I’ve always taken a low-maintenance approach to beauty. However, as we age, our skin inevitably changes — especially once oestrogen levels decline — and it deserves a little more thought. I turned 62 over the holidays, and while a birthday facelift wasn’t on my to-do list, I’ve become more aware of things like fine lines, pigmentation, and dryness. I’m mostly at peace with these changes, although I know I should be more diligent with daily SPF use. Add in the UK’s current Arctic-like weather, and my skin has been feeling particularly exposed and weather-worn.
Thankfully, a beautifully curated gift box from Kate Somerville arrived just in time for Christmas, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the products. The Total Repair Cream is undeniably expensive, but the light, refreshing scent is exactly my preference. After a couple of weeks, my complexion looks noticeably brighter and more refreshed. A colleague — a dedicated Augustinus Bader fan — also tried the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cream and gave it her seal of approval. At night, I’ve been reaching for the No7 Future Renew Night Cream, which delivers excellent results without a hefty price tag.
Further north, my mum’s skin was struggling when I saw her in early December. She experiences rosacea across her cheeks, usually mild, but the cold had caused a flare-up. A quick trip to Tesco resulted in a tube of Weleda Skin Food Light. A few weeks on, the soothing blend of calendula and chamomile has noticeably calmed her skin. To help kick-start the year with well-nourished, comfortable skin, I asked five accomplished make-up artists over 50 to share their go-to daily moisturisers — including the ones they personally rely on. Below are their 15 standout skincare favourites.
Ruby Hammer, 64: Choose by Skin Needs, Not Age
Age isn’t a skin type — it’s simply a number. What truly matters is how your skin looks, feels, and behaves. Take time to assess whether it feels dry, tight, dull, or uneven, and let that guide your moisturiser choice. Rich formulas containing peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid help rebuild the barrier, hydrate deeply, even tone, and restore suppleness. A luxurious night cream with a buttery texture and gentle scent can turn skincare into a daily ritual, leaving skin plumper, smoother, and more resilient.
For a simpler routine, a well-priced moisturiser with niacinamide, glycerin, and squalane works beautifully. Look for a silky, fast-absorbing texture that keeps skin comfortable all day and creates an ideal base for makeup. On the luxury end, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream stand out, while L’Oréal Age Perfect and No7 Future Renew offer excellent high-street options. Consistency, not complexity, delivers results.
Louise Heywood, 52: Pair a Serum With Your Moisturiser
For well-hydrated, makeup-ready skin, the combination of a quality serum and moisturiser is essential. I invest more in my serum and layer a more affordable cream on top. If your skin is dry, serum becomes especially important in winter, when central heating and cold air strip moisture. The serum does the heavy lifting, while the moisturiser seals everything in, keeping skin comfortable and balanced.
I have very dry skin and rely on La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum, followed by Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich Active Soothing Cream in the morning. At night, I use Cetaphil Rich Night Cream to restore hydration while I sleep.
Carl Stanley, 57: Affordable, Effective, Everyday Skincare
A fantastic year-round option is L’Oréal Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Cream SPF30. It feels rich and indulgent on application but absorbs quickly without leaving residue. Designed for over-50s, it helps reduce age spots and includes SPF 30. It’s also widely available in supermarkets and often discounted, making it a smart, accessible choice.
I also recommend pairing your moisturiser with a serum for deeper hydration. RoC Retinol Correxion Wrinkle Correct Serum has a lightweight formula that doesn’t sting, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Skin feels softer, smoother, and plumper by morning. The capsule format is an added bonus for travel.
Anna Durston, 53: Hydration With Protection and Flexibility
I love La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV SPF25. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, it delivers intense hydration, and it comes in both light and rich textures to suit different skin types. I switch between them seasonally — light in summer, rich in winter. With minimal fragrance and SPF 25, it’s ideal for sensitive skin and everyday protection.
For combination or oily skin, Pai Skincare The Pioneer Mattifying Moisturiser strikes the perfect balance. It mattifies without heaviness and works beautifully under makeup. The fresh geranium and thistle scent is subtle and uplifting. Pai’s organic, vegan formulas are designed for sensitive skin, making them suitable during or after chemo.
If winter dryness is an issue, The Moisturiser by Skin Rocks, formulated by Caroline Hirons, offers rich nourishment with ceramides and lipid-rich oils to strengthen the skin barrier. Available with or without fragrance, it feels indulgent and can be used as a night cream if too rich for daytime.
Julie Read, 60: Reliable High-Street Favourites
Recently, I’ve been reaching for budget-friendly Nivea, easily found at Boots, Superdrug, and supermarkets. My current favourite is the Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Day Cream. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and feels instantly effective.
Another staple is La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche, which has a gentle scent and a rich, comforting texture — perfect for winter dryness. For an occasional treat, I use Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream. Its deeply nourishing formula and subtle fragrance make it ideal for overnight skin repair.
