Every so often I feel compelled to take stock of my beauty products. The closer I get to fifty, the urge becomes less “so” and far more “often.” My recent rush came about when I watched myself on television for a couple of book appearances. There is nothing more sobering than realizing you look very much your age.

Every glimpse I take of myself brings me one step closer to more serious measures. Until then, I’ll continue my search for makeup, creams and gadgets that mask age’s harsh reality in a non-invasive manner.

New Beauty Products – The Run Down

Here’s what I’ve been trying and the one product that has surprised me most of all.

Hyaluronic Acid

The moisturizing benefits of this compound piqued my interest despite it’s scary sounding name. Neutrogena is a brand I’m pretty comfortable with, so I decided to try their Hydro Boost gel-cream. It feels great going on and seems to nicely off-set the harsh effects of fall’s dry heat.

Eye Cream

I don’t know if I’ll ever find an eye cream that does what I want it to do (make my eyes look like they did when I was 20). But, DNA’s (Do Not Age) triple peptide cream glides on nicely and is thick enough to make me believe it might actually be doing something.

Eye Make-up Remover

Why is it suddenly impossible for me to remove my eye makeup without residual mascara on my lower lids? I’ve finally invested in eye-makeup remover pads to resolve this. They make the removal of raccoon eyes far easier than the abrasive scrubbing I was doing previously.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C serums are all the rage. I must admit that using Tru-Skin’s C plus hyaluronic acid for just one week has improved my skin tone. I like the way the product feels and smells too.

Jade Roller

This was recently posted on Insta and FB and whether it works or not, I’ve yet to determine. Either way, it feels refreshing and if it de-puffs and rejuvenates as it claims it should, then I’ll continue to enjoy a little facial massage whenever I can.

Cream Based Eye-Makeup

Cream vs. powder? Apparently cream eye shadows can do a world of good for aging eyes. Not only do they hold longer, but they supposedly help disguise wrinkles more so than powders.

Eyelash Curler

I’ve never used a curler before, but as my lashes become lighter and less visible, I’m finding the curler to be a quick way to help my lashes pop once mascara is applied. I so want to do extensions, but just can’t seem to get over the cost and maintenance required – maybe next year!

Makeup Brushes

Oh my gosh! I never gave my makeup brushes much thought until I was told I should be cleaning them on a regular basis. I had no idea how much product buildup was on my brushes until I gave them a healthy soak in my sink. Yikes! In addition to buying a few new brushes expressly for my new cream eye shadows, I’m now committed to a regular cleaning routine.

The Surprise Standout

Lumify

You may have seen the commercial for this new “red-out” eye drop – I did, which caused me to obsessively think about it until I finally bought it. The ad really is quite catchy! I suffer from chronic red-eye. I’ve worn contact lenses for over thirty years and my eyes are severely dry. Typical contact lens drops do nothing for me and other “red-out” drops have caused irritation – in many cases making the red eye worse.

But Lumify has completely surprised me. Not only does it not cause irritation, but the white of my eyes are so white after just minutes having applied. Ten minutes before putting my contact lenses in, I squeeze a drop in each eye and, for the first time in ages, I can look at myself in the mirror and not look like I’ve just exited a 1980s-smoke-filled bar.

Of all the products I’ve recently tried, Lumify takes the prize in having quickly and effectively fixed a problem that always bothered me.

Do you have any beauty products that you’re loving?