If you’ve been noticing that your skin doesn’t feel as smooth as it used to—or your makeup doesn’t glide on or sit quite like it used to – you’re not alone – you’re human! As we hit our 40s and beyond, changes in texture, fine lines, and larger pores are a natural byproduct of aging and just having skin anyway, and it all becomes more obvious!
So here’s the good news. Smoother, softer-looking skin isn’t just a filter trick—it’s totally achievable with the right mix of skincare and makeup products that actually work together. Think of this post as your roadmap to smoother, more youthful-looking skin. And remember, this won’t happen overnight, but if you’re consistent for a couple of weeks, you should certainly start to notice a difference! I sure have.
With the right combination of ingredients and implementing a simple 7-step routine similar to mine, you can absolutely bring forward a softer, more refined glow. And note, not all of these steps will be done both morning and night.
How to Use The Following in Order:
Cleanser (night, morning if necessary)
Toner (morning + night)
Exfoliant (night, 2-3x/week)
Moisturizer (morning & night)
SPF + Primer (morning, before makeup)
Eye Cream (morning before makeup)
1 + 2. Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (PM & AM, if needed) + Toner
My products: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $26 + Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads, $26
Why: Of course, we all know that we MUST cleanse the day away in the evenings before our heads hit the pillow because of the makeup we wear and other environmental debris. But then I always always go a step further and use a toner to deep clean and treat my skin after a cleanser.
I only wash my face in the evenings, because my skin is too dry to wash it twice. Lately, this Kiehl’s foaming cleanser has been doing a great job of makeup removal without leaving my skin feeling parched and tight!
Oh, and this might seem extra, but I swear by this Anisa Beauty Facial Cleansing Brush, $28, that I use in conjunction with all of my cleansers, to make them work better, provide gentle exfoliation, and deeper penetration in the process. I promise you, your skin will feel amazing if you add this into your routine. I like it so much better than bare fingers and feel like my skin gets way cleaner.
Ladies, these Biodance toner pads are my new fave, and you’ll definitely need the included tweezers to pick them out of the tub because they’re slippery and full of product! You wipe your face down until it feels silky smooth and bouncy. You will seriously need to go over your face multiple times to use up the amount of product in each squishy pad – treat your neck and chest too. Check the ratings and reviews on these things if you don’t believe me!
Also available on Amazon here if you prefer. (You don’t want these if your skin is really oily, however. These are for normal to very dry skin.)
3. Chemical Exfoliant — BHA or AHAs
(PM or 2–3×/week depending on skin sensitivity)
My product: Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid liquid exfoliant, $37
Why: Both of these acids, BHA and AHA, gently remove dull surface cells, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores without irritating mature skin. How they differ is slightly minimal. This is SUCH an important step to start incorporating into your skincare routine if you haven’t already, if you really want a smoother skin surface.
Remember, this isn’t a competition as to which acid is better. You just find the one that works for you because they’re both super for exfoliation, without the grit of a physical exfoliant.
To put it simply, AHAs are usually better for dry skin and those looking to address pigmentation issues (age spots), while BHA is usually better for oily skin and acne/breakout issues. I chose the Mandelic + Lactic Acid one lately because they’re both AHAs, but I have definitely used Paula’s Choice iconic BHA liquid exfoliant, $37, as well in the past. I apply these with a cotton round all over my face and neck – because the neck needs smoothing too.
And guess what, you CAN use a BHA and AHA together for max resurfacing. Good Molecules makes this Overnight Exfoliating Treatment, $6, that contains both if you’re just dipping your toes in the water with liquid exfoliants and don’t want to drop a lot of money!
4. Hydrating, Repairing Moisturizer with Targeted Actives (AM & PM)
My product: L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Moisturizer, $20 + Clarins Multi Active Night Moisturizer, $63
Why: The drugstore miracle cream by L’Oreal has all the good pro-aging stuff like hyaluronic acid, pro retinol, and Vitamin C. HA hydrates and plumps fine lines, the Vitamin C is for brightening the skin, and the pro retinol is for the fine lines — all of them combined give a smoother canvas! I use this in the AM. And in the PM, I’ve loved the Clarins Multi Active Night moisturizer, which was a PR gift to me, but gosh, it’s been so delightful, I’ll be purchasing another tub myself. I love the smell too and how wrapped in moisture my skin feels at night!
Just make sure you’re using a thicker cream for max hydration for the end of the night so that it can work its magic to hydrate and plump overnight.
5 + 6. Broad-Spectrum SPF (AM) → Then a Blurring Primer (makeup step, AM)
My product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydra Prime with SPF 50, $48.
Why: We all know by now that SPF prevents sun damage that deepens wrinkles and enlarges pores, so we need to use it daily for protection. And this AB primer physically fills and blurs pores and fine lines, so makeup sits smoother all day. Plus, this formula has the best of both worlds, SPF and Primer, so it’s only one step!
A thin layer of this primer is applied over your daily moisturizer, then add your foundation and concealer on top, and everything will lock in and just look better overall. But if you have two separate products you already like, just be sure to apply sunscreen first, then primer if you’re wearing makeup.
7. Eye Cream (PM + AM)
My products: Roc Multi Correxion Revive + Glow eye balm, $27 + Colleen Rothschild Illuminating tinted eye cream, $48
Why: The under-eye area is a thin and delicate place on the face, so it gets extra care! It can also look dull and crepey. I switch out these two: I use the ROC eye balm at night for its cooling sensation, hydration, and Vitamin C ingredient (which helps with brightening overtime). I also will use it during the day when some of my concealer has settled or looks cakey, and will swipe it once over it, press it in with my finger, and it looks brand new – works like a dream!
And then I use the Collen Rothschild just in the morning because it’s tinted and has an amazing, immediate brightening effect! Remember, I sang its praises on my best concealer tricks post here. I use it alone with tinted moisturizer when I head to the gym and as a color corrector before I apply my daily concealer on top! And know that you just need a pin-prick’s worth of this stuff because it is SO concentrated – so one tube is going to last me forever!
Recap & Quick Application Tips:
• Apply thinnest → thickest (toners, serums, before creams).
• Wait for 30–60 seconds between moisturizer and SPF and primers to let the actives absorb.
• Use exfoliant nights 2–3× weekly, not daily.
• Less is more with active skincare — small, consistent amounts beat heavy layers.
The rest of my look details: This Jessica Simpson leopard print cardigan so extremely soft and cozy, and it’s from Walmart of all places, $29. // Amazon square neck tank, it’s so flattering, $19 // Similar beaded hoop earrings on Amazon here, $14 // Remaining makeup I wore on top of my skincare: L’Oreal HA Tinted Serum in shade 2-3, is the answer to anyone that wants their skin to truly look like skin, not makeup-y, L’Oreal laque resistance liquid lipstick in “worth it” – y’all know I’m obsessed with this longwear formula! And cheeks are the iconic Nars “Orgasm” blush.
Follow this exact order, or pick products you own that seem similar to these above, and you’ll create a hydrated, supported base that minimizes pore look and softens wrinkles — so makeup sits beautifully and skin looks smoother, naturally. Feeling spicy and want to try a new eye look for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday?? Check out my post on how to create the popular Halo Eye!
Does this seem like a lot of steps to you, or are you already doing all of these? I actually left out a few other serums that I use every now and then to take it up a notch, but wanted to keep this concise with my most used steps. Do you have any extra steps I haven’t mentioned?
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