Beauty Expert Amanda Ramsay Shares Some of Her Top Affordable Skincare for Over Fifties

When we require some of the best beauty product recommendations for mature skin, we turn to award-winning makeup artist and over forties makeup expert, Amanda Ramsay.

From her Favourite Makeup Products Under $30 for Mature Skin to the Best Fake Tan For Over '40s, she is the Queen of trawling through the sea of affordable and mature skin products to give us her expert recommendations and routines.

We know you have lots on friends, and searching for the ‘best affordable skincare and makeup mature skin Australia’ is probably at the bottom of your life admin laundry list, so luckily for us, Amanda has done all the legwork for you.

Keep scrolling for some of her current affordable skincare for mature skin must-haves.

And as Amanda says, “affordable” is a very subjective term, we understand this looks very different for everyone, so if you want to keep things in the $30 - $50 range, then these will definitely be of add-to-cart interest.

From a $40 neck-firming cream an iconic micellar water fit for even the most sensitive skins!

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser.

What: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution 250ml

Fast facts:

• Removes makeup while preserving skin’s healthy microbiome.

• Is fragrance-free and alcohol-free.

• Safe for eyelash extensions.

• Has over 400 five star reviews.

Did you know this iconic cult product was the world’s first micellar water cleanser?

It’s a fave for all ages and skin types for good reason, including Amanda who says: “It’s beautiful for all skin types, particularly if you have sensitive skin and eyes. It’s very gentle but works an absolute treat at removing your makeup.”

AB customer Kanga's Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser review:

“I love this cleanser - it does the job without irritating your skin as it's very gentle. I use this every day and my sensitive skin loves it.”

2. BOOST LAB Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum.

What: BOOST LAB Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum

Fast facts:

• A lifting and smoothing serum designed for the neck and décolletage.

• Helps with: look of sagging skin, improves crepe-like skin texture.

• Is Dermatologically-tested.

• Infused with edelweiss extract (has antioxidant properties, and can help improve skin elasticity), tef seed extract (enhances the skin's elasticity).

If you're dealing with crepiness and dryness not just on your face but also your décolletage, Amanda suggests reaching for this $40 serum.

"This serum tightens, lifts, tones and smoothes. It’s a great Aussie brand and really good value."

AB customer Rg's BOOST LAB Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum review:

"I love this serum and feel there has been a noticeable change since using this product. Lovely light texture and a few drops goes a long way. Will definitely buy again.”

3. Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum With Plant Hyaluronic Acid.

What: Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum With Plant Hyaluronic Acid 30ml

Fast facts:

• An anti-ageing serum that hydrates while also helping to brighten and even skin tone and texture.

• Is vegan and cruelty-free.

• Contains hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, bakuchiol and vinanza grape and kiwi.

• This glow-boosting and hydrating serum has a lightweight gel texture and its powerful antioxidant blend helps target dark spots, and help even out skin texture too.

Why does Amanda love it?

Besides the 'golden glow' consistency that looks beautiful under makeup (watch the YouTube video below, you’ll be sold too), it “instantly lifts the complexion" and “makes it appear more radiant while also doing the heavy-lifting. It's packed with antioxidants that are great for helping with pigmentation."

AB customer Gee's Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum review:

"This product hydrated, refined and gave my skin an amazing glow. Swapped it out for another product but will be going back to this one.” 

4. BOOST LAB Goody Goody Sun Drops SPF50+

What: BOOST LAB Goody Goody Sun Drops SPF50+ Serum 45mL

Fast facts:

• A lightweight sunscreen serum with hydrating benefits.

• Has an Australian patented SPF technology that helps activate the natural production of Vitamin D in the skin.

• Feels really moisturising on the skin and layers well under makeup.

• Is formulated with vitamin E and jojoba oil.

SPF - the most important part of anyone’s skincare routine, particularly those with ageing skin (as we know the sun is one of the biggest causes of accelerated ageing and, skin cancer).

Says Amanda about this sunscreen, “A lightweight, non -greasy serum SPF and, she’s under $40!"

Please note: Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Watch Amanda talk us through her affordable skincare picks in the YouTube video below:

5. Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.

What: Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream

Fast facts:

• Has a rich, creamy texture and forms a protective film on the face to preserve skin’s moisture and maintain skin barrier.

