25 Things I’ve Learned As I’ve Gotten Older… And Wiser!

Aging isn’t all wrinkles and gray hairs. Sure, there’s a bit of that, but there’s also so much wisdom (and beauty!) that comes with each passing year.

Aging is an adventure, and as I get older, I realize that wisdom comes from experience, and sometimes, a little trial and error. But one thing’s for sure; I’m embracing this next chapter with open arms, a lot of grace, and a little extra lash power.

Here are 25 things I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, wiser, and, if I am being honest, a little more fabulous along the way.

1. Eyelashes Are Everything

I don’t care how you do it—extensions, serums, a really good mascara—eyelashes make any look complete. They can elevate your whole face in seconds, and if you’ve got extensions, they’ll save you precious minutes in the morning. Plus, who doesn’t love a fluttery lash moment?

2. Marry Your Best Friend

Seriously, if you’re going to spend forever with someone, make sure they’re someone you genuinely like as a person. It’s not just about romance; it’s about being with someone who will love you with all your quirks, laugh at your weirdest jokes, and still be your biggest cheerleader even when you’ve had a rough day.

3. Great Skin = Confidence

Nothing, and I mean nothing, makes you feel more like a million bucks than waking up with glowing, clear skin. So invest in skincare that works for you, and don’t underestimate the power of a good facial. It’s not about vanity — it’s about feeling your best!

4. Find a Great Aesthetic Provider (Injector) — But Trust Them When They Say No

You know that feeling when you leave your aesthetic provider or injectables appointment and you look fabulous, but not like a completely different person? That’s the magic. A good injector knows when to stop, and they’ll remind you that less is more!

5. Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin, BUT GLP-1s Are Game Changers

You need to love yourself and become comfortable in your own shape, size and skin, BUT if you haven’t heard about GLP-1s (like Ozempic or Wegovy), listen to me! These little miracle workers are life savers for anyone looking to manage their weight or metabolism. They help with insulin resistance, appetite control and can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day.

6. Life Is a Series of Seasons

Some days you’re in a winter, other days it feels like the sun will never set. Embrace it all. Sometimes the tough seasons give way to the best ones, and each chapter helps shape who you’re becoming.

7. Grown Children Getting Married is a Roller Coaster

When your kids start getting married, it’s like watching someone else’s dream come true, but you still feel like you should be telling them where the snacks are and reminding them to wear a jacket in the cold. It’s a weird combo of pride, joy, and a teeny bit of “How did we get here so fast?!” Embrace every second with them.

8. Losing a Loved One Never Gets Easier

Losing a parent, a pet, or anyone you love doesn’t have a timetable. It’s something that stays with you, and even though the grief changes over time, it’s always there. But you learn how to carry it, and eventually, it doesn’t hurt as much—just differently.

9. Confidence Isn’t About Perfection

Somewhere along the way, I learned that confidence is not about having everything together—it’s about being comfortable in your own skin, quirks, and all. And guess what? Imperfections make you interesting.

10. Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Lip Gloss

A swipe of lip gloss can instantly take you from “I rolled out of bed 10 minutes ago” to “I’m ready to conquer the world.” Seriously, this one product does it for me and can be a total mood booster.

11. Quality Friends Are Everything

Friendships should be about quality, not quantity. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who you can call at 2 a.m. when life feels hard, and who make you laugh until your stomach hurts. You don’t need a huge circle, just the right people.

12. Don’t Sleep on Hydration

Water, water, water. Drink it like you’re a desert cactus, and your skin will thank you. Dehydration shows up faster than you think—on your face, your mood, and even your energy levels.

13. Take the Trip

It’s easy to talk yourself out of taking that weekend getaway or booking that vacation. But life moves fast, and if you don’t hit pause every once in a while, you’ll burn out. Travel, explore, and make memories.

14. It's Okay to Say "No"

It took me a while to learn this one. Saying “no” isn’t rude—it’s setting boundaries. Protect your time, energy, and mental health.

