Beauty and Skin Care for the 30-Something Woman

Something happened to me this year that was a bit…shocking. I realized that I was in my 30’s.

I’m about to turn 34. But it wasn’t being a thirty-something that was surprising (I’ve had a few years to grapple with that fact). It was the actual realization that being in my 30’s actually means something for the way I look that struck me like a lightning bolt.

One evening recently, after getting home from a long but not particularly crazy day at work, I was looking in the mirror while getting ready to remove my makeup and wash my face.  Suddenly I thought, “I look old.”

Now, before you come for me, please know that I completely understand and agree that being 33 does not an old person make. I don’t think I’m old. And I also have no problem with the ideas of aging and getting older. But when I looked in the mirror and noticed that a youthful appearance, a glow on my once baby smooth skin, no longer existed, I couldn’t help but have a bit of a mini breakdown. What was happening to my skin? Why weren’t the serums and oils and lotions and potions working? Why did my skin look so dull and tired?

I let myself feel my feelings for a little while. I spent the next few days looking through my makeup and getting rid of anything I thought was doing me dirty (emphasizing texture, making me look dry, etc.), and I searched the word “plumping” on the Sephora website to see what skin care products might add some bounce to my skin. Then, I decided I wanted to write about my experience, about being in my 30’s and trying to navigate my way as a no-longer-20-something with great skin, and a not-quite-40-something dealing with deep wrinkles and sagging.

A bit about my skin: I have minimal breakouts but some texture that I attribute to the dryness (literally) piling up on the surface of my skin. My under eyes are extremely dry but I also have deep set eyes and naturally dark under eye circles, so every day is a battle when it comes to concealer. Those with enough coverage are really drying and emphasize every single fine line. And those that are hydrating are thinner formulas that don’t cover well. I like a quick, medium coverage makeup routine in the morning that’s all about the skin (coverage, bronzer, blush and occasionally highlighter), layers of mascara, and a creamy lipstick or gloss. 

I’m a beauty junkie. I love reading Into the Gloss and Violet Grey, and I watch a lot of Youtube beauty channels. The problem I’m finding is that a lot of the blogs I read or videos I watch are from women in their 20’s, whose skin I can’t relate to. And the women I do find who are in their 30’s either have oily skin--a different set of problems--or they have easy access to things like Botox, expensive skincare, and skincare services. (So many free products, services and sponsorships, oh my!)

I think there’s a gap in the space, for women like me, who either can’t afford to spend the money on the expensive stuff or the fillers, or are not quite ready to make that jump (and maybe never will be). I want to focus on how I can take care of my skin, both from the inside out with diet, exercise, vitamins and supplements, and from the outside in, with products that are easy to access and mostly obtainable. I’m looking forward to writing about this journey. Whoever is out there and interested, I hope you’re excited to follow along.