I’ve always kept my beauty routine fairly simple. However, there’s no ignoring the fact that skin changes with age — particularly once oestrogen levels drop — and it begins to demand extra attention. I turned 62 over the holidays, and while cosmetic procedures weren’t on my agenda, I’ve become far more aware of what mature skin truly needs. Wrinkles and age spots are part of the process, and I’ve made peace with that, though I admit I could be more disciplined about daily SPF. Combined with the UK’s current Arctic-style temperatures, my skin has felt especially dry and weather-stressed.
Moisturisers That Truly Deliver
Perfect timing brought a thoughtful Christmas gift from the team at Kate Somerville, and I’ve been enjoying the results ever since. While the Total Repair Cream comes with a hefty price tag, its light, refreshing scent and noticeable brightening effect have made it a pleasure to use. After just a couple of weeks, my skin appeared more refreshed. A colleague — devoted to Augustinus Bader — also tested the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cream and was equally impressed. For nighttime, I’ve been relying on No7 Future Renew Night Cream, which performs beautifully without stretching the budget.
Calming Care for Sensitive Skin
During a visit to my mum in early December, it was clear her skin was struggling. She experiences mild rosacea on her cheeks, which had worsened in the cold. A quick stop at Tesco led us to Weleda Skin Food Light, and within weeks, the soothing blend of calendula and chamomile noticeably calmed her irritation.
Make-Up Artists Over 50 Share Their Trusted Moisturisers
To kick-start the year with healthy, nourished skin, I asked five respected make-up artists over 50 to reveal the moisturisers they trust daily — including the ones they personally use. Below are their expert recommendations.
Ruby Hammer, 64
Age isn’t a skin type — it’s simply a number. What matters most is how your skin feels and behaves. Pay close attention to whether it feels dry, tight, dull, or uneven, and let those cues guide your product choices rather than your age.
For intensive repair, I favour formulas rich in peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, enhance hydration, improve tone, and restore softness. A rich night cream with a buttery texture and gentle scent can turn skincare into a comforting ritual, leaving skin plumper, smoother, and more resilient over time.
If simplicity appeals, a mid-range moisturiser featuring niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane can be just as effective. Look for a silky, quick-absorbing formula that keeps skin comfortable and works well under makeup. Luxury favourites include Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, while L’Oréal Age Perfect and No7 Future Renew deliver excellent results on the high street.
Ultimately, consistency matters more than complexity. Understanding your skin and supporting it with the right formulas will always pay off.
Louise Heywood, 52
My skincare routine always centres on a quality serum paired with a moisturiser. I invest more in the serum and follow it with an affordable, reliable cream. For dry skin, serum is especially crucial — particularly during winter, when cold air and indoor heating strip moisture.
The serum tackles the main concerns, while the moisturiser locks everything in. With very dry skin, I rely on La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum, followed by Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich Soothing Cream in the morning and Cetaphil Rich Night Cream at night.
Carl Stanley, 57
An excellent budget-friendly, all-season option is L’Oréal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Cream SPF30. It feels luxuriously rich at first, yet absorbs quickly without residue. Designed for over-50s, it helps reduce age spots and includes SPF 30 protection. It’s also easy to find in supermarkets and often available at a discount.
For extra hydration, I always suggest pairing moisturiser with a serum. RoC Retinol Correxion Wrinkle Correct Serum has a lightweight texture and, unlike many retinol products, is gentle on sensitive skin. By morning, skin feels softer, smoother, and more supple. Its capsule format also makes it perfect for travel.
Anna Durston, 53
I’m a loyal fan of La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV SPF25. It offers excellent hydration, boosted by hyaluronic acid. There are two versions — a lighter formula for oily skin or those who dislike heavy creams, and a richer option for dry skin. I switch between them, using the lighter version in summer and the richer one in winter.
With minimal fragrance and SPF 25, it’s ideal for sensitive skin and provides reliable daily protection during colder months.
For combination or oily skin, Pai Skincare The Pioneer Mattifying Moisturiser strikes a great balance. It preps skin beautifully for makeup and has a subtle, fresh scent of geranium and thistle. Pai’s organic, vegan formulas are designed for sensitive skin and are suitable for those undergoing or recovering from chemotherapy.
When winter dryness intensifies, The Moisturiser by Skin Rocks, created by Caroline Hirons, is deeply nourishing. Packed with ceramides and lipid-based oils, it strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture. While it’s an investment, it feels indulgent and comforting. It can double as a night cream if too rich for daytime use and is available with or without fragrance.
Julie Read, 60
Lately, I’ve been reaching for affordable Nivea classics, readily available at Boots, Superdrug, and supermarkets. My favourite is the Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Cream. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and starts working immediately.
Another winter essential is La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, known for its gentle scent and rich consistency — perfect when skin feels extra dry. For a more indulgent nighttime treat, I turn to Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream, a deeply hydrating formula with a soft fragrance that works beautifully overnight.
