'These are the multipurpose products every woman over 40 needs in her beauty bag.'

If there's one product that never misses a trip in my beauty bag, it's Charlotte Tilbury's Multi Miracle Glow.

It often flies under the radar compared to the brand's glam icons, but for me, it's the number one skincare product in the entire range. A nourishing cleanser, hydrating mask, and soothing balm all in one, it's saved my skin (and my sanity) more times than I can count.

As someone in my mid-50s and a beauty writer who happily indulges in a multi-step routine, I've tested more products than I can remember.

Watch: PS – still hunting for the concealer? This clip makes a pretty convincing case. Post continues below.

I have been travelling a bit for both work and pleasure this year, and I've learned the value of streamlined essentials that still deliver. These multitaskers don't just save time and space when I'm away, they've become firm favourites in my home routine as well.

Whether you're over 40, juggling work and life, or just want smarter beauty, these are the products that go the extra mile without compromising on results.

Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow

It's a gentle cleanser that melts away makeup (even waterproof mascara), transforms into a nourishing mask that leaves skin dewy and plump, and doubles as a balm for dry patches, lips, elbows, wherever you need a bit of extra love.

The texture is rich but never greasy, and it has this gorgeous spa-like scent that instantly makes you feel like you're doing something lovely for yourself. 

I've used this after long flights, on cold mornings, and on days when my skin just needs a break from actives. It leaves my skin soft, comforted and glowing, and honestly, I don't know why more people don't talk about it.

Image: supplied.

Avène DermAbsolu Intensive Reshaping Night Cream


This one's a bit of a hidden gem. It's marketed as a night cream, but don't let that fool you; it doubles beautifully as a treatment mask. I use it a few times a week when my skin is feeling dull, tired or just a bit 'meh', and by morning, my skin always looks softer, more hydrated and noticeably fresher.

It's packed with Avène's famous thermal spring water (a lifesaver for sensitive or reactive skin), along with niacinamide to even out texture and bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol. The texture is comforting and nourishing without being heavy, and it sinks in like a dream. No stickiness, no greasiness, just calm, supple skin that looks like you got a full night's sleep.

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Prime Skin Power Trio

Meet the three multitaskers from Prime Skin that prove less really can be more.

Jelly Plump is a 3-in-1 wonder — makeup remover, cleanser, and overnight hydrating mask. The jelly-to-milk texture melts off makeup without irritating sensitive skin, and it leaves your face feeling soft, not tight or dry. It's the gentle alternative to traditional balms and cleansers. As an overnight mask, you will wake up with juicy, bouncy skin.

Glass Mist is your shortcut to that glassy, dewy glow. It hydrates and soothes and is great for after-sun care (I know we are in winter, but think…travel to warmer climates and summer will return!). It has a beautiful pearlescence that just gives you radiant skin.

Ready to Glow is a moisturiser, serum, and primer rolled into one lightweight jelly. It soaks in fast, plumps and preps your skin without any heaviness. The cooling steel roller feels like a mini facial and helps depuff and sculpt as you apply. Whether you're going full glam or makeup-free, it leaves skin looking lit-from-within.

All three of these products are about juicy skin.

Image: supplied.

Cinch Skin Spray + Glow Mist

I didn't expect to love this as much as I do, but wow. This white and pink bottle is a total overachiever. It hydrates, primes, minimises pores, adds glow, and has anti-aging benefits, all in a single spritz. It's my go-to when my skin is looking a bit flat or my makeup needs a refresh mid-afternoon.

It's especially great for travel or hot days when you want something light and fuss-free. The glow it gives isn't glittery or greasy, it's just healthy, radiant skin. And yes, I've used it on bare skin and over makeup. You can even mix a spritz into your foundation to give it an extra boost of glow. It makes everything look fresher and more skin-like. It plays nicely either way.

Listen: Need more reccs for glowy skin over 40? This You Beauty episode has the expert-approved picks. Post continues below.

Holme Beauty Alignment Lip Liner

These liners are among my most frequently used products for a reason. For starters, they're massive, so you're getting your money's worth. But more than that, they're creamy, long-lasting and ridiculously versatile. I use them to line, fill and contour my lips, but they do so much more.

Depending on the shade, they double beautifully as eyeliners, work as brow definers, or can be smudged across the lids for an easy one-and-done eye look, just like a cream shadow.

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Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Velvet Matte in Rose Garden


If you've been searching for a lip and cheek product that flatters mature skin, this is it. The new Velvet Matte version of the iconic Pot Rouge is rich and creamy without being shiny or sticky. It gives that soft, diffused flush that doesn't highlight texture; it just makes you look like you've had a full night's sleep and maybe a romantic walk at dusk. Am I romanticising this too much?

The shade Rose Garden is just beautiful, it's the kind of universally flattering colour that suits everyone and works for day or night. It blends easily with fingers, so it's perfect for travel, handbags or rushed mornings. 

Bonus points for the sleek compact, which slips into even the tiniest makeup bag.

Image: supplied.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork Palette
in Defining Neutrals

Okay, this one is seriously impressive (and expensive). It's a palette full of velvety pomades & coordinating oil absorbing shaping powders in a mix of neutral tones that you can use on eyes, brows, lips and even for contouring. 

It's especially great for mature skin because it doesn't settle into fine lines, and the neutral tones are beautifully wearable. I've used it to create soft daytime looks, sculpted cheekbones, and quick brow touch-ups, and I love that it all comes from one palette. It's like a professional makeup kit in a single, streamlined compact.

Bonus is that if you have the sister palette, Blooming Romance, the pans are magnetised and pop out, allowing you to mix the palette to curate "your palette".

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The Takeaway: Curated, Not Complicated.


At this stage of life, beauty isn't about doing more — it's about doing better. 

Multipurpose products don't mean sacrificing quality; they mean choosing smarter. 

They work harder, take up less space, and make getting ready feel effortless again.

Whether you're travelling, simplifying your stash, or just want your products to earn their keep, these multitaskers are the kind of overachievers every beauty bag deserves.

If you liked this, you'll love these other reads from Teresa McNamara:

• 'I'm an over-50s beauty writer. Here are 6 makeup products I can't stop using.'

• 'The 5 budget skincare products that actually work for over 50s skin.'

• 'There are 5 overnight skincare secrets I swear by for glowy skin over 50.'

Feature: Supplied.