVORE Cloud Jelly
HERBIVORE Aquarius Cleanser
HERBIVORE Pink Cloud Jelly Cleanser
HERBIVORE Aquarius Face Cream
evanhealy Rose Geranium HydroSoul
evanhealy Tea Tree Gel Cleanser
evanhealy Blemish Purifying Serum
evanhealy Balancing Ritual (great starter set)
Indiefog Naturals