Note to Readers: This post isn't sponsored or influenced by any partnerships. It's driven by genuine enthusiasm for the topics discussed.
The recent CDC investigation into "vampire facials" at an unlicensed spa, which reportedly led to HIV infections, prompts a serious question: How far are we willing to go in the quest for youth? This situation highlights two alarming issues: the lure of unproven anti-aging treatments and the dangers of unregulated establishments. Without diminishing the criticality of this conversation and these awful incidents, let's set aside the deeper discussion on societal beauty pressures for a future post.
This post isn't about what got us to this place and why we succumbed to the anti-aging rhetoric (although YES to the movement to stop saying anti-aging.) I really want to talk about products today as part one of this discussion and how much I love them. One of the many reasons we started Forty Fifty was because we wanted to offer the women of our generation something similar to what Emily Weiss fundamentally created with Glossier and Into The Gloss. To share openly, understand what women want, and literally get into their bathrooms so they can authentically share their "Top Shelves." Implicit in this sharing is the idea that all women's beauty routines and rituals are unique; therefore, all products should be shared in the open. An open-sourcing of beauty regimes. So you can imagine my delight when, back in 2020, Emily retweeted this:
In all sincerity, inquiring minds really did want to know about her clear plan for proper skincare.
I am the biggest sucker for a product. Although I don't just go for anything, I do my research, have tried many things, and have a variety of low to high-brow options. While I am not much of a makeup person, I do like to collect a few of my favorites stashed away for a night out or for my daughter to steal when she comes home. This post is dedicated to my love of product and my skincare regime instigated by the many products I have been gifting myself for my upcoming birthday (big shout out to all the layaway options that exist these days.) When I sent a photo of my loot to a good friend who shares in my product love with a caption, "HBD to me," she said – "but you're a May baby!" Oops.
I will share my "Top Shelf" with you as an experiment. Your engagement will tell me if this resonates, and I'm here for the conversation either way. I will preface all this by saying that growing up in a Puerto Rican family, I was taught the importance of moisturizing — "ashiness is not an option, so that Latin skin ages like satin," as the saying goes!
Skincare
When adult acne became my unexpectedly annoying companion in my forties, I discovered Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser plus Versed acne spot treatment. It's gentle yet effective, calming flare-ups, and it's my go-to unless I'm traveling; then I switch to Cetaphil for convenience. Post-cleansing, I hydrate with May Lindstrom's refreshing Jasmine mist, followed by Tatcha Dewy Skin moisturizer to quench my dry skin—I'm a big water drinker, but my skin demands more. My absolute splurge is May Lindstrom's Blue Cocoon, a luxurious balm that is downright addictive. I rely on Tatcha's serum stick to keep my skin supple for touch-ups during the day, especially when I skip makeup plus the necessary sunscreen; I prefer Supergoop unseen sunscreen as I hate the feel and smell of most sunscreens, and my skin is super sensitive. Finally, I can't forget the La Mer lip balm—another splurge as a gift-turned-necessity that I simply can't go without.
At night, my routine mirrors my morning ritual, adding a twice-weekly Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing + Exfoliating Energy Facial. I alternate between A313 Vitamin A Pommade for repair and slathering on Aquaphor for deep hydration (also after sun exposure), or I opt for OSEA's collagen night cream to rejuvenate my skin overnight.
Makeup
My makeup routine is pretty simple and mirrors my lifestyle. On typical days, especially during the winter when my skin tends to be paler, I just discovered Jones Road Gel Bronzer, which tackles some of that winter pallor. Then I apply a bit of Tata Harper cream blush for a natural flush, prep my eyes with Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream, and use YSL concealer paired with Victoria Beckham mascara for a subtle awake look (note I once had my lashes lifted and loved it – easy peasy daily wake up.) When heading out for an evening, I lean into a more defined look by smudging one of Victoria Beckham's eyeliners and Babyblade for brows and, if I'm feeling bold, adding a swipe of Sephora's matte red lipstick. Highlighting either my eyes or lips, reminiscent of my high school days and akin to the "clean girl aesthetic" popular now—effortless.
Hair
Living with curly hair means adapting to the humidity on a daily basis, so I only wash my hair occasionally. When it's time for a cleanse, I trust Olaplex Nos. 4, 5, and 6 to revive my color-treated locks—essential after a challenging balayage mishap that left my hair orange and brittle. At the time, my colorist blamed it on "aging hair," (!) but these products have been lifesavers. To manage the frizz and maintain moisture, I switch between R+Co Two-Way Mirror Smoothing Oil and Pattern Beauty's heavy styling cream, depending on the day's humidity levels. This routine helps keep my curls defined and resilient, no matter the weather.
Fragrance
Fragrances are more than scents to me; they're vivid memories encapsulated in aroma. The smell of my mother's Adrien Arpel night cream and her Paris perfume brings back such comforting memories, as does the distinct smell of MAJA products my grandmother used. Childhood memories flood back with the scent of Nenuco, given a daily dousing after each bath. These deep connections to my heritage and family moments have led me to cherish only two scents now—Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, which mirrors the essence of Nenuco with a mature twist, and a beautiful, bespoke scented oil called Exploration: Nº1 gifted by my niece from a boutique in Puerto Rico that captures the island's smokey intoxicating Caribbean spirit.
The rituals we create around using or not using products can be deeply personal and reflect our stories. It may seem superficial, but these things make me feel good. External care is not the only way I take care of myself, but it is one of the ones I truly enjoy. Over the coming months, we will explore ways to care for ourselves through food, internal nourishment, naps, movement, and much more with some partners. Rituals can be integral to how we connect with ourselves, regardless of age, and pausing to enjoy them, whatever they may be, is a beautiful way to honor ourselves.
In gratitude,
Ali, Forty Fifty
ICYMI
“I was less than a year out of my marriage, struggling to build a new identity. I wanted to show my young boys that their mom — questioning her self-worth and navigating a new normal — could do anything.” Read Alison’s Story.
Other Reads This Week
Victoria Beckham opens up to INTO THE GLOSS about her deep-rooted passion for clean beauty, a commitment shaped by her own skincare challenges. In the interview, she explores the thoughtful creation of her skincare products and her preference for minimalist makeup and shares personal stories that have influenced Victoria Beckham Beauty. Her dedication not only reflects her lifestyle but also her desire to empower others through beauty that's both conscious and accessible.
Substack Recommendations
The Midlife Beauty Edit by Jenni Baden Howard
In “The Midlife Beauty Edit," Jenni Baden Howard discusses topics relevant to beauty and wellness. Drawing from decades of experience as a beauty writer, she explores effective makeup strategies, peri/post-menopausal well-being (such as brain health and bone strength), and more.
A Call For Submissions!
Every woman has stories of triumph, resilience, laughter, and learning. These narratives, woven from the threads of our experiences, are not just personal tales but collective wisdom waiting to be shared. That's why we're reaching out to you, our vibrant community, with an invitation: share your story with us.
Whether it's a tale of overcoming obstacles, a chronicle of personal discovery, or a memory that brings a smile, your story matters. By sharing your experiences, you own your truth and light the path for others.
Oh, I love this and what you're doing here so much — was reading away enjoying, nodding along and then came to your kindest, most lovely words - thank you so very much! So delighted to have discovered your Substack! "The rituals we create around using or not using products can be deeply personal and reflect our stories." This!! 100% Thank you so much. XO
So happy!!! Thank you for your inspo!