This is What 40+ Looks Like

Owner of New York City’s Cozy’s Cuts salons

On having an aha! idea: “I was in my twenties- without children- when I opened my first Cozy’s Cuts for Kids salon. I had no background in the beauty industry. I just thought a kids-only salon was a good idea and couldn’t believe there weren’t already a million in Manhattan. The day we opened, there was a line around the block.”

On staying stimulated: "I think there are two kinds of people: those who try new things that help them evolve and grow, and those who rest on their laurels. I try to keep myself in the former group by taking on new ventures like So Cozy, a line of kid’s hair products (Cozycuts.com) and I’m writing a book on styling children’s hair."

On minimal makeup:
“I find that as I age, wearing almost no makeup actually makes me look fresher and younger. My favorite product is Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow ($20; bobbibrowncosmetics.com).”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

Salon owner and hairstylist

On personal style: “I admire women over 40 who have a distinct look, like Diane Keaton and Sharon Stone. Midlife women dress for themselves and no one else, and I think it shows in how we carry ourselves.”

On her hair: “Aging sucks, but I say that with a smile. I’m embracing the changes. Though I was once known as ‘the hairstylist with a shaved head,’ I’ve decided to grow out my hair. It’s drier than it was when I was younger, but I’ve found Lubriderm body lotion makes a great leave-in conditioner.”

On beauty rest: “Since entering menopause, I have trouble falling asleep. Reading a novel or doing the New York Times crossword puzzle helps to quiet my mind.”

On travel: “I enjoy seeing how other people in other cultures live. When I was in my 20s, it was all about me. Now I want to understand others.”

Plastic surgeon in New York

On professional growth: “Because I now know what it’s like to see age-related changes in my own face and body, I’m a more empathetic doctor and am better able to counsel my patients.”

On getting work done: “

I do get Botox, but what’s made the biggest difference was using fillers to get rid of the hollowing under my eyes. It changed my life! Not only do I look less tired, I actually feel it too.”

On her big beauty mistake: “


I used to wear my hair way too short. When I was training to be a surgeon, I didn’t have time to deal with it, so I cut it all off. It was not a good look on me.”

On simple skin care: “
I don’t have time for a long, tedious regimen. In the morning I cleanse [Clinique Medical Probiotic Cleanser, $28; cliniquemedical.com], moisturize [Fresh Crème Ancienne, $250; fresh.com] and apply sun block [Nia 24 Sun Damage Protection SPF 30, $45; nia24.com]. In the evening I repeat this regimen, but I use a retinoid lotion [Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5, $50; skinceuticals .com] instead of sunscreen.”

Vice President of Communications for Giorgio Armani Beauty

On her fashion choices: “
Mr. Armani says, ‘It’s not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.’ So I keep that in mind when dressing. I’d rather someone say ‘Kelly always looks elegant’ than ‘Look at that jacket she’s wearing.’ ”

On living in the fast lane: “

I got married, gave birth to two sons and moved from New York City to Connecticut, all within the last two and a half years.”

On bad beauty advice: “


My friend is a famous makeup artist. He’s a genius. But he told me to get bangs, and I will always hold that against him. Worst decision of my life. Other people pick the wrong husband; I chose to get bangs.”

On her beauty regimen: “
When I find something that works, I’m loyal. Two products I swear by: Armani Sheer Lipstick in #10 [$25] and Armani Crema Nera Regenerating Serum [$230; both at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Public relations director

On signature colors: “I always wore black when I was younger because I thought it looked more sophisticated. But then my mother sent me to a color analyst; it was 1985, and these people were everywhere. They gave me a color chart and told me to wear baby blue and pink. After years of resistance, I now love color.”

On being professional: “Years ago, I was representing Halston at New York’s Fashion Week. As the designer was being interviewed after his show, I walked right by saying, ‘Oh, shit’ and didn’t realize I’d been caught on camera until the segment aired on national TV. After that I learned to be more aware of my surroundings.”

On the perfect morning: “I always feel confident when I start my day with yoga—it’s spiritual, I can meditate, and it makes me feel more balanced. When I’m doing a reverse warrior, I can’t tell what my hair looks like, so bad hair days don’t matter. That said, achieving balance and good hair on the same day would be ideal.”

TV news personality and a managing director of Kroll (a risk consulting firm)

On her unlikely path to TV: “In my 30s, I was a prosecutor, but I secretly wanted to be Barbara Walters. Then I gave a speech at a law conference and was discovered by a producer for Court TV. Next thing I knew, I was appearing on Bill O’Reilly’s show as a legal analyst, and shortly before my 40th birthday, I landed on CNN.”

On her long to-do list: “In addition to my gigs at Kroll and CNN, I’m getting a master’s degree in journalism from Harvard, I’m shopping a TV talk show, and I have a book coming out this year.”

On her beauty obsessions: “I’m addicted to Lancome’s Pure Focus T-Zone Matifier ($27; lancome-usa.com). I hate to look shiny on camera.”

On her favorite accessory: “When I was a child, my father wore this black onyx ring. I coveted that ring and asked him for it repeatedly over the years, but he always said no. Finally, on my 40th birthday he gave it to me, saying he’d waited until I was truly comfortable in my own skin.”

Co-owner of graphic design firm Sajedesign

On miniskirts: “I grew up in a fairly strict house and wasn’t really able to express myself through fashion. So now I wear everything super short. And I will do that as long as I possibly can.”

On her favorite outfit: “I hate to wear things you see coming and going. I prefer vintage clothes – like my yellow and orange 1960s Rudi Gernreich shift dress. I pair it with chunky jewelry.”

On skin care: “I used to just wash my face and go. Then the aesthetician Aida Bicaj changed my skin. She told me to use Biologique RechercheLait Oxygenant VIP 02 Cleanser and Serum Yall 02 at home.”

On downtime: “At this point in my life, I love to sleep and watch TV. We have two Tivos, and it’s not enough. I watch Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Life on Mars, Top Chef, and The Real Housewives of any city. I I love it all.”

President of the fashion house Luca Luca

On making time for makeup: “I spend 30 seconds on my face—in between getting breakfast for my five-year-old son, Joshua, and putting on my clothes.” In her makeup bag: Fresh Bronzing Face Luster ($45; fresh.com), Lancome Definicils Mascara ($24; lancome-usa.com) and Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Sandstone ($32; chanel.com)

On being in her 40s: “This is my best age. My 20s were hard—I moved to the U.S. from Turkey, and I wasn’t sure yet who I was. In my 30s, I figured out what I liked and went after it. Now, at 42, I’m enjoying the rewards of working hard for two decades. I’ve never been more confident.”

On getting dressed: “I was more into fashion before I was actually in the business Now, I value a simpler wardrobe with only very good quality pieces. You won’t find me in the trend of the moment.”