As a 52-year-old makeup artist, I try a LOT of beauty products.
Some become instant favorites. Some stay in my makeup bag for years. And every once in a while, I find something that makes me wonder, “Why didn’t I switch sooner?”
Lately, I’ve made quite a few swaps.
And some of them may surprise you because several of the products I’m replacing are cult favorites—products I’ve used and loved for years.
This isn’t about saying that the products on my “out” list are bad. They’re not! In fact, I still like many of them.
I’ve simply found popular beauty products that work better for me and my skin right now.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that I want my makeup to be easier, more comfortable and, above all, more skin-like. I don’t want to see layers of makeup sitting on my face. I want my skin to look like skin—just a little more polished, even and glowy.
So let’s get into the swaps.
10 Popular Beauty Products I’ve Replaced Recently and Some May Surprise You
1. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray → Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray | Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
The Urban Decay All Nighter was in my makeup bag for YEARS.
It’s one of those iconic beauty products that has earned its cult following, and I completely understand why.
But lately, I’ve been reaching for Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray instead.
For me, the biggest difference is the staying power. My makeup lasts all day, and I find it helps make my makeup much more transfer-proof.
And I love the way it brings the entire makeup look together. Instead of looking like I’ve layered foundation, blush, bronzer and powder on top of one another, everything seems to melt together.
If I’m going to spend time doing my makeup, I want it to still look good several hours later.
Why I switched: All-day wear, less transfer and a beautiful finished look.
2. Merit Flush Balm → Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
Merit Flush Balm | Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
I love a good cream blush, especially as I’ve gotten older.
Merit Flush Balm has been a longtime favorite, but lately, Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint has taken its place in my makeup bag.
The biggest reason?
I prefer the way it blends.
It melts into my makeup so beautifully and gives me a gorgeous flush without looking like I’ve simply put blush on top of my foundation.
I also prefer the colors I’ve been using from Armani. They give me the right amount of color and bring life back to my complexion without looking heavy.
Why I switched: Better blending, colors I prefer and a beautiful skin-like finish.
3. TULA Eye Balm → RoC Under-Eye Balm Stick
TULA Eye Balm | RoC Under-Eye Balm Stick
This one may surprise you if you’ve followed me for a while.
I used the TULA eye balm for a LONG time.
But lately, I’ve switched to the RoC under-eye balm stick because I like that I’m getting more skincare-focused ingredients along with the hydration I want before applying concealer.
At 52, I’ve become much more aware of how important skincare prep is.
Especially under the eyes.
If the skin underneath your concealer is dry, your concealer is going to show it. I don’t care how expensive the concealer is.
I like being able to swipe this on, give it a little time to absorb and then apply my makeup.
Why I switched: More skincare-focused ingredients and easy, hydrating under-eye prep.
4. Chanel Cream Bronzer → Morphe Bronzing Serum
Chanel Cream Bronzer | Morphe Bronzing Serum
Okay, this one is a big one.
Chanel cream bronzer was a longtime favorite of mine.
But I found it was getting harder to come by, and the packaging was also pretty bulky for my makeup bag.
Enter the Morphe Bronzing Serum.
Not only is the packaging easier, but it’s also less expensive—and the formula is incredibly easy to use.
A few drops give me the most beautiful wash of warmth.
And the thing I love most?
It looks like skin.
It doesn’t look like I’ve painted bronzer onto my face. And it melts into the complexion and gives me that believable, healthy warmth I’m looking for.
Why I switched: Better packaging, less expensive, incredibly easy to use and looks like skin.
5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara → Merit Clean Lash Tubing Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex | Merit Clean Lash
Another cult favorite!
I used Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara for a long time, but my mascara preferences have definitely changed.
These days, I don’t necessarily want the biggest, thickest, most dramatic lashes.
I want long, lifted, curled and defined lashes that still look natural.
And Merit Clean Lash does that beautifully.
It makes my lashes look SO long and gives them that lifted, curled appearance at the same time.
But the best part?
No raccoon eyes.
As someone who is constantly looking at makeup on mature skin, I know how frustrating it is when mascara ends up underneath your eyes halfway through the day.
The tubing formula has been a game changer for me.
Why I switched: Incredible length, a more natural look, beautiful lift and no raccoon eyes.
