Jamie Lee Curtis: expensive skincare is a scam to make money

Embed from Getty Images

I think a lot of us admire Jamie Lee Curtis because she eschewed fillers and cosmetic surgery and has shown us what it looks like to simply grow old gracefully – even if she refuses to look in a mirror and acknowledge it. Well, that’s why I admire her, at least.

Of course, Jamie, 59, does have a beauty regimen, but she doesn’t have a vanity lined with expensive potions and lotions that purport to make her look ageless. Jamie recently shared her beauty secrets with the Today Show and, surprisingly, you too can live like a Neiman Marcus-shopping movie star on a CVS budget.

Jamie credits her radiant skin to two very affordable products you may actually already use. She told Today, in a revelation she promised is “going to shake you to your core”, Sea Breeze and Nivea are her secret beauty weapons, as well as water and sleep, of course. She said she’s been using the astringent her “whole life” and uses Nivea to moisturize and hydrate her skin.

As for those high end skin products, Jamie said she’s “fallen prey” to their sales pitches and admitted, “I spent $800 on a big jar of a cream. It didn’t do anything! It doesn’t do anything! The truth of the matter is, it doesn’t do anything for you. It’s a scam to make money.” As an Oil of Olay gal, Jamie’s statements bring me so much joy and comfort.

Even if the new Halloween turns out to be a dud, which I can’t imagine given the reviews, it has given us more time with Jamie Lee, who, to me, is beautiful inside and out.

Embed from Getty Images

2017 Tribeca Film Festival Hondros

Premiere Of National Geographic Documentary Films' 'Jane'

Photos: Getty, WENN

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

174 Responses to “Jamie Lee Curtis: expensive skincare is a scam to make money”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. Babs says:

    Ain’t that the truth.
    Water, a good soap and jojoba oil for me. I should sleep more too.

    • msd says:

      Soap is too harsh for me, I need a cream or oil cleanser but I love jojoba oil. So light, so versatile. Rosehip oil is great too.

    • Sherry says:

      When I was in college, I was working at an Ulta-Sephora-like place that sold high-end skincare and makeup. A customer came up to me and said, “You know, my husband’s a dermatologist and said all you really need is a cleanser, some witch hazel, a moisturizer and something to exfoliate once a week and you’ll be good.”

      I used coconut oil for a long time to cleanse and moisturize, but I have to say that early in the summer, I bought the anti-aging kit from Mario Badescu ($30) and I could actually see a difference in my skin (I’m 55). I’ve been using that and loving it!

      • paranormalgirl says:

        I swear by Mario Badescu drying lotion for blemishes and the facial spray.

      • niamh darlington says:

        Jason Vitamin E oil. Cures acne, lines, blemishes. It even got rid of my stretchmarks. its about £10 . amazing stuff

    • Phat girl says:

      I use a clarifying shampoo to wash my entire body from head to toe in the shower and then slather up with Oil of Olay night cream after the shower ( plus keratin oil on my hair). I have always been a blindingly white girl so there has never been much sun for me (hats and sunscreen since childhood) . That’s it as far as my beauty routine goes and I get complimented all the time on how much younger I look than my peers (I’m going to be 50 in 6 months).

      • Dazed and confused says:

        I am blindingly white also! I have an extensive hat collection so I get very little sun on my face. I’ve done this for decades. I was a teenager in the 80s and my friends would all go tan for hours with baby oil on instead of sunscreen. I joined them once or twice, burned and then peeled back to “clown white” so I stopped at that point. I’m so glad I did.

        My skin care routine is even more simple. I seldom even use a cleanser. Just water. I exfoliate once a week or so and put on a light moisturizer. Four times a year I get a facial. My skin will go all red if I do anything more than that.

    • Silent Star says:

      Yes, you get that best results from sleep, keeping hydrated, healthy lifestyle and minimal sun exposure. The rest is just genetics.

      After decades of trying different products, I finally realize that a simple ten-dollar pump bottle of hand/body lotion works perfectly for my face as well. I also like pure oils, like almond or olive oil from my kitchen pantry.

      I use a face cloth to exfoliate now and then, and just use any mild soap, the same stuff I use for hands and body.

      My approach is very minimalist — keep it cheap, have fewer ingredients, and multi-use products so that I don’t accumulate a lot of stuff.

  2. Beth says:

    I use Neutrogena face wash, moisturizer, never go to bed without completely removing makeup and never go outside without sunscreen. Doing those simple, affordable things and never smoking, keeps my 40 year old face looking fresh and youthful. It’s ridiculous that people spend a fortune on expensive skin care when it’s really no better than products I buy at Target

    • Raina says:

      I love Neutrogena; affordable, cleansing, easy on sensitive skin. I still have the occasional breakouts and I love those Neutrogena pads. I find it works almost instantaneously.
      I think in many ways Jamie Lee Curtis has a great point and it’s not always about big money products being the best.
      Just as an aside, I keep noticing that she stands in the same position in all of her pictures. I tend to always stick to one pose as well. Habit.

  3. Who ARE these people? says:

    Sunscreen and a hat.

    • Pft says:

      Yes, sunscreen and a hat are a must for sure. Fish oil caps, a multi with iron and vitamin D supplementation have forever changed my skin and hair also. Keeping an eye on what we eat should be a first priority for health and beauty and has a long lasting impact.

  4. Lucy2 says:

    Love it. She just has no time for the BS.

    • minx says:

      She looks wonderful. Genetics are a big part of it, but she also has a great attitude.

      • Mystified says:

        Love that she hasn’t had her eyes “done”. She looks so much younger and better than Madonna who’s roughly the same age but has clearly had some work done.

      • OldBeeyutch says:

        I’m getting to the lines and facial sagging of my age 50. Even a bit of crepe around eyes. It’s concerning and surreal- I’m on the precipice of deciding to look old (natural) or weird (surgery). I’m 20yrs sober and do sweaty yoga 4x/wk. I’m super fit, zero “issues”. Just. Uncertain. Weird or old??

