42 Life-Changing Beauty Products I Discovered in My 30s
Forty-two may seem like a lot of beauty products to have discovered in my 30s, but I should point out that I turned 30 seven years ago, so that's a lot of time to try beauty products, especially when you're a Who What Wear editor. While I was certainly interested in beauty in my 20s, my best product discoveries have undoubtedly happened in my 30s, as I've grown more and more invested in protecting, improving, and enhancing my skin, hair, and nails as they age.
As I approach my 37th birthday, I'm proud to say that my skin is the best it's ever been and my makeup routine is the quickest it's ever been. Through plenty of trial and error in my 36.9 years, I've discovered dozens of products that I'm sticking with for the long term. Ahead, shop them for yourself so that you can start reaping the beauty benefits too.
Whenever I use this does-it-all serum at night, my skin has a post-facial glow the next morning.
The rumors are true: This skin-perfecting cream is worth every penny.
I'm constantly amazed by how gentle (and affordable) this brightening peel is.
If you've been looking for the perfect everyday eye shadow palette, you can stop now.
This is the loveliest moisturizer for warm weather, hands down.
This TikTok-famous gloss is one of the best I've come across in my 30s.
I don't use a ton of devices but I, like many others, swear by Nuface and its anti-aging microcurrents .
I don't have a whole lot to say about this serum that hasn't already been said. Just try it—it's epic.
There are a lot of vitamin C serums to choose from, but this one's my favorite.
This pro-strength peel exfoliates the dullness away to reveal nothing but glowing skin.
I've quickly learned why people are obsessed with this gentle daily exfoliator.
When I'm short on time, I reach for this lovely foundation and concealer in one.
There's no replacement for a trip to the nail salon for a gel manicure, but this comes close.
After years of buying a concealer that cost nearly $100, I've switched to this—and it's just as good.
This is the only face oil I'll use pre-makeup.
A face cleanser that moisturizes and removes makeup this well in one pass is a rare find.
I can't believe it took me so long to discover the wonder that is Gypsy Water.
I use this hand cream every single night, and my skin has changed drastically since I began.
Whenever my skin is particularly parched and angry, this mask brings it back to life.
I don't know how Tatcha does it, but this creates a dewy glow sans greasiness.
If you're new to retinol eye creams, this non-irritating one is a great place to start.
This clean, pressed powder blurs imperfections without a hint of cakiness.
I made this my nighttime lip balm a couple of years ago, and I'll never go back.
This beautiful foundation provides ample coverage while allowing your skin to show through.
When my face feels particularly grimy, this is my remedy of choice.
I recently got my hair colored for the first time in a decade, and this mask has been very necessary.
I don't know what took me so long to try this gorgeous blush, but I'm now a fan for life.
The effects of this hydrating (but not sticky) overnight mask last for days.
I have a hunch that this new eye cream will quickly become a cult favorite.
This serum doesn't sting but it does leave you with long, thick lashes (and one tube lasts for ages).
My dermatologist recommended this collagen-building serum to me, and I took her advice.
I apply this before concealer when my dark circles are particularly unforgiving.
I can't get over how quickly this hair dryer turns my mane to silk.
Next up, 42 life-changing beauty products from Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, and Violet Grey.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.