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Less than ten years ago, very few people used the word perimenopause. Now it’s normal chatter between girlfriends over lunch (and a topic of conversation at our actress’ round table).
If you need a quick cheat sheet on perimenopause, it’s the years leading up to menopause (which is defined as the year after a woman’s last period), when a woman experiences a drop in hormones, which can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that this has or will affect half the population, prompting beauty entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity, not only to improve their bottom lines, but also to serve a population that felt ignored. The perimenopause retail category is here, and the sector — beauty and otherwise — is expected to rake in $600 billion by the end of this year, according to the Global Wellness Summit.
With women in the entertainment industry, including Naomi Watts, Tracee Ellis Ross and Gillian Anderson, becoming more vocal on the subject, it seems Hollywood is finally ready to talk about menopause. Watts was one of the pioneers in the field, founding perimenopause brand Stripes Beauty in 2022 and publishing her book Dare I say it earlier this year.
“For too long, menopause and aging have been treated as the end, when in reality they are just another chapter, and a very powerful chapter at that,” Watts said exclusively. The Hollywood Reporteradding that the entertainment industry has made progress in recent years in recognizing women in midlife. “Hollywood is finally starting to tell stories about women in their 40s and show them as dynamic, fully realized characters, in all their complexities. In the last year alone, we’ve seen some incredible leading roles for women at this stage of life – Demi Moore in The bottomPamela Anderson in The last showgirlNicole Kidman in Little girlMarianne Jean-Baptiste in Hard truths – and these performances were among the most exciting of the year.
Chef and talk show host Carla Hall, brand ambassador for perimenopause Cairo, applauds the change in the entertainment industry as it trickles down to the general public. “By naming it, normalizing it, and sharing how it continues to shape who we are, we make it part of the larger cultural conversation.”
But don’t expect women to buy into it just because Hollywood says so. As told by Frances Shoemack, founder of the perfume brand Abel THR“I don’t believe there will be room for empty marketing claims; women of this age and stage demand integrity from brands and products.” In a market already saturated with perimenopause products, these 11 products stand out as ones worth adding to your cart.
Abel Pause Eau de Parfum
This unisex fragrance contains ingredients known for their therapeutic qualities aimed at relieving complaints related to perimenopause, including mood fluctuations and lack of sleep. This green floral includes luscious mimosa for its mood-stabilizing properties, narcissus to promote sleep, violet leaves to help reduce stress, and hay to promote tranquility.
Frances Shoemack, founder and creator of the brand, tells THR“We wanted to be part of a changing dialogue around perimenopause and thought there was a place for using fragrance for this purpose.” The couple Rita Ora and Taika Waititi are fans of the brand.
Stripes Crown Pleaser Thickening and Moisturizing Hair Mask for Thinning Hair
Industry fans of the Watts brand include Ellis Ross, Sarah Paulson, Chelsea Handler and Jenna Lyons. Director and screenwriter Mrianda July likes the Crown Pleaser hair mask, designed to nourish thinning hair without leaving the scalp feeling greasy.
Alo Magnesium Reset Spray
Dr. Lara Briden, author of The Hormone Repair Manualexplains that “body pain is the number one symptom of perimenopause.” She tells us that joint pain in the fingers, feet and shoulders is very common among women in their forties. Magnesium levels decrease with estrogen levels, which can lead to pain, mood swings, and trouble sleeping.
That being said, taken as a supplement or topically, magnesium is essential. Alo’s Reset Spray can be sprayed directly onto painful areas, while Epsom-It Bath Bombs ($12.73 $13.99) are perfect to quickly add to a bath for a dose of relief all over the body.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Eyelash Extension Mascara Tube
No, you’re not just imagining it: your eyes tend to water more during perimenopause and beyond, and yes, your eyelids become droopier. And again, yes, these things probably cause your eye makeup to run. Clean beauty brand Thrive Causemetics has a solution with its best-selling tube mascara. Julia Louis Dreyfus and Meghan Markle are fans of the brand’s award-winning mascara.
Caire Beauty Triple Lift Molecular Mask
Caire is another brand that has established itself as a premium label in the perimenopause and menopause beauty category. The products are designed with super hydrating ingredients (think hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides) that help replenish skin that dries out as estrogen wanes. Carla Hall tells us she uses the Triple Lift Molecular Mask “at least once a week, and whenever I know I’ll be wearing heavy makeup. It doesn’t feel heavy, but leaves your skin feeling like healthy skin.”
Avara Face Restore Moisturizing Barrier Repair Cream
Created by Santa Monica-based surgeon Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, Avara products are designed with hormonal changes in mind. The brand’s flagship moisturizer contains squalane, glycerin and ceramides to protect the skin barrier, while arnica, calendula and aloe calm irritation and redness.
Lubify Luxe Lube Neroli
There are currently a number of lubricants on the market designed to improve the comfort and pleasure of women during peri and menstruation. Using lubricant also decreases the occurrence of urinary tract infections, a common complaint among women at this stage. Lubify’s luxury offering contains vitamin E to soften skin, hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, and silicone for irritation-free glide.
Helight Sleep Red Light Therapy Sleep Device
Sleep problems are one of the main complaints of perimenopausal women. Dr. Briden recommends using red light therapy at night to address this problem, while avoiding blue lights until morning. The Helight Sleep Red Light Therapy Sleep Device, small enough to easily carry anywhere, runs a 28-minute cycle using precise wavelengths to give your brain and body the beauty rest they need.
Arbonne HerCore Essentials Cooling Mist
Even if you haven’t experienced hot flashes, you’ve probably heard of them, because they are the symptom synonymous with menopause. This mist instantly feels refreshing, while using ginkgo stem cell extract and an exclusive skin-soothing complex to hydrate skin for long-term benefits.
GM Collin Mature Perfection Collection: Day cream, Night cream, Serum
This trio of products, which includes Mature Perfection Serum, Mature Perfection Day Cream and Mature Perfection Night Cream, addresses issues related to decreasing hormones, including skin laxity, hydration levels and cell turnover. Users report firmer and visibly plumped skin after use.