      • Kimble says:

        I’m going old so that’s what I’d vote for. I don’t want to see people staring at me like, WTF?? I’m 56 so right there with you.

  5. Giddy says:

    I would have said the same thing before I tried the Korean facial masks. I buy them from Amazon and especially love the collagen ones. There are all price points and the ones I buy are not expensive. They make my face look and feel terrific. But I also use sunscreen every day, drink tons of water, and have never smoked.

    • Severin88 says:

      @giddy which ones are your favs?? I want to try 🙂

      • Giddy says:

        I have tried several and been pleased with all of them. On Amazon there are so many that I only buy ones with five stars. I read the comments religiously. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve; do you have dry skin or are you worried about lines? They have hydrating ones and collagen. Do you have dark spots that you want to lighten? Vitamin C masks to the rescue. A big favorite is anything from the Korean skin care site Glow Recipe. I especially love theirs that come in a little cup. Add water, spread it on your face, and they dry to a rubber-like consistency, and you then peel them off.

        What I wouldn’t do is order one of the big sets from Amazon…100 masks for $39. And I have not had the courage to try the ones that advertise they contain snail jelly. It’s better to try a few from a smaller set and make sure you like them. Another personal favorite from Glow Recipe is a moisturizer that contains watermelon. It feels so great and smells just like watermelon. There are videos available of how to follow a Korean skin care regime. Hope this helps.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      I try and follow the Korean skin care regime (daily double cleansing, toning, exfoliating, etc..) as it does work but sometime I only do parts of it. I love Korean skin care products, I have a BB cream that is amazing and makes my skin look great. Haven’t tried the face masks, which ones would you recommend? I’m fair with sensitised combination skin.

      • Lj says:

        I have tried several different B.B. creams and still trying to find the best one for me. Can you share which one you use?

      • Ib says:

        I LOVE the snail mucus products. I just use neutrogenia cleanser, missha c renew snail moisturizer, and an orange bottle of UV snail sunscreen I discovered while living in mongolia but get now from amazon prime – $5.

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        The brand is Erborian and the product is BB Creme Nude. Some of their products can be a bit on the pricey side.

        https://www.erborian.com/

      • InVain says:

        @Mila – Curel Ultra Healing body lotion is amazing. I have been using it for years in the winter. It’s absorbent, not greasy and has a pleasant (light) with limited ingredients. Highly recommend. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a dream too, albeit pricier. The later can be used on your face regularly. The former can be used on your face too, but I only use it when I have a really nasty patch of dry skin that I need immediate relief for.

      • savu says:

        LJ the Nyx BB cream is the best I’ve used! Still pigmented enough to make a difference. Plus now those concentrated foundation drops are popular (I also have it from Nyx) and I can make it fuller coverage during breakouts. I promise I’m in no way affiliated with Nyx! And I just tried Ulta’s liquid concealer for the first time. I’ll never try another. Holy shit!

    • Wasabi says:

      I’m here for Korean skincare, as well. So many lovely products for dehydrated and dry skin 😍

      • Mila says:

        Can someone post brand names? I have very dry skin and am desperate for a good body lotion that will help!

      • Amy says:

        Ditto what Mila said! My facial skin is so dry, and no one has been able to “fix it”. I’d love some names or brands to try!

  6. smcollins says:

    Love her! Love her! Love her! She’s so genuine and down-to-earth, and just seems like the coolest person. What I wouldn’t give to hang out with her for a Ladies Weekend, because you know it would be a hell of a good time!
    Fellow Oil of Olay gal here. It’s the only thing I use and have been using for the last 20 years. I’ve been tempted to try pricier cleansers/creams that promise a miracle (you mean all I have to do to reverse years of sun damage is use your expensive product for a few weeks?!) but then my delusion gets slapped away by common sense and I hold on to my money for a little bit longer.

  7. Clare says:

    For me investing in an ‘expensive’ product (I mean like Clarins, not la mer) spurs me to to actually take the time to use it – 5 minutes before bed to do something for myself y’know? I don’t feel like I commit to the same extent to the £10 jar of whatever.

    Having said that – I recently bought a random L’Oréal serum which makes my skin feel like magic and it was like £8 at boots.

  8. Eleonor says:

    I do the 3 phase beauty regime: oil, Aleppo savon and a lavera cream. End of it. Good sunscreen protection.
    Amazing.

  9. Mrreow says:

    She’s not wrong. My mother always had a big tub of Eucerin and just put on a thick layer before bed and that was it. She has really good skin, even for someone who spent her youth in the sun as a runner without using sunblock.

    Genetics and nutrition/hydration play a much larger role than spending too much on expensive lotion. I personally spend a little more on my face lotion but I break out with a lot of brands.

  10. Barrett says:

    I’ve noticed that even if women get older and have good amounts of wrinkles that the ones that still are attractive generally have symmetry in their face (which is a way the science says we subconsciously assess beauty/attractiveness).

    Good head of hair helps too.

    I was attractive pre late 39 but now one side of my face under eyes has started to fall after 3 bouts of successive rapid weight loss due to thyroid/autoimmune problems I had to get under control. I noticed I’m unattractive now that I’m assymetrical.

    • Nicegirl says:

      I’m asymmetrical slightly in my face now, too. It’s hard to feel like I can ever look pretty again bc it’s so weird to get used to my new face. I hope you feel attractive again soon. 🌹

      I love Jamie Lee. Gorgeous inside and out.

    • Phat girl says:

      Ellen Barkin has always had a very assymetrical look and I think she was/is sexy as hell. I think assessing someones beauty has more to do with attitude than with actual looks. I’m one of those people who looks great when I feel great and like a hag when I feel like a hag. So tell yourself you’re beautiful and believe it because I’m sure you are!

