3 Unsexy Beauty Staples I’ve Used for 20+ Years (and Why They’re Still My Favorite After 40)

Hey Beautiful! 

Beauty products don’t always need to be sexy to work. Sometimes, it’s the simple, no-frills products that quietly do their job and keep your skin and eyes happy for decades. As a licensed esthetician, I’ve tried it all – from luxury creams to the latest skincare trends – but these three “unsexy” OTC brands have stood the test of time in my routine.

If you’re over 40 and wondering if the basics still have a place in your beauty routine, this might be the reassurance you need. These are my long-time staples, and they’ve earned their spot on my shelf (and in my spa) for one reason: they work.

Let’s dive in.

1) First up is OCuSOFT®, a brand that’s been around since 1986, specializing in eye health.

Now, most people don’t think about eye hygiene as part of their beauty routine, but as someone with dry, sensitive eyes, I can tell you it’s a game changer. OCuSOFT® Lid Scrubs is my all-time favorite eye product to help keep my eyes feeling clean and comfortable by removing oils, debris, and makeup that can build up along the lash line and lead to irritation.

I started using OCuSOFT® during a difficult time in my life when my body was under a lot of stress, and I developed a severe eye virus that almost cost me my vision in my right eye. It was a wake-up call that eye hygiene is something we need to take seriously, espeically as we age since it may take us longer to heal.

It may not be glamorous, but keeping your eyes healthy is essential – especially if you wear eye makeup or deal with dryness like I do.

Here's a few more of my favorite products (so far!) from OCuSOFT: Eye Drops, Eye Makeup Remover Pads (great for traveling and Eyelid Cleansing Foam  (I keep this in my shower).

2) Then there’s Cetaphil, one of the most recognizable brands out there.

Cetaphil has been around since 1947 when it launched its first product, Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion. I discovered it in my 20s when I was struggling with eczema, and it was the only thing that helped my skin heal without irritation. I’ve been loyal ever since.

Today, I still use Cetaphil as my daily body moisturizer, especially on dry patches, and I keep it in my spa for clients with sensitive skin. It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t contain any unnecessary extras that could cause flare-ups. Sometimes simple is all you need – and this is proof.

Finally, let’s talk about Aquaphor.

This brand launched in 1991 and became my go-to product when I was living in Colorado. The cold, dry air completely wrecked my lips – they were swollen, cracked, and even bleeding at one point. My dermatologist told me to use Aquaphor for a couple of weeks, and it worked like magic. My lips healed, and I’ve been a believer ever since.

I always keep Aquaphor close by. It’s great for chapped lips, dry hands, cracked heels, and any other rough spots that need some extra TLC. It might not be the most glamorous product, but it gets the job done.

If you’re over 40, you’ve probably noticed that your skin has become drier or more sensitive over time. Hormonal shifts, environmental exposure, and slower cell turnover can all contribute to these changes, which is why reliable, gentle products like these become even more important.

These three brands – OCuSOFT®, Cetaphil, and Aquaphor – have been trusted by dermatologists, estheticians, and real people for decades because they deliver real results.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the new beauty products out there, I hope this post reminds you that it’s okay to keep things simple. You don’t have to chase every new trend to have healthy, beautiful skin.

Sometimes, the tried-and-true basics are all you need.

And remember, the more you know, the more you glow!

xoxo

Jentri