• Leaves skin feeling uber soft, nourished and moisturised.

• Can be used on all areas of the face and body.

• Contains the signature Avène Thermal Spring Water known for its soothing and softening properties.

• Other key ingredients include:

  • C+ Restore (a patented postbiotic ingredient which supports the skin microbiome.)

  • Copper-Zinc Sulphate: Its protective effect supports skin recovery.

  • Avène Thermal Spring Water: soothing and softening.

If you want a reliable and nourishing moisturiser (Hailey Bieber also happens to be a fan) and one of the best under $50, add this skin barrier-boosting cream to cart.

Don't let the rich texture scare you, it’s actually pretty comfy on the skin, Amanda attests to this. Her review: "A beautiful French brand and really reasonably priced."

"This whole brand is great for any of you that have sensitised and sensitive skin. It helps to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and it just melts into your skin.

It’s like a big warm cuddle for your skin.”

AB customer Kat's Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream review:

"Been using this for a few days now with my retinol and it's one of the few moisturisers that actually help hydrate and moisturise my face without making it super oily. I've heard really good stuff about this and I now understand why. Definitely recommend!"

6. The Jojoba Company Pure Jojoba Gel Mask.

What: The Jojoba Company Pure Jojoba Gel Mask 50ml

Fast facts:

• Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.

• Hydrating, moisturising and can reduce the appearance of redness.

• Is fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

• Made with pure and sustainably-grown Australian jojoba (a natural wax ester that nourishes, plumps, soothes and gives you a healthy-looking complexion).

The Jojoba Company gel mask is another top list winner for Amanda, "Especially if you're someone who has oily skin. I just love the texture of it.

It’s cooling, it’s soothing, and melts into the skin. All the products in the Jojoba Company stable are fantastic.”

AB Customer Steph's The Jojoba Company Pure Jojoba Gel Mask review:

"This is really nice mask for sensitive skin. The fine lines around my eyes always seem more hydrated after I use it as an overnight mask."

7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

What: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

Fast facts:

• Very high SPF50+ protection (UVA/UVB protection).

• Has an invisible finish suited to all skin colours.

• Doesn't sting the eyes, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

Amanda layers this under makeup and says of the cult SPF, “A broad spectrum sunscreen, lightweight, liquid-y formula."

Please note: Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

8. Jurlique Lavender Body Oil.

What: Jurlique Lavender Body Oil

Fast facts:

• A nourishing body oil with a calming lavender scent.

• Can be used as a body and massage oil.

• Skin is left feeling soft and smooth.

• Also contains calendula and chamomile.

If you’re in your self care era and focussing more on your body care routine this year (as you should) then try a calming body oil.

Says Amanda, “A body oil is a great insider secret to really deeply nourish your beautiful, mature skin.

You ideally want to apply this straight out of the shower when you do have damp skin. Otherwise just wet your hands, and apply it with damp hands."

Another pro tip from Amanda is to slather it on at night as the lavender scent can promote calm which is the perfect way to get you ready for a restful slumber.

AB Customer Lily's Jurlique Lavender Body Oil review:

"I love to apply this before bed, as it really calms my muscles, and the scent helps me wind down for the day. It also makes my skin nice and moisturised for when I wake up the next day!"

9. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm.

What: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm

Fast facts:

• Offers SPF50 broad-spectrum protection.

• These tinted lip balms are non-sticky, non-greasy and free from parabens and oxybenzone.

• Rich in nourishing ingredients (lanolin, shea butter, cacao seed butter) to soothe chapped lips.

• They come in four gorgeous shades (nude, rose, peach, shimmer) that are perfect for everyday.

We often forget our pouts need sun protection too! Ultra Violette's Sheen Screen is the perfect gift for yourself and anyone in your life.

Why is it a top pick for Amnada?

“Juicy, plumper, fuller-looking lips with SPF 50!”

Enough said.

Want more of Amanda's top tips and recommendations? Check out these BIQs:

• Bargain vs Bougie: The 6 Best Foundations For Mature Skin in Australia

• A Makeup Artist Shares Her Favourite Makeup Products Under $30 for Mature Skin

• I’m an Over 40s Makeup Artist & These Are My Top Humidity-Proof Makeup Hacks