    • InquisitiveNewt says:

      @Barrett You sound like a decent human being, and that is the most attractive quality of all. And it does shine through, and makes other people want to be around you.

  11. Maya says:

    She is right – I use chickpeas, rice flour & turmeric to wash the face with. Use sesame oil as moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup base and also as night cream.

    I have flawless glowing skin and I don’t even use foundation.

    These remedies are done for centuries in India through Ayurveda and it really works. I live in UK and these remedies are still amazing.

    • Chaine says:

      Doesn’t the turmeric stain???

      • Maya says:

        No as I only use a pinch of it. Turmeric is the key ingredient for a flawless skin as it removes scars, marks, spots and bacteria.

        If you do feel that your face seems a bit yellow, use milk to wash it off.

    • Jessica says:

      @ maya
      How do you do that? Are there products with these ingredients or do you make your own skincare products? I am really into organic skincare ideally if I had time I would make my own.

      • Maya says:

        So my formula is pretty simple and you can buy them at any Asian stores.

        1 table spoon of gram flour (also known as chickpea flour)
        1 table spoon of rice flour
        Small pinch of turmeric
        2 table spoon of milk

        Mix it all together so it becomes a thick paste. I then cut a medium side tomato and use that as a brush. I dip the cut tomato into the paste and rub it all over my face. Tomato is optional but I found that it gives your skin an extra nice glow. Let the paste sit for 2-5 mins (longer if you want) and wash off with warm water.

        I don’t dry the water off the face though because it will help with my sesame oil. Once you have washed the paste off, take some sesame oil and rub in on your face. Massage for a few minutes, pat dry the remains and viola, your skin looks and feels amazing.

        As sesame oil is the queen of oils, you don’t need to add extra moisturiser, sunscreen or day/night cream. This one oil covers everything and even used to clean the face as well.

      • Skylark says:

        Thanks so much for the breakdown, Maya. I saw your 1st post earlier today and was really intrigued and wanted to know more but work got in the way so I didn’t get a chance to come back and ask more about it.

        Thankfully, others were as intrigued as I was!

      • Arpeggi says:

        I’m sorry but no, sesame oil is no sunscreen. That’s just plain wrong. It might moisturize and all, but it won’t block UVs.

      • Maya says:

        @Arpeggi: according to Ayurveda, which has been around for more than 3000 years, sesame oil is also protective against the sun.

        People use sesame oil on full body in India & Sri Lanka because it protects the skin. Skin cancer is rare in those countries because of that very reason.

        If you don’t believe in it then that’s fair.

      • Arpeggi says:

        @Maya Sesame oil has a SPF of 3, it won’t protect anyone spending a good amount of time outside from sun damage, thinking that you can use it as an effective sunscreen is dangerous (though it could be a good vehicle for zinc oxide which is a good sunscreen but difficult to apply).

        Tradition doesn’t make something true.

      • msd says:

        Please, everyone, do not under any circumstances use oil as a sunscreen. That’s unscientific, harmful nonsense. Use a properly formulated sunscreen and wear a hat.

      • Tootsie45 says:

        I think we might be talking about two different things: UV blocking and prevention of free radical damage. When sun hits your skin it causes chemicals to break down and release reactive oxygen species (free radicals). Anti oxidants (Vitamin E, C and A) stabilize free radicals so that they can’t run around f-ing everything up. It’s quite possible that sesame oil contains antioxidants, and is protective against free radical damage. UV rays, however, ALSO break the bonds in our DNA, which increases the risk of cancer. Thats where SPF comes in. They’re two different processes.

      • Clare says:

        @Maya I was with you until oil as sunscreen…sesame oil is not sufficient protection from the sun.

        Also science > ayurveda

    • Lady D says:

      I would like the recipe too, Maya. You have me intrigued.

    • Sun in Libra says:

      Skin cancer is rare in those countries because of melanin. I’ve got that Asian melanin and I don’t burn, but I wouldn’t recommend sesame oil as sunscreen to let’s say, a pale Irish person. Context people.

  12. SWP says:

    Agreed. If you are going to use a “big gun” a prescription retinol is really the only thing that truly has an impact. It’s certainly not $800.

    • msd says:

      Yep, retinol is one of the few ingredients with excellent science behind it. Some others like Vitamin C too. But there’s no need to spend big bucks on them – and a good sunscreen you’ll actually wear everyday is the most effective “anti-ageing” product out there.
      I’m not opposed to a bit of pampering. The self care aspect of beauty can be good for your mental health, but I don’t buy what I can’t afford and I do my research.
      High priced perfume is my personal bugbear. I know it doesn’t promise youth but still … it has the most ridiculous profit margin!

  13. Kristy Gardner says:

    I loved her cameo on New Girl as Zooey Deschanel character’s mom: she was funny and incredibly charming (it didn’t hurt that Rob Reiner played her ex-husband/Jess’s dad, and JLC and RR have incredible comedic chemistry). I grew up with a mom who drilled into my head the absolute need to wash one’s face before bed and to always, always moisturize. She used Dove bar soap and Oil of Olay all of her life and now, at almost 60, she has incredible skin. While I need something a little more powerful than Dove bar soap (stupid hormonal acne!), I have found that quality products can be found at a very reasonable price point. I have a beauty regimen that is a mixture of organic herbal concoctions and drug store brands, and my dermatologist is always a little bummed that I have created an effective skincare routine that doesn’t bust the bank account. I’m pretty sure he’d like to sell me the lines that he carries in his office, but homie don’t play that. I’m pretty sure that consistency and sunscreen are the real difference makers, though adult acne is that one thing that occasionally throws me for a loop. I’m 36: WTF? I thought this was over after high school.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Saw palmetto has worked beautifully for female adult acne. I’ve been using it for almost 10 years- no cysts for me. I wish I had learned about it in my early 30s. I’m 52.