6. Tarte Concealer → Armani Luminous Silk Concealer
Tarte Concealer | Armani Luminous Silk Concealer
This is another product where my preferences have changed as I’ve gotten older.
Tarte concealer gave me the coverage I wanted, but lately, I’ve been much more interested in how a concealer blends and looks on the skin.
Armani is simply easier for me to work with.
It blends beautifully and doesn’t look heavy.
Most importantly, it looks like skin.
And that’s really my goal with concealer now.
I don’t want someone to look at me and think, “Wow, she’s wearing great concealer.”
I want them to think I look rested.
Learn how to apply concealer the right way here.
Why I switched: Easier to work with, blends better and looks more like real skin.
7. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Lipstick → Maybelline Serum Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Lipstick | Maybelline Serum Lipstick
This one might REALLY surprise you.
I love Charlotte Tilbury lipstick. I have for years.
But lately, I’ve found myself reaching for Maybelline’s serum lipstick instead.
As I’ve gotten older, I want more hydration from my lip products. I want my lips to look smooth, juicy and comfortable—not dry or lined.
The Maybelline serum formula gives me that.
It glides on easily, feels hydrating and gives my lips a beautiful wash of color with a more luscious finish.
And let’s be honest, finding a product you love that happens to be a drugstore price is always a bonus.
Why I switched: More hydration, a smoother-looking lip and a comfortable, juicy finish.
8. Bobbi Brown Face Base → YSE Beauty Primer
Bobbi Brown Face Base | YSE Beauty Primer
The Bobbi Brown Face Base has been another longtime favorite.
But I’ve recently made the switch to YSE Beauty’s primer.
Primer is one of those products I appreciate much more now that I’m in my 50s.
I don’t want a primer that simply creates another layer between my skin and my makeup. I want something that makes my skin feel prepared and helps everything I put on top blend beautifully.
YSE has become my current go-to because I prefer the way my makeup applies over it and the way my skin looks once everything is finished.
It’s one of those subtle changes that can make your entire makeup application feel easier.
Why I switched: I prefer the way my makeup applies and the finished look on my skin.
9. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant → Salt & Stone
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist | Salt & Stone
Okay, we’re taking a little detour from makeup for this one.
Because this is a beauty product swap—and one I think is worth mentioning.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant is a cult favorite. I used it and loved it for years.
But lately, I’ve switched to Salt & Stone.
I love the scents, I love the packaging and I love the overall experience of using it.
My favorite is Saffron & Cedar.
It smells SO good, and I love having a deodorant that feels a little more elevated as part of my everyday routine.
Why I switched: I prefer the scents, love the packaging and simply enjoy using it more.
10. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder → Fenty Beauty Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder | Fenty Beauty Setting Powder
And we’re ending with another beauty icon.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder was a staple in my makeup bag for years.
But lately, I’ve switched to Fenty.
Powder can be tricky as we get older because it’s very easy to overdo it.
I still use powder. I just don’t want to look like I’ve powdered my entire face.
What I love about the Fenty powder is the way it smooths and sets my makeup while still leaving my skin looking refined.
And I’ve changed how I use powder, too.
I’m much more strategic about where I apply it. I use a small amount where I need it and leave the areas where I want some natural luminosity alone.
Why I switched: I prefer the way it smooths and sets my makeup without making my skin look overly powdered.
So, What Have I Learned From All These Swaps?
Looking at these 10 products together, there’s definitely a theme.
I’m not necessarily looking for more coverage, more pigment or more makeup anymore.
I’m looking for better formulas.
I want makeup that:
- Blends easily
- Looks like skin
- Doesn’t emphasize texture
- Feels comfortable
- Makes my routine easier
- Gives me a fresh, polished look without looking overdone
And I think that’s one of the biggest shifts that happens as we get older.
We stop trying to make our skin look perfect.
Instead, we want to make the skin we have look really, really good.
That doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing makeup because you’re over 40.
It doesn’t mean you can’t wear matte lipstick, powder, black eyeliner or a full-coverage foundation.
There are no rules.
But if something you’ve used for years suddenly isn’t looking quite the way you remember it looking, it might not be you.
It might just be time for a swap.
And as for me, these are the 10 swaps currently making my makeup routine easier, more flattering and a whole lot more fun.
Now I’m curious…
What’s one beauty product you’ve recently swapped—and what did you replace it with?
XO,
