Seasonal Switch: The 2-Product Makeup Update 🔁
Look, spring doesn’t mean you need to throw out your whole makeup bag and start over.
Let’s set the scene: it’s officially that weird in-between season. Your winter makeup suddenly looks... too much, your skin’s acting like it doesn’t know what it wants, and the sun is finally peeking out, reminding us we should probably care about SPF again.
But we’re not doing a full face overhaul here. I’m a working mom of two teenage boys with over 25 years in beauty — trust me, I love a fresh look, but I don’t love wasting time or money.
So, here’s your real-life spring refresh:
✨ Two products. That’s it.✨
Keep the rest. Toss what’s crusty. Let’s go.
1. Add a Light-Catcher (Not a Disco Ball)
You don’t need to chase trends to look updated. What actually makes a difference? Adding one product with life in it. Something that makes your face look like you’ve seen sunlight recently — even if you’ve mostly been inside yelling “can someone please unload the dishwasher?”
Try:
A creamy blush that melts into skin (not one that disappears on contact)
A skin tint with just enough glow to say “I’m rested,” without needing actual rest
A subtle highlighter that doesn’t amplify every fine line you’ve earned
🛠 My current recs?
Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizer – A little goes a long way, especially over 40. Tap it in, don’t drag
.
RMS Luminizer in Champagne Rose – The kind of grown-up dew that works in real daylight.
MAC Strobe Cream (now in revamped tube!) – Yes, that Strobe Cream. The backstage OG (Pinklite is the original shade). It just got a slick packaging update (hello, pump bottle) and it’s back to remind us why we all loved it in the first place. Tap it over cheekbones, mix it with foundation, or use it under makeup for glow-without-glitter realness.
Iconic Strobe Cream. She’s had many iterations, but this is the latest.
2. Fix Your SPF Situation (You Knew This Was Coming)
I get it. Sunscreen is that one step everyone says is crucial, but most of them feel gross, smell weird, or break you out — especially if your skin’s gotten a little pickier with age (hi, menopause, we see you lurking).
But listen:
If you’ve been skipping SPF because everything feels heavy or breaks you out (hi, it me — oily/reactive/finicky skin gang), this one’s worth trying.
I grabbed the Biore Aqua Rich SPF 50 4-pack at Costco Canada for $38.99 CAD — which is basically drugstore pricing in a lab coat — and I’ve been impressed. It’s lightweight, layers beautifully under makeup, and doesn’t make me shiny or itchy.
☝️Important: This isn’t exactly the cult-favorite Japanese version. It had to be reformulated to meet Health Canada’s standards, so you won’t find Uvinul A Plus here. But it’s made in Canada, which could be a bonus for you (or your clients) if that matters. So while it’s not the exact same, the ingredients are safe for my skin condition, so I’ll consider it a win.
✨ Want tinted instead?
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Face Shield Flex SPF 50 – Buildable tint, tone-adaptive, zero stickiness. Yes, I always recommend this. It’s my ride-or-die.
Supergoop! Protec(tint) SPF 50 with Ectoin – Barrier support + glow + coverage. Chef’s kiss.
TL;DR — The 2-Product Refresh Plan:
Add a little glow. Something that catches light without overdoing it.
Upgrade your SPF. Spring’s coming for your face whether you like it or not.
That’s it. Just two swaps.
Keep the rest of your routine. Toss an old mascara if it’s crusty. But otherwise? A little tweak goes a long way. You don’t need a whole new look — just a fresher take on the one you already love.
Want help picking the right tint or blush that actually shows up on grown-up skin? Hit reply or drop a comment. I’ve tested enough to steer you clear of the duds.
And if you're new here:
🧴 Tuesdays: Makeup for real life — tips, tricks & product talk
🕰 Thursdays: Anything goes - beauty throwbacks with a modern twist, a few rants, a few raves
🧖♀️ Sundays: Skincare that makes sense (no fluff, no fear). We like to call this Skincare Sunday!
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