      • Mumzy says:

        Saw palmetto for cystic acne? Im 50 and would love to know! Ohhh…please share details!

      • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

        @Mumzy,

        I use Nature Made Super Saw Palmetto, 480 mg capsules twice a day. YMMV; you may only need 320mg strength capsules once or twice daily. I found anecdotal information on the boards at acne dot org. You can check it out for yourself. It has been a life saver for me. I’m hoping that after menopause is official, I can dial it back to the point of weaning off completely. Bonus- blocks androgen action in not only the skin, but hair follicles, as well, and helps to reduce thinning.

        Do your research and good luck!

  14. Jenns says:

    Olay for life.

    And looks how great she looks compared to celebs who are spending hundred thousand plus to look younger, only to end up looking puffy and older(I’m looking at you Madonna).

  15. NYCTYPE says:

    I agree with her for the most part, although not everybody can use cheap products.
    Some people breakout easily.
    I’ve never smoked or drank alcohol in my life and I drink a lot of water, luckily I don’t like coffee which is dehydrating,
    I eat a vegan, very close to “Earth” organic diet with tons of raw veggies…like spinach, cauliflower and broccoli and I love to cook.
    I take a quick shower morning and night and I use Dr. Bronners Unscented Baby Soap.
    For my face and neck I love Organic Jojoba Oil and I add extra Organic Argan Oil on and around eyes and lips.
    Sometimes I love a simple organic avocado mask, one ingredient, that’s it.
    Other times Manuka honey mask, again one ingredient.
    Only make up I use is mascara and for special occasions pink lip gloss.
    In the morning it’s sunscreen and lip balm.

  16. D says:

    Totally agree, I’ve tried a lot of expensive skincare, but nothing has worked as well as Cerave products.

    • Wisca says:

      Cerave is excellent.

    • Nibbi says:

      I’m starting to experience some real love for Cerave as well.
      I was traveling recently and noticed a small tube of their basic moisturizer labeled for both face and body. Figured I’d try it more for portability and product reduction than anything else (traveling really all over, huge pain to have too much stuff, i’ve been breaking out a lot with everything lately so I figured I might as well.) Layered a zinc oxide sunscreen over the top for sun protection when necessary. Just used that one little tube for night cream hand cream whatevercream for over a month. Not only practical but my skin is legit happier and better-moisturized and calmer in general. It’s not even expensive. So simple, I’m almost confused

  17. Goldengirlslover34 says:

    Yeah i have to agree. I think everyone’s skin needs are different and shade/race affects needs but i found that just a jar of L’Oréal recvitalift and a good cleansing oil to take off my make up has been great for my skin. Of course sunscreen is a must, even for us black women. Bioré has a good one that I found doesn’t leave a white cast on my skin but can at times be hard to find. Also i started adding vitamin C oil to my face at night and my dry skin has been glowing.

    • Anners says:

      I’ve just found out about vitamin c oil and I’d like to try it, but the ones I’ve heard about are shockingly expensive. Do you have a brand you’d recommend? I trust CBers more than others on the internet 😊

      • Christy says:

        I use Avon vitamin c serum (and their other skin care products). Amazing and their are always deals. I can’t believe I got sucked into Rodan and Fields for awhile. Avon is better and waaaaay less expensive.

      • DiegoInSF says:

        Check out the ordinary, really cheap yet effective and they have several Vitamin C products.

      • BeanieBean says:

        I’ve been using The Body Shop’s vitamin c day cream (SPF 30) & night cream for quite some time now & love it. Cleanse with cetaphil.

      • Christy says:

        “there” not “their.” Gaah.

      • Anners says:

        Ooh! Thanks all for the suggestions 🤗

  18. classicmoviecat says:

    My daily routine consists of washing my face with any non harsh cleanser (right now, cerave) I might have around, azelaic acid and sunscreen.
    When I’m suffering from my bouts of IBS related symptoms, I use cerave pm on my face and shea butter on my lips (I get chapped lips and dry skin)

  19. Esmom says:

    Neutrogena soap for me along with Neutrogena toner and moisturizer. Origins when my mom gives it to me for my birthday. I think my face looks fine but at 51, my neck is causing me increasing dismay.

    Sea Breeze, like Heaven Scent, lol, instantly takes me back to my teens. I don’t think I could use it now because it reminds me too much of a time when I agonized for hours over every blemish and flaw.

    Jamie has a sparkle in her eye that I just love.

    • Giddy says:

      After I read Nora Ephron’s book “I Feel Bad About My Neck” I didn’t worry as much. It helped me to laugh about something that I couldn’t change, and to realize it happens to all of us.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Sea Breeze, Heaven Scent, and don’t forget Bonne Bell 10-06 in the 70s and 80s! Olfactory memories are so strong- I used to love the scent of Bonne Bell 10-06 when I was a teen.

  20. Ramona Q. says:

    Nivea and Sea Breeze (Idelle Labs) were tested on animals. There is no reason to buy products tested on animals:
    http://www.mediapeta.com/peta/PDF/vegan-companies.pdf

    • Lula says:

      I agree. And it’s why I refuse to use any Korean skincare products. There is absolutely no reason to test on animals, and so many great companies that don’t.

      • Jessica says:

        A lot of brands that say they are cruelty free but if they are selling their range in mainland China chances are they are not cruelty free as animal testing is required by law in China.
        There are brands such as Tata Harper that is vegan and 100% cruelty free but that’s a very expensive brand. I am still trying to find a brand I can afford that’s 100% ethical that also agrees with my skin.

    • Jerusha says:

      Agree.

    • snappledietpeach says:

      thank you

      knowing someone actively chooses animal tested products in 2018 makes them ugly

    • Anastasia says:

      100% agree.

