SheFinds receives commissions for purchases made through the links in this post.
If there’s one celebrity who consistently looks so put together at all times that it seems like she could host parties at her home without any prior notice and she’d remain on top of her game, it’s Reese Witherspoon. There’s something super natural about her makeup — you’ll rarely find her not looking like herself — yet she manages to bring the glam every time. While other celebs were playing with contour makeup and over-lining their lips these past few years, Reese appeared to be perfectly content with the features she has and instead focused on smooth skin, clear eyes, and eyeshadow and lip colors that work in harmony with her skin tone.
But since we know celebs don’t work alone and have access to the very best dermatologists and makeup artists in the biz, it’s important to remember that Reese has first dibs at some amazing tips, products, gadgets, and procedures. Whenever a renown beauty expert comes forward to share some of those secrets, we’re all ears. In this case, Molly R. Stern, a makeup artist to the stars, who has worked with Reese, as well as Maya Rudolph, Anne Hathaway, and Cara Delevingne, reveals some of her top tips for achieving flawless-looking skin over 40.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One guaranteed way to mess up your makeup before you even begin the application process is by neglecting to moisturize and attempting to apply concealer, foundation — anything — atop parched skin. Great skincare is as much a part of your makeup as the makeup itself, and Stern says she is a firm believer in adding an initial layer of moisture to your skin and then massaging it in prior to applying makeup.
In addition to your regular cleanse-tone-moisturize routine, Stern recommends adding a facial mist to add even more hydration and cool off the skin.
One of Stern’s preferred mists is the Honeysuckle Rose Hydrating Mist by Pholk, which contains organic natural ingredients and brightening vitamin C. Best of all? It costs less than $20. Spritz some on and then massage with your fingers or a jade roller, allowing the formula to penetrate skin before moving onto the next prep step.
Don’t Sleep On Serums
Hold off on the foundation for another few minutes because there are a few more skincare steps to consider — serums are next. Skincare serums are like magical elixirs that deliver targeted ingredients in a concentrated format and Stern says she is a fan of tailoring serums to a client’s individual skincare needs. No two celebs will require the same serum so she pays attention to a client’s skin at the moment — is it overly dry and begging for more moisture? Or maybe it feels tired and irritated and could use an anti-inflammatory boost?
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum ($125) is one of Stern’s top choices because it contains a blend of nourishing oils that help detoxify pores, smoothen skin, and add a glow. While it’s true that many serums are pricey, keep in mind that a drop or two goes a long way and one bottle will likely last you a good while.
For a more affordable option, try Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($35), which are ideal for all skin types and will instantly hydrate and plump skin.
Stern is also a big believer in layering serums. Allow one serum to dry for a few minutes before adding another. The key here is addressing all of your skin’s most pressing needs for that day.
Apply A Cream-Based Moisturizer
Seal in serums with a cream-based moisturizer that Stern says acts like a “veil of moisture” to protect the skin barrier so that there’s more “bounce” in the skin.
One of her favorites for applying beneath makeup (to avoid that dreaded pilling that can happen from product overload) is Retrouvé Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream ($135), which is infused with ingredients like squalene and pomegranate.
As a more affordable alternative, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($26) is ideal for all skin types, and especially sensitive skin. And several reviewers note that it acts a little like a makeup base as well as a moisturizer, so it’s great for daytime application.
Massage
Lastly, after you’ve applied all of your most hydrating serums and creams, Stern says don’t be afraid to massage your skin with tools and fingers. Not only does massage help products more effectively penetrate the skin, according to Stern, but it also boosts blood flow and gives you a nice glow. In fact, Stern is such a believer in the power of massage that she says the more she does it, the less makeup she needs to apply to her clients — it’s that powerful.
Your fingers or a simple jade roller can deliver a soothing massage, of course, but if you want to feel like Reese for a day, Stern recommends a tool she she uses on clients called the Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar ($195). It boasts a bar made from 24K gold and it rotates 6,000 times per minute to help encourage lymphatic drainage and de-puff skin.
It just goes to show: makeup is great and all, but taking care of your skin is the most important step in your (and Reese’s) routine.
