My Beauty Routine: Sharon

While it’s fun to read about the beauty habits of celebrities, I find it most helpful to learn about the beauty habits of women who have lifestyles, ages, or budgets similar to mine. In this series, I’ve asked amazing women I know to share their beauty routines. These are women from across the country, different ages, lifestyles, professions, and beauty/skincare priorities.

Name: Sharon

Age: 58

Location: Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Profession: I’ve been a client service representative at a medical center laboratory part time for 30 years but the greatest joy in my life are my four children and four grandchildren

Tell me a bit about your skincare and/or routine.

I try to keep my routine fairly simple as possible; I consider myself a low-maintenance person. However, when it comes to skincare I don’t mind indulging where it counts. I always wash my face before bed! I think that is extremely important.

Every couple of weeks I use a facial mask or charcoal mask or peel. I’m not too picky about these, I usually use what I get sent in my monthly box from Single Swag and I always like what they send. In between, I use my Obagi facial scrub. So for nightly washing I use Obagi Vitamin C wash, then I apply a tiny amount of a product called Clear, then Retin-A with a blender.

My morning routine is the same but I don’t use the Retin-A. I apply Obagi Exfoliating Serum, then my Obagi SPF which is a very important part of my routine. It not only helps with blocking out UVB rays but also helps block out free radicals that are in the air that people don’t always think about.

My makeup can differ from one month to the next but I always try to keep it between a couple brands I like. One is Bare Minerals powder foundation; I also like Bye Bye Pores by IT Cosmetics. I also like the IT Cosmetics contouring and highlighting powder. I got a lot of compliments when I started using it! The under-eye cream works well too. The Bare Minerals finishing powder leaves a nice finish as well. When it comes to eyeshadow and eyeliner I go cheap. I have tried all the expensive shadows, liners, mascaras and I have yet to find anything that is worth the money I have shelled out for any of these products (cough cough Younique and others). I have found a fiber lash mascara by Cover Girl and I absolutely love it! I get the volume and the length, without the high price! Sometimes I wear shadow, sometimes I like the natural look but I do wear eyeliner. It’s hard to find one that doesn’t smear to the top of your eyelid; big pet peeve. Once my makeup is on I’m done; no touch ups during the day for me. I need my makeup to last and I have to say, the products I use do last.

Once a month a do indulge in a HydraFacial; it’s a little pricey but so worth it. It helps with those fine lines and reduces pores. I love it! My makeup goes on better and skin feels so much smoother after a HydraFacial.

Has your skincare and/or beauty routine changed due to age, lifestyle, career, etc.?

I was a super tanner when I was young, so as I got older I could see the sun had taken a toll on my skin. So I went to a dermatologist and he got me started on the Obagii skin care regimen. Along with Retin-A, it was a turnaround for me. I could see a huge difference in my skin. A lot of the dark spots faded and my skin became more clear. It was a gamechanger for me and that was 20 years ago. I am a lifer now.

What is the best skincare or beauty advice you ever got and from whom?

Probably from my mom, “Never go to bed with your makeup on.”

What is your must-have holy grail beauty or skincare product?

Obagi

What nugget of skincare or beauty wisdom do you wish you could give to your younger self?

Put on the sunscreen!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I think taking care of your skin is important, and the younger you start the better. I also think that good skincare doesn’t have to have a big price tag. You have to get out there and find out what works for you. Sometimes it takes a while but be patient, you will find it.