    • OriginalLala says:

      yep. its not hard to find good products not tested on animals – absolutely no reason to keep supporting companies who do!

    • Nicole (theCdnOne) says:

      This ALL THE WAY!!!

      And why is science completely ignored for skincare. There are studies which indicate which ingredients are irritants and which can benefit your skin.

      I’m a Paula’s Choice girl – the products are not crazy expensive and do not irritate my sensitive skin. And most of all finished products and those obtained from suppliers are never animal tested.

  21. Mego says:

    She has great style. Stunning woman who looks better as she ages.

  22. Jessica says:

    Two problems. 1) Nivea is tested on animals so I would never support that.
    2) theres not one fix for all skin types not all of us can use Nivea type products some of us are prone to allergies. I have tried using “the lower end”body lotions and moisturiser and my eczema and allergies flares up. So I am forced to spend more on either “ clean”pharmacy moisturisers and lotions that are anti allergenic or organic products. Those type of products unfortunately tends to be more expensive than the stuff you find in every store.

    • Mela says:

      I agree. I tried using cetaphil Moisturizer and I broke out. I havent found anydrug store moisturizers that dont clog my pores since I turn 30.

    • Anastasia says:

      I agree on the testing on animals thing. I try to NEVER buy products that are tested on animals. There are a lot of good choices these days, quite affordable, too.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      I find that your local health food store typically offers kind & gentle products. Take a look there?

  23. JustSayin' says:

    The problem with korean skincare, and using a bunch of actives, is that the skin only has so many cells it can renew and you don’t know how many you as an individual have.
    Short term benefits are great but long term…in short, if you are 40 you end up looking 50, if you are 50 you look 60 etc.
    That’s why you should be careful and not start using until you are in your 30s and only sparingly.
    To cleanse skin use cetaphil. For make up removal use an oil and double cleanse.
    Be careful with exfoliating and be gentle with your skin.

    Whatever you do, do not use those battery operated brushes, your skin will sag!

    • Jessica says:

      What’s your opnion about jade rollers? Recently bought one. No idea if it helps skin but it really wakes up my face in the morning and I just feel more awake and better.

      • JustSayin' says:

        I don’t know much about them but I would make sure my skin is well moisturised, no dry patches or anything, before using it in the morning so it just glides over the skin (no stretching of the skin) and I would be very gentle and not put too much pressure on the skin when using it.

        Lisa Eldridge is someone I love and respect and she says when you massage your face with your fingers, the skin should never be pulled and you should use an oil when massaging it so I think the same applies with any other tool you massage with.

    • msd says:

      That’s not true about skin renewal, it doesn’t work that way, I’m not sure where you heard that.

    • Kath says:

      I’ve used Retin-A for 20 years. No, it does not thin the skin, it just accelerates cell turnover. Source: peer-reviewed scientific research.

      Tools like the Clarisonic are a godsend for people with clogged pores. No, they do not cause the skin to “sag”. Used sensibly and no more than once a day with a very gentle cleanser, they are perfectly fine.

  24. Anastasia says:

    My dermatologist told me to wash with water twice a day. I never thought that would be effective, but DAMN, it is. I put on a light moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning and wear my Curology serum (about $20 a bottle) at night to bed.

    That’s it. Every now and then, I do a VERY light exfoliation (ladies–do NOT scrub the shit out of your face with harsh exfoliants!) and the one I use is e.l.f. (not tested on animals), which is about $4.

    I find those heavy creams they sell at drug stores tend to clog my pores, so they’re not for everyone. But I still don’t spend much at all on my skincare!

    Also, I drink a lot of water and never smoked.

    Side Note: Really wish the “I Have to Pee” pose would go away.

  25. Lady D says:

    I started using Oil of Olay at 28, and I was 58 last month. I have 2 small lines between my eyes, about 1/2″ long, and 2 lines that run from the edge of my nose to my chin. I also have a very faint line across my forehead.(bangs my whole life) I also used OO on my neck and it looks just fine at the moment. There are no sags or folds anywhere. I am getting doughy under my bottom jaw, it’s less than amusing. I smoked for 33 years and when it came to the sun, I was a heat seeking missile. Rarely drank, and rarely drink. I don’t think I’m going to look like Jamie in a year, wrinkle wise, but I am going to start mainlining water. I sound like a commercial for Oil of Olay, but it really works for me.

    • Christin says:

      When my mother went to the hospital at age 74, two young nurses started commenting on her skin. One nurse said that she liked to ask older female patients who look younger about their skincare. The nurse said most answered Oil of Olay.

      My mom used soap only for decades. She used Dove for sensitive skin for the last decade of her life. She had good genetics when it came to aging/skin appearance, and had hardly any lines. She also had oily skin, which is a pain but does seem to age well.

  26. ValiantlyVarnished says:

    Maybe I’m being harsh, but I don’t think she looks that great. My mother will be 65 next month and Jamie looks older than her.

    • Pamela says:

      I don’t think you are being too harsh. I love JLC and think she overall looks AMAZING. She looks sort of the same as she always has, just a bit older. She isn’t messing with her face, all pulled or puffy/frozen etc. I would be thrilled to age as well as her and mean her no disrespect.

      But….her skin isn’t particularly great. It looks her age, as opposed to looking 10-20 years younger. And that is FINE. And she seems to embrace the natural aging process and that is awesome, it would do us all some good to be more like her in that regards.

      I just think she maybe isn’t the best one to use as a measure of long term skin care. Sea Breeze is pretty harsh. Though she is right that you don’t need $800 skin care routines. Keeping it clean, hydrated and protected from the sun can be done for very little $ and will be great for you. The fancy creams don’t always have anything that drugstore brands don’t…other than the outrageous price tags.

