How I Get My Summer Glow at 52: Skincare + Makeup Must-Haves for Radiant Skin

Spoiler alert: the glow doesn’t have to fade after 50.

If you’ve noticed your skin looking a little dull or lackluster lately, you’re not alone. As we get older, our natural radiance starts to diminish thanks to a slowdown in cell turnover, collagen production, and hydration levels. But the good news? You can get that glow back - and you don’t need a bag full of fancy makeup or high-maintenance routines to do it.

At 52, my glow game is stronger than ever, and I’m sharing the exact products I use to keep my skin looking fresh, radiant, and summer-ready. These are easy-to-use, over-50-friendly essentials that give you that lit-from-within look without piling on heavy product.

1. The Glowy Skincare Foundation

Oliveda F76 Honey Enzyme Mask - This mask is my glow booster twice a week. It gently exfoliates with papaya enzymes (papain), sloughs off dead skin cells, refines pores, and leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and noticeably brighter. Plus, it’s waterless, meaning it’s packed with potent, organic ingredients instead of fillers. More on that in this post about waterless beauty.

Oliveda F83 HT + Vitamin C Serum - I use this morning and night, and it’s a game changer. Packed with Hydroxytyrosol (a powerful antioxidant from olive trees) and stabilized vitamin C, it visibly improves tone, elasticity, and brightness. It’s water-free, ultra-concentrated, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. If you’re over 50 and want to fight dullness, uneven tone, or loss of firmness - F83 is a must.

Why Waterless Skincare? Most skincare products use water as the first ingredient, which waters down the formula and often requires preservatives that can irritate mature skin. Waterless formulas are more potent, more nourishing, and more effective - especially when your skin needs a little extra TLC. I talk more about that here.

2. Sun Protection with a Side of Glow

TULA Protect + Glow SPF 30 - This isn't just sunscreen - it’s skincare that loves your skin. With probiotic extracts, pineapple, and papaya, it protects against UVA/UVB, pollution, and blue light while leaving behind a non-greasy, dewy glow. It won’t clog pores, feels amazing, and there’s zero white cast. Just glowy, healthy skin. Finally a sunscreen that doesn't feel like sunscreen.

And oh, by the way, if you're not wearing sunscreen EVERY. DAY. You're never going to get the glow you want!

3. Luminous Makeup That Works With Your Skin (Not Against It)

Luminous Primer - This lightweight primer smooths pores and fine lines while adding a soft glow that helps makeup go on beautifully - and stay put in the southern heat. You can wear it alone for a natural radiance, or under makeup to enhance your glow.

Glow Illuminator (Bronzer Drops Dupe) - I apply Glow Illuminator all over before makeup for a sheer, sun-kissed base. It’s not for coverage - it’s for glow. And it delivers every time.

Gloss Blush - Yes, gloss blush exists - and it’s incredible for mature skin. It gives you that youthful, dewy flush without looking powdery or flat. My go-to shades for summer are Princess Bubblegum, Pink Slip, and Marrakesh. Bonus: they’re gorgeous on the lips too.

Xanadu Bronzer - This is part bronzer, part illuminator - and all glow. Xanadu adds warmth and subtle sheen without turning orange or muddy. It blends like a dream and brings dimension back to the face. If you’re over 50, bronzer is your best friend.

Bronzer goes where the sun would naturally hit—like the forehead, nose, and chin. See the image below for a visual guide.

Cream Illuminator - A little goes a long way. I love dabbing this onto the tops of my cheekbones, bridge of nose, chin, and even the inner corners of my eyes. My favorites for summer are Angel and Honey - both give you that soft, candlelit shimmer that catches the light just right.

In Summary

If you’ve lost your glow after 50, you’re not alone - but you’re also not stuck with it. Between targeted skincare, protective glow-boosting SPF, and the right radiant makeup, you can bring it all back - easily and affordably. When you use these together, the glow isn’t subtle... it’s major.

Want help choosing the right shades or building your own glow kit? Or if you’d like to get color matched for your own customizable, refillable palette, click here and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with personalized recommendations for foundation, blush, contour, eyeshadow, brushes, and more!

Let’s get glowing! Thanks for stopping by!