This Is What 40+ Looks Like

Agnes Landau, 49

Senior VP of Global Marketing for Clinique

On choosing the beauty biz “I grew up in Puerto Rico, and makeup is a big part of my culture; I adore it. I moved to New York to get my MBAand because I wanted to work with the big guys in the beauty business.”

On her product picks “Red lips are my signature. So my must-have is Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Chunky Cherry [$16; clinique.com].”

On getting dressed “My favorite piece is a purple Prada jacket. Everyone in New York always wears black, but I like a bit of color.”

On her antiaging strategy“Jogging keeps me in shape. I also exfoliate my face twice a day with a washcloth, use Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus [$67; clinique.com] and wear black eyeliner to keep my eyes looking sharp. Also, I laugh a lot.”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

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Melanie Acevedo

Melanie Griffith, 42

Indoor-cycling teacher

On switching gears

“I used to be a lawyer. But about five years ago, I decided to check out a new indoor-cycling studio called Soul Cycle [soulcycle.com] and fell in love. On my 40th birthday, I taught my own class for fun. Today teaching indoor cycling is my full-time job.”

On her biggest challenge

“I was diagnosed with chronic lymphoma in November 2010, but I don't feel sick. In fact, I feel stronger and healthier than ever. So I say this is just a computer glitch and I need a reboot. To cope, I started writing a blog called I Am Now the Journey [iamnowthejourney.wordpress.com]. And I got four new tattoos.”

On loving her locks

“I chopped off my long, wavy hair when I found out I needed chemo. Now I'm wearing clothes from the back of my closet that I previously couldn't pull off—but that look great with my new funky ’do.”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

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Melanie Acevedo

Lisa Marie Todd, 48

Jewelry Designer

On leaving the L.A. scene

“In my twenties, I was an actress on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,and I danced as a Fly Girl on In Living Color. But I gave it all up after getting married and having a daughter, because I wanted a schedule I had more control over.”

On building her own business

“Five years ago, I bought a jewelry-design manual, then signed up for a class. At first making jewelry was just a hobby, but in 2009 I turned it into a business [marietodd.com].”

On her kinder, gentler workout

“I used to dance eight hours a day, but can’t imagine doing that now! I hike and take Pilates because I love to cook—and eat."

On her beautiful skin

“I started buying Olay as a teen—though now I use the anti-aging line! My favorite is Olay Regenerist Serum [$20; drugstore.com]. I also love Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep [$35; bobbibrowncosmetics.com].”

As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

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Melanie Acevedo

Dini Von Mueffling, 45

Writer

On doing what she loves

“As a child, I always dreamed about being a writer . . . and now I am one. Next up is a book for young adults on the history of fashion.”

On her passion project

“I cofounded an AIDS charity, Love Heals [loveheals.org], after my friend Alison Gertz died of the disease in 1992.”

On taking care of her mane

“My mother said, ‘Don’t color your hair until you must’—advice that kept my hair healthy. Now a colorist covers my grays with L’Oréal Professionnel’s ammonia-free INOA dye [inoa-us.com].”

On owning her age

“The day before I turned 40, I panicked and went out to run 10 miles. On mile nine, I said, ‘What am I doing? This is ridiculous; you don’t need to prove anything.’ And I went home. Today I’m not at all freaked out about my next birthday. There’s serenity in letting go.”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

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Melanie Acevedo

Nicole Murphy, 43

Jewelry designer

On turning a hobby into profit

“I used to sit on my bathroom floor and bead jewelry to relax. Then I started wearing the pieces when I went out, and people asked where they could buy them. So I joined forces with a friend to create a jewelry line, Friendship, Love & Peace by Nicole Murphy [friendshiplovepeace.com].”

On editing her wardrobe

“I’m into classics. I want to be able to pull it out of my closet in five years and have it still work. No more waste.”

On dating . . . again

“Since my divorce [ex is Eddie Murphy], I don’t tolerate nonsense: ‘This is me. And this is what I expect out of you.’ ”

On her beauty staples

“I’m growing my hair, and Wen Pomegranate Cleansing Conditioner [$36; chazdean.com] is making the process manageable. As for makeup, I love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 [$42; sephora.com] and Lancôme Définicils Mas-
cara [$29; lancome-usa.com].”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski

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Perry Hagopian

Cozy Friedman, 44

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

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Photo by: Rainer Hosch

Taryn Rose, 44

Shoe Designer

ON GOING FROM MD TO DESIGNER
“As an orthopedic surgeon, I heard patients constantly complain about the lack of comfortable but stylish heels. So I created my own line. My designs are both feet-friendly and fashionable.”

ON HER MASCARA-FREE ROUTINE
“Being a former surgeon with steady hands is helpful when it comes to my best beauty trick: false lashes. I pop them on every day, which allows me to skip regular eye makeup. Other than that, I rely on Armani Luminous Silk Foundation [$59; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com] to keep my skin looking fresh.”

ON DROPPING 30 POUNDS
“Two years ago, I realized that my business was thriving but my health was not. I was tired, depressed and overweight. So I started working out and even took up competitive skiing. It’s like doing a squat for five hours, which is great for my 44-year-old bottom!”