  27. Themummy says:

    I don’t use anything with commercial chemicals on my face. I wash my face with a blend of various oils (usually I blend almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, and a bit of jojoba, but it varies) and I moisturize my face with rose hip oil. I use absolutely nothing else. I’ve done this since I was 16. I’m 41 and people genuinely mistake me for a student at the middle school I teach at.

    For makeup I stick to very light bare minerals concealer just on my cheeks if I’m going somewhere fancy. Otherwise, it’s just mascara and a tinted lip balm I make myself. Sometimes a little swipe of a cream highlighter (yep, that I make using powder mica and zinc) high on my cheekbones.

    Less is more with anything that goes on your skin, I think.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Ditto on cleansing with almond oil. Moisturize with rose hip and prickly pear cactus (black fig) seed oil. The latter is expensive but you only need a few drops a day.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Rosehip is amazing, have been using it for years and it really worked wonders on my skin. I switch it around with Jojoba oil mixed with Ginger essential oil as ginger is very good for puffiness (its a natural diuretic and stimulates the lymph nodes).

  28. Shae says:

    I work in the beauty industry and was told the majority of the companies use the same factories. My Korean co workers termed me on to Dudu Osun Black Soap and Cococare Argan Oil (for fine lines). 56 but people think I’m in my 30’s. I also believe it’s the live you lead. In my family we don’t wrinkle but sag.

    • OriginalLala says:

      same here – my family doesn’t wrinkle, we sag and jowl

    • Dinah says:

      Ooh I love using Dudu Osun for my flaky scalp. Wish I could easily get it from stores in the UK. I also read that Joanna Lumley swears by the inexpensive Astral face & body moisturising lotion, and boy, was she right!

  29. Zelda says:

    Has anyone here use rosehip oil? Is it worth the hype? Thinking of buying one for my face as I’m battling acne and spot due to severe allergy from a face moisturiser.

    • Bailie says:

      @ Zelda

      I use certified organic rose hip oil by Kosmea from Australia on my face after shower every single night.
      I get it from the internet, it’s the best rose hip oil I’ve ever used and I’ve tried MANY!
      The quality varies significantly from brand to brand.
      For my neck and chest it’s certified organic Jojoba oil and I add certified organic Argan oil on and around my eyes and lips.
      I moisturize my body’s skin with organic coconut oil.
      I remove my light make-up with certified organic Jojoba oil before my very quick shower every night and apply my rose hip oil to my face after.
      Once a week I use an eye mask, I put a lot of certified organic castor oil on two organic cotton pads and put it on my eyes, leave it for a full hour just relaxing in bed.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      Yes, its very very good. I had acne scars (am a picker) and it helped them fade. I use Trilogy which is organic but am sure there are other, cheaper brands out there.

  30. Valerie says:

    She’s right to a degree, but she also seems lucky to not have sensitive skin or skin allergies. My aunt is the same way: She’s never used anything expensive and her skin looks great at 70. She’ll even use generic products. You’d never know it by looking at her. If I tried that, my face would be a mess!

  31. marmalazed says:

    It’s awesome for some people who are able to use minimal skincare and achieve great results, I just wish it wasn’t thrown around like anyone doing otherwise for their face is a fool. It’s like the people who lost the baby weight just by running around after the kids, lol. I have cystic acne (which is genetic), sun damage, and aging skin. Washing my face with water twice a day is not an option for me. (Please, this is not an invitation to tell me how to best take care of my skin; I’ve got a good regimen that works for me.)

    • Themummy says:

      I am a minimal skincare person, but that is just what works for my skin…and also I have anxiety about getting cancer (like keep you up at night anxiety about it, which I know is irrational, but it is what it is). I think people should do whatever works for them. And anyone who gets uppity or snooty because of their skincare choices is kind of ridiculous. And maybe a bit arrogant, to boot.

    • stacey says:

      I am in the same boat! I wish i could use cheap drugstore products. I have highly sensitive skin, with sun damage (melasma), and in the last year I started breaking out again in my mid 30’s (hormones/hot yoga/blackheads UGH).

      Drugstore products I have used irritate my skin and clog my pores and I’ve only found luck with pricier products recommended by my esthetician. We work together on my regimen and tweak it when necessary.

      All drugstore sunscreens are awful on my skin as well. People tell me – Oh you should use Aveno sunscreen! or Neutrogena! …. If those touch my face, I immediately break out in a freaky rash. I’m not a skin care snob but my apparently my face is 🙁

  32. GoPlacidly says:

    I am a coconut oil girl. Sometimes castor oil. Keepin’ it simple makes me happy.

    • I was also told that castor oil applied nightly to eyebrows helps them grow in faster/better,just FYI.

      • Anners says:

        I’ve been doing this (castor oil) on my eyebrows and eyelashes for about 2 months now. I have definitely seen an improvement in eyebrow growth (filling in nicely), but lashes are less obvious.

  33. Erbs says:

    I love Jamie. Love love love her hair. More women need to embrace a beautiful short cut.

    I hate when I hear, “my husband won’t let me cut my hair.”

    • Yeah I hate the husband won’t let me thing women say. I would shave mine off before a man told me what to do with it!

    • Betsy says:

      I wish I had the bone structure and daring to get a short hair cut. Maye Musk’s hair is amazing. As is Carmen Del Orfice’s. I think that’s my dream hair.

  34. HK9 says:

    Look minimal skincare works for some people but here’s what I’ve done: I’ve gone to a dermatologist to deal with my acne, I use Biologique Researche products and they are fantastic but not cheap. I also use Shu Uemura cleansing oil that changed the texture of my skin. Those products are worth every cent. They are mid-range and not the most expensive. I do have other homemade remedies that I use but the more expensive products do make a visible difference on my skin. Yes, those $800 bottles of cream won’t give you a new face and the price is ridiculous.

    One thing I do know, no matter what you use, if you take care of your skin when you’re young it will take care of you when you’re old.