15. Practice Gratitude, Even on the Hard Days

It’s not always easy to find things to be grateful for, but even on the toughest days, there’s always something small to appreciate—a hot cup of tea, a great song, or the sun peeking through the clouds.

16. Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine

If you haven’t laughed today, stop what you’re doing and watch a funny video or call a friend who knows how to crack you up.

17. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Taking time for yourself is necessary, not indulgent. Whether it’s a quiet bath, meditating, or a facial, you deserve to recharge.

18. You’re Never Too Old for an Impromptu Dance Party

Put on your favorite song and dance like no one’s watching.

19. Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder—But Confidence is the True Glow Up

A confident person can make anything look good. Whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup or none at all, confidence is the secret ingredient that really makes you glow.

20. There’s No Such Thing as Too Much SPF

Protecting your skin from the sun is a non-negotiable. I don’t care if it’s cloudy—SPF should be part of your daily routine. Wrinkles may be inevitable, but sun damage doesn’t have to be.

21. It’s Okay to Outgrow People

As you get older, you may find that some relationships no longer serve you. And that’s okay! Surround yourself with those who lift you higher and leave behind those who drag you down.

22. Pet Love is Pure Magic

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things you’ll go through, but the love they give while they’re here is unmatched. Cherish the snuggles, the tail wags, and those quiet moments together.

23. Be Kind to Your Younger Self

The things you worried about when you were younger? They likely don’t matter anymore. Cut yourself some slack. You’ve grown, and that’s worth celebrating.

24. Success Looks Different at Every Age

What success means in your 20’s may not be the same in your 50’s, and that’s perfectly fine. Success is about doing what makes you feel fulfilled and proud of the person you’ve become.

25. Cherish Every Moment—They Go By Fast

Time moves quickly, especially when you’re looking back. So, cherish the little moments—those quiet mornings, the hugs, the shared laughter. One day, those will be the memories you hold onto the tightest.


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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.

Reintroducing Myself!

Hello, beauties! I’m Teri Cosenzi, the creator of beautifulmakeupsearch.com, a beauty blog I first launched almost 24 years ago. Can you believe it? It feels like a lifetime ago when I hit "publish" on my very first blog post, not knowing how it would change my life and allow me to connect with so many amazing people who share my passion for beauty.

Today, as we prepare to ring in 2025, I’m thrilled to reintroduce myself and share my exciting plans for the next chapter of Beautiful Makeup Search.

A Look Back: How It All Began

Back in 2001, when I started beautifulmakeupsearch.com, beauty blogging was in its infancy. I was simply a beauty girl who had a bad experience at a beauty counter and wanted to share how to make things better. This grew into a love of discovering the latest products with others that had experienced the same, sharing honest reviews, and helping others navigate the ever-growing world of makeup and skincare. It was my creative outlet and my way of connecting with others who shared the same obsession with lipsticks, mascaras, and miracle creams.

Over the years, the blog evolved into a trusted resource for beauty lovers around the world. I’ve tested thousands of products, shared tips and tricks, and provided recommendations that I hope saved you time and money while finding the products that work for you.

Life, however, has a way of shifting priorities, and in recent years, I’ve taken a step back from blogging to focus on my family, other opportunities, and personal growth.

Refocusing for 2025

As we approach 2025, I’m excited to announce that I am refocusing and dedicating myself to relaunching beautifulmakeupsearch.com and my social media channels. This new chapter is deeply personal to me, as it marks a return to my first love: beauty and sharing my love for it online. It also comes with a renewed mission and a fresh perspective.

My mission has always been simple: to help you save time and money by curating only the best makeup, skincare, and beauty products that truly deliver results. As I relaunch the site, I’ll also be diving deeper into the world of anti-aging beauty—a passion that’s become even more important to me over the years. From tried-and-true treatments to the latest innovations, I’ll be your go-to guide for looking and feeling your best at any age.