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Melanie Acevedo

Nancy Jarecki, 47

Founder of Betty Beauty

On how she got her big idea

“I was at a salon in Rome where I saw the colorist giving each of her clients a little bag as she left. I thought maybe it was biscotti. But the receptionist told me, ‘It’s extra color to match the hair down there.’ At that moment, Betty Beauty, my line of pubic-hair dyes [bettybeauty.com; $15], was born.”

On playing the (beauty) field
“Every month I try new things. The only product to which I’m loyal: L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara in Brown [$7; drugstores].”

On her chic short 'do

“Last year I suffered a massive brain aneurysm, and the subsequent surgeries left me with no hair. But as it grows in, people say a pixie suits me. I like to think it’s Tinker Bell–ish.”

On the joy of a second chance
“My brush with death has magnified everything. The tiniest things greatly affect me now, whether it’s song lyrics or my daughter’s giggle. I sit back and think, I can’t believe I almost missed this.”

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Jiyon Lee, MD, 41

Radiologist

On being an MD mom:

"Growing up, I was very shy and serious. My husband and three kids have brought fun and levity into my life, which balances out the seriousness of my job. It’s important for me to incorporate a sense of joy in all that I do."

On hitting the pavement:

"I’ve done 25 marathons and hope to keep running until I need a walker. With my schedule, I can’t just go to the gym for vanity’s sake. I always have a charity run scheduled to motivate my training."

On her beauty essentials:

"I’m loyal to my Merle Norman skin care routine. My favorite product is their Luxiva Brilliant-C Serum [$44; merle norman.com for stores]. And I can’t live without a good plum lipstick like Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani in 601 [$30; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com."

On loving her forties: "I absolutely love my age. I’m confident in my career and happy with my home life. Why not embrace this age instead of dreading it?"

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Photo by Rainer Hosch

Jennifer Higgins, 41

Founder of beauty brand Miss Oops

On her first invention

"I went shopping for a black dress, and the only one in my size had deodorant on it. So the saleswoman rubbed foam from a hanger on the spot, and it disappeared. It was then that my first product, Miss Oops Rescue Sponge [$10; missoops.com, was born."

On her crowning glory

"My hair is the reason I’m always late. Between the products, blowout and curlers, styling takes me forever."

On her peachy complexion

"Daily I use Shiseido Daytime Emulsion SPF 15 [$48; sephora.com. I also said I’d never do Botox; then I turned 40. Now I see my doctor every four months."

On her fashion favorites

"I live in jeans and black James Perse T-shirts. Once in a while I’ll get crazy and wear navy blue."

On her work-life balance

"Balance is overshooting. Manage is more like it."

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Photo by Rainer Hosch

Carol Brodie, 47

Jewelry Designer

On becoming her own boss:

"I spent my twenties and thirties building other people’s brands [Brodie was Harry Winston’s global director of communications]. Then, in my forties, I set out to create my own jewelry line, Rarities hsn.com."

On building a biz at 40:

"I hope I inspire other women to become entrepreneurs. It’s at this point in our lives that we have the guts and brains to do great things."

On her inner circle:

"I speak my mind and I know what I say can often make people cringe. So I surround myself with people who are open-minded, who don’t judge."

On her beauty must-haves: "I love June Jacobs skin care, especially the Redness Diffusing Masque [$56; junejacobs.com. And I can’t live without Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder [$46; sephora.com, Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lip Gloss in Red Sole [$25; purplelabnyc.com and Tarte Flower Child Eyeshadow Palette [$44; sephora.com."

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Photo by Perry Hagopian

Debbi Hartley-Triesch, 42

National Merchandise Manager for Nordstrom Cosmetics

On her favorite products: "I learned about good skincare at 18, when I first started working at a makeup counter. Today I use aesthetician Kate Somerville’s eponymous line (nordstrom.com) to make my complexion glow and even out my skin tone. Makeup-wise, it’s my job to test new cosmetics. But my tried-and-true items are DiorShow Mascara, Nars Orgasm Blush, and MAC Dazzleglass lipcolour ($24; $25; and $18 respectively; nordstrom.com)."

On work success: "I think my strong work ethic stems from something my first manager told me: "Treat every day like you’re trying out for the job."

On vegging out: "Relaxing for me is playing Barbies with my six-year old daughter."

On the future: "I couldn’t have mapped out a life this rich. Any additional good that comes my way now is a bonus." Click here for next slideshow: This is What 50+ Looks Like

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Photo by Perry Hagopian

Edris Nicholls, 44

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."

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Photo by: Alexandre Weinberger

Haideh Hirmand, 46

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."

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Photo by: Perry Hagopian

Yildiz Blackstone, 42

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."

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Photo by: Alexandre Weinberger

Kelly Thompson, 42

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."

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Photo by: Alexandre Weinberger

Laura Henson, 40

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."

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Photo by: Nick Cardillicchio

Sunny Hostin, 40

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."

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Photo by: Perry Hagopian

Jane Wagman, 40

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."

Click here for This is What 50+ Looks Like

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