  35. Meg says:

    that short haircut on her is so flattering

  36. Parigo says:

    Whatever you use, don’t forget your neck and upper chest! Hands are important too!

  37. McMe says:

    L’occitane Divine Immortelle = GAME CHANGER!
    Completely transformed my 48 year old skin. Worth every penny.

  38. Bgirl says:

    I love her! I once hat a Little encounter with her, I drove with my bff along Sunset Blvd, we sat in a very cute, customized VW Beetle. At a crossing in Beverly Hills, she stood next to us in a convertible RR (!), she waved at us with a big smile and called out „nice car“. And she is so right. Don‘t waste ur Money on expensive lotions & potions, spend it on travelling or at least for really good& healthy food.

  39. nb says:

    I’m big on skin care but nothing I use is THAT expensive. African black soap to cleanse (only at night – in the morning I only splash with water). A product with Retinol to prevent wrinkles, a serum with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c to hydrate and fade lines/dark spots, an eye cream with hyaluronic acid twice a day, and a clay face mask and an exfoliating scrub once a week. As needed I also use lotion. My foundation has SPF 25 in it and I always wear a hat in the sun.

    Most of the products I use are Lumene – the Vitamin C line. They are fantastic products. I used to be able to get a great deal on them at Walgreens but they stopped carrying them. When they had everything marked down to 1/4 of full price I bought as many as I could find of my favorite products and they’ve lasted me over a year now, so I spent about $100 for a year of great skincare.

    • stacey says:

      was recommended to use clay mask to help with my blackheads. do you have any recommendations brand-wise? clay mask are uncharted territory for me

      • Kath says:

        Hi Stacey – as a fellow blackhead sufferer, any cheap drug-store clay mask is fine. Just avoid ones with alcohol and astringents like menthol. And for the love of God, don’t use baking powder (or cleansers with baking powder on your face!) Using a non-foaming cleanser also helps.

        I have also found that salicylic acid helps clear out the pores. (The Ordinary’s is under $10). I also follow with their hyaluronic acid or Buffet – which helps soothe and rehydrate the area.

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      I sometimes use soap made with Nettle, its an antiseptic and very good if you have problem skin or suffer from eczema etc..

  40. TrixC says:

    I think she’s right, good skin is mostly genetics, plus avoiding sun, not smoking etc.

  41. Sansa says:

    She has lots of wrinkles too.

    • nikki says:

      Yup. I’m a huge skincare fan. No, it’s not a “scam” if you understand the chemistry behind it. For instance, I worked a light-protected vitamin C, and also a retinoid into my routine and it has totally changed the texture of my skin and made fine lines disappear. Those aren’t scams, crystallized, suspended Vitamin C is an acid and acts like a resurfacing exfoliant for your face. It literally does what it says it will do.

      • JANE says:

        Some of it is ” scam “. There are a lot of unreasonable expectations of women in our patriarchal society, so some women get easily sucked into buying stuff they truly do not need. There are also great things out there, but a lot of someone’s looks has to do with genetics and lifestyle choices. People can get easily fooled with the heavy duty marketing and general B.S.

      • stacey says:

        Poster above is correct, there are certain ingredients such as retinoids/vitamin A – vitamin c- certain acids that are backed by science to improve your skin’s surface.

        My problem with drug store skin care products is they are often laced with parabens and fragrances that irritate my skin. My more expensive products may not smell like fruits and berries but it is better for my sensitive skin.

    • kacy says:

      I also suggest checking out Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe 6. I was able to cut out Retinol which is hard on my skin 🙂

  42. ans says:

    She’s not wrong but my mother of the same age looks about 10 years younger … and uses good skin products. They’re not bank-breaking, but it’s not oil of olay. I’m sorry, but the truth is somewhere in the middle … La Mer is a scam though.

  43. knotslaning says:

    OMG, I read those 24-hour skin care articles on Jez and want to die. They spend so much money on tinctures and moisturizers and and and. Until a year ago (40 now), I only used soap in the shower and some TJs face lotion (with spf). I finally realized I should wash my face at night (I don’t wear any makeup so it didn’t occur to me) and started using Thayers witch hazel toner and its amazing. So now I’m a toner and lotion gal but nothing else! Good for JLC!

  44. Yes Doubtful says:

    Meh…all that stuff is BS. I have tried many highly recommended brands for dark circles and none have made a bit of a difference. However, if it makes someone feel good because they think it’s doing something, then I’m happy for them.

    • Kath says:

      Dark circles are genetic. There is nothing you can do to change them, just disguise them.

    • kacy says:

      I use a cheap (under $13 on Amazon) product call Melazepam , which is 20% Azelaic Acid. Completely changed my dark circles. You have to start by mixing it with another lotion and work up to full strength. I’ve given it to several friends, and it’s worked for them too.

  45. Claire says:

    When you drink water it goes to your organs first. You would have to drink a ton of it before you notice it on your face and by then your kidneys would flush out too much potassium etc. I drink a glass of wine every night and I spend a lot of time outdoors. I use cetaphyl cleanser, a good moisturizer, exfoliate once a week and make sure to wash my makeup off every night. No wrinkles!! Personally I think good skin is genetic and we are all subject to gravity. I don’t think JLC’s skin looks all that great to be honest.

  46. Emilia says:

    The comments on skin care/aging articles on CB always crack me up. They are always a mix of misinformation/peusdo-science bs and women bragging about how young they *think* they look. Sorry ladies but no one is buying that people mistake your 40-something year old ass for a middle school student.

    • Kath says:

      I agree. “I only rub my face with a potato in the light of a full moon and people think I’m 12”!

      • Haapa says:

        Thank you both. The amount of pseudoscience and woo in this comment section is alarming. A little knowledge of basic biology/cellular metabolism and you can see right through these claims as literally *impossible*.

    • Darla says:

      I laughed so hard at this.

    • Nikki says:

      Bless you, Amelia!