What to Expect in 2025

The new beautifulmakeupsearch.com will be more than just a beauty blog or online beauty site. It will be a reflection of my journey and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way. In addition to product reviews and beauty tips, I’ll be sharing more personal stories and insights about my life, from navigating challenges to celebrating milestones.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

  1. Personal Stories: I’ll be opening up about my life, including the ups and downs, to connect with you on a deeper level.

  2. Anti-Aging Beauty Products and Treatments: From skincare to in-office procedures, I’ll share the best treatments I find.

  3. Beauty That Saves Time and Money: I’ll continue to test countless products to bring you only the best of the best, ensuring your beauty routine is efficient and effective.

  4. Exclusive Content: Expect in-depth guides, tutorials, and insider tips that you won’t find anywhere else.

  5. A Community of Beauty Lovers: I want beautifulmakeupsearch.com to feel like home for beauty enthusiasts of all ages. Let’s learn, grow, and glow together!

Join Me on This Journey

As I step back into the world of online beauty, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what’s to come. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to beautifulmakeupsearch.com, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Let’s explore the ever-changing world of beauty together, sharing stories, products, and inspiration along the way.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here’s to a beautiful 2025 and beyond!

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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.

The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Makeup Brushes: Why, How, and How Often

Your makeup brushes are a must have and the ultimate staple of your beauty routine. Seriously, makeup brushes are the unsung heroes in your makeup bag. They help blend, contour, and apply products seamlessly, making your face and makeup look its absolute best. But if you're not cleaning them regularly, they could be doing more harm than good.

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, and even degrade your makeup's quality. Let’s dive into why, how, and how often you should wash your makeup brushes.

Why you should wash your makeup brushed often!

  1. Prevent Bacteria Build-Up: Brushes collect oils, makeup residue, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent skin irritations and breakouts.

  2. Prolong the Life of Your Brushes: Dirty bristles become stiff and prone to breakage, shortening their lifespan.

  3. Ensure Flawless Application: Clean brushes pick up and distribute product evenly, giving you a smoother finish.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

  • Foundation and Concealer Brushes: Once a week. These brushes handle liquid or cream products, which are more likely to harbor bacteria.

  • Eyeshadow Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on how often you use them and how many shades you apply.

  • Lip and Eyeliner Brushes: After every use to avoid transferring bacteria or pigments.

  • Powder Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, as powders are less prone to bacteria build-up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Brushes

What You’ll Need

Instructions

  1. Wet the Bristles:
    Hold the brush under lukewarm water, angling the bristles downward to avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). Water in the ferrule can loosen the glue and cause shedding.

  2. Apply Cleanser:
    Squeeze a small amount of brush cleanser onto your palm or a brush cleaning mat.

  3. Lather Up:
    Swirl the brush gently in the cleanser, creating a lather. Focus on working out makeup residue without pressing too hard on the bristles.

  4. Rinse Thoroughly:
    Rinse the bristles under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure there’s no soap residue left.

  5. Reshape and Dry:
    Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This allows them to air-dry completely without moisture seeping into the ferrule.

Quick Tips for Busy Days

  • Use a daily brush cleanser spray for in-between washes. Spritz the cleanser onto a paper towel and gently wipe your brushes to remove surface product and bacteria.

Brush Care FAQ

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my brushes?
A: Dish soap can be harsh on bristles over time. Stick to gentle cleansers or shampoos designed specifically for makeup brushes. Some of my favorite makeup brushes cleansers includes this one

Q: How do I clean beauty sponges?
A: Wet the sponge, apply a cleanser, and squeeze out the product under running water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Q: Do natural and synthetic brushes require different cleaning methods?
A: Not really, but natural brushes may need a conditioning step to keep bristles soft.

By keeping your makeup brushes clean and cared for, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also improve your skin health and makeup application. Set a schedule, make it a habit, and your brushes (and skin!) will thank you.

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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.