Beauty & Wellness
Expert-Recommended Makeup Tips For Flawless Skin In Your 30s
Despite nearly two decades of experimenting with makeup, I truly felt my confidence blossoming only after I entered my 30s. My teenage years and early adulthood were filled with makeup looks that I picked up from YouTube — think striking cat eyes, layers of concealer, and a generous dusting of powder. It was all about maximum coverage and bold drama.
Now, however, I’ve embraced a refreshing cultural shift that promotes the beauty of natural skin. It seems that many are starting to favor makeup that enhances their features rather than concealing them entirely. However, as I navigate this exciting yet overwhelming array of new products, I find myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available, especially when all I want is a streamlined, effortless routine.
With this newfound perspective in mind, I turned to Pilar DeMann from Pilar Beauty, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, particularly in brow shaping and makeup artistry. As the owner of her studio, DeMann champions a philosophy of simplicity, believing that beauty should enhance, not cover up. I was eager to tap into her expertise to discover the essential products that could genuinely elevate my makeup game in my 30s.
Understanding the Importance of a Strong Skincare Foundation
Pilar and I quickly found common ground in our belief that skincare is where it all begins. “Good skin is the foundation of looking good,” she emphasized. For those of us in our 30s, she underscores the need for solid hydration and reliable sun protection as the cornerstones of our beauty routines. As we age, particularly heading into our 40s, we can start considering advanced treatments like Retinol to boost our skin’s appearance further.
In my own experience, a top-notch serum paired with a nourishing face oil has been a game changer. I can’t recommend the Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum enough! It transforms my dry skin by delivering unparalleled hydration without feels greasy or interfering with other products, like sunscreen. Over the years, I’ve noticed it truly enhances my skin texture, all from just a few drops each morning. For an extra layer of brightness, I like to apply a vitamin C serum—options like the Westman Atelier Supreme C Serum or Drunk Elephant’s C-Luma Hydrabright Serum are both excellent.
Essential Product Recommendations
When it comes to choosing products that work, I’ve compiled a few favorites that Pilar and I talked about during our conversation. These could be just what you need to perfect your routine while keeping things straightforward:
1. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
This hydrating serum lays the groundwork for a flawless makeup application. Its rich formula penetrates deep into the skin for lasting hydration without a greasy feel.
2. Westman Atelier Supreme C Serum
A fantastic vitamin C option, this serum brightens your complexion while helping to minimize signs of aging. It’s a daily essential to infuse that fresh glow into your skin.
3. Josh Rosebrook Herbal Infusion Oil
This nourishing oil can provide intense hydration, leaving you with a dewy finish that looks radiant under makeup.
As I step into this exciting new chapter, I’m learning that being in your 30s doesn’t have to mean adopting a complicated makeup routine. By prioritizing skin care and opting for a few standout products, we can enhance our natural beauty while keeping things refreshingly simple. After all, beauty should feel effortless — something that makes us feel good, not overwhelmed.
Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
In 2025, taking care of your skin from sun damage is absolutely essential—and we all know it! Even with makeup that promises sun protection, it’s beneficial to begin with a solid base of SPF. This practice can make a huge difference in the long run.
DeMann emphasizes that this step is deeply personal, focusing on your unique preferences regarding sunscreen formulation. There’s an abundance of choices available! “There are tons of sunscreen options on the market,” she notes, “but when you hit your 30s, wearing sunscreen becomes a must. It will pay off tenfold when you’re 50.”
From my experience, mineral sunscreens not only serve as the perfect first layer but also double as an effective primer beneath your makeup. Products like Ultra Violette Future Screen, Ciele Prime + PROTECT SPF 30, and Sarah Creal Brilliant Repair Shield Illuminating Sunscreen offer that lovely blurring effect, making it easy to wear them solo with just a bit of concealer. In fact, you might just go foundation-free and still rock that flawless look!