    • Betsy says:

      Accurate.

      JLC isnt wrong that an $80p OTC cream is a scam, but there is real effects in a lot of skin creams – retinol, vitamin c, matrixyls, copper…. some of this stuff is available affordably and some is more expensive. But it does work for those who choose to use it. I think she was speaking specifically to the La Mer products and Estée Lauder Renutriv and Natura Bisse. And it’s not that they’re not effective, it’s that they’re not as effective as their half a month’s rent for a regular person price would suggest.

  47. SJhere says:

    Well, personally I am just fine with everyone doing what works for them. 🙂

    I like JLC, always have. She looks very much like her Mom, Janet Leigh, as she ages.
    I truly enjoy her attitude on aging and IMO, better to age as you may vs. surgery to try to look younger.
    I miss the days when my Gramma (and most older folks) looked like older folks. I really dislike the females who are so desperate to hold onto their youth. Madonna, honey…you are Madonna! We know your actual age.
    No shame in aging. Count yourself lucky if you are able-bodied and enjoy.

  48. Kath says:

    Some of these “I only use soap and water and my skin is perfect” comments by celebrities are really beginning to annoy me.

    Clearly, they have never suffered from cystic acne or any other debilitating skin condition, which can be deeply traumatic and isolating.

    40-50 years ago, yes, you could claim that skin care was an expensive con which played to women’s insecurities. At that time, most skin care was basically a mix of mineral oil, water, alcohol and fragrance – the rest was marketing.

    That is not the case these days. There is an actual body of peer-reviewed scientific research which shows that retinols, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, AHAs and BHAs etc. DO have a clear and measurable effect on the skin. (Plus sunscreen, of course).

    I had HORRIFIC hormonal acne in my late teens, after a lifetime of using – yes, soap and Oil of Olay. Retin-A saved me from a lifetime of scarring. You would never know that I had a single zit in my life – yet if I hadn’t used it, I would have been covered in pitted pock marks for the past couple of decades.

    So, please, unless you’ve had major medical skin problem – enough with the “skincare is all nonsense” stuff. Yes, the $800 creams are a load of crap, but active, scientifically-proven ingredients DO work and you can get them via brands like The Ordinary.

    To this day, if I used soap and an alcohol-laden astringent on my sensitive, clog-prone skin, I would age 20 years in a fortnight.

    • msd says:

      Yep. They need to check their #goodskinprivilege. I have plenty of issues with the beauty industry but it’s not ALL high-priced mumbo jumbo. My skin is definitely better since I got interested in beauty a few years ago. The best defence against falling for hype is to be an educated consumer.

  49. PodyPo says:

    Standing with legs crossed makes them look shorter. Why do women do this?

    • minx says:

      I have no idea! She’s doing it in all three pictures. To me it looks like a little girl who has to pee.

    • OldBeeyutch says:

      I pose w my legs crossed. While it makes my silhouette smaller and camouflages fat legs, it’s also contrived & try hard. I’m affected by social media as if I was an Instagram star. Oye.

  50. Justwastingtime says:

    I had to use acutane (derivative of vitamin a) for acne as a teen… one of my kids just did the same. When we were talking to my child’s dermatologist he mentioned that acutane has a lifelong impact on your skin. Which would suggest that vitamin a would be a good thing to incorporate into your skin care regimen.. but I just use Eucderm : )

  51. Ikki says:

    Jamie Lee Curtis is right!
    Also a scam – eye cream. Regular face cream works just as well! Don’t pay for the marketing 😉

  52. Nikki says:

    Talking about skin care depresses me almost as much as financial planning! I’m 62 and my skin looks, maybe…70? I didn’t smoke, but I’m super pale and grew up around the sea before sunscreen.: But I STILL look better than Mel Gibson, who’s my age; YAY!!

    • Betsy says:

      Pick an issue that bugs you and attack it (if you like). Truly, acids can be very gentle and suitable for daily use. Retinol just generally helps the skin look better and can (gently, GENTLY – not dramatically) plump the collagen. Vitamin C helps with fine lines. You don’t need to use all of it (or any of it, if you don’t want to), but if your appearance bugs you, there is a lot of space between just letting it bug you, doing something, and going Hollywood nuts with pulling and plumping and lasers.

  53. Wendylee says:

    Part of this is genetics.
    I’ve smoked since I was 9. I like the sun. I weld so I am exposed to ultraviolet light that can burn, and am filthy at the end of the day.
    Sure, I have those frown lines between my eyes. And I lather my face with baby oil, wipe it off, then wash It, slap on whatever moisturizer I got on sale. No just washing my face with water for me. Im 50 now. And if i later really get uncomfortable about my appearance, theres botox and chem peels in my future. Yay for that option.

  54. Nibbi says:

    I honestly think the number one best thing to do is stay outta the sun. My Granny is 80 and it’s almost wrong how good her skin is & has always been- she was one of those “wash with soap & water once a day & moisturize w curel” types, tho she also likes her Estee Lauder serum once in a while. I dunno. If her good skin is just genetic, so far, I haven’t inherited it 😉 – the only thing i can figure out about why her skin is actually better than my mom’s is that she truly has spent her life indoors. (Not that I’m advocating that, though!) Everyone’s so right about sun protection.

  55. Lady2Lazy says:

    JLC has always been beautiful. My husband has always had a huge crush on her. But she is right. Sunscreen, great products that don’t cost a fortune and sleep. Wear sunscreen early in life, at least a 20 or 30’, then you can increase it if your want. You can easily look up great rated products online for reviews. Plus Allure submits drugstore winners all the time. But invest in a great sunscreen and never go out without it. I wear SPF50, even when it rains, but I live in Texas. Plus, I have a huge collection of hats and scarves. I always wear a scarf around my neck to protect it from the sun. Plus I am never in my pool without my big flappy hat.