The Cast of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Told Us All Their Beauty Secrets

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Collage: Briana Rengifo; Source Images: Courtesy of ABC

I could have sworn the first season of The Golden Bachelor was a fever dream I had two years ago. It shouldn't have been groundbreaking for a reality TV show to feature a couple dozen women over the age of 50 vying for love—no insulting gimmicks, no downplaying their worth—but it was. Although the love shared by the first season's winning couple was fleeting (Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist divorced just three months after their live televised nuptials), the impact its cast had on us as viewers remains. It rewired people's perceptions about women “of a certain age."

We watched the women form genuine connections with one another, battle complex feelings about love and marriage, goof off in the mansion, and get fiercely competitive during group challenges. Audiences fell so hard in love with Joan Vassos, she became the inaugural Golden Bachelorette last year, when the nation rooted for her to finally find her match—which she did, with now-fiancé Chock Chapple.

And now we all get to do it again. The Golden Bachelor returns to ABC on September 24, and it promises to be every bit as heartwarming as its predecessor. And much like the original cast, the competitors of season two are a bunch of absolute knockouts (respectfully!) in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. If you know anything about the Bachelor franchise, you know they were mostly in charge of doing their own glam work on set and prepping their hair and skin before arriving at the mansion—so I asked the cast to break down their MVP beauty products, the tools and treatments they can't live without, and the advice they'd give to their younger selves.

Lily, 72

Her day-to-day beauty routine: I’m pretty simple with my skin care. I use Olay cleansing wipes at night and their Regenerist moisturizer. Occasionally, I’ll use a serum and undereye cream. I only wash my hair once a week and use an argan oil hair mask. I also use heat protectant before I blow-dry. I’m very simple on makeup; foundation and mascara are the most important.

The best beauty tip she learned on set: To use sunscreen all the time and wear a hat and sunglasses in the sun.

Andra, 77

Her non-negotiable skin care must-have: I have used prescription Retin-A cream 0.05 percent on my neck and face every evening for 36 years. I swear by it. I am 77 years old, and my facial wrinkles are limited and have been forming around my eyes just in the past four years.

Her biggest beauty regret: I wish I had learned to avoid the sun in my 20s and 30s. I do my best to avoid the sun now—I have been since my early 40s. I also just began using sunscreen (I know...bad girl!).

Her pared-down makeup routine: I did not use makeup at all before filming The Golden Bachelor. I only wore it once at my wedding over 50 years ago. A professional applied it. Now I use a little. I use mostly L'Oréal eyeliner, Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Mascara, and MAC lipstick. I am pretty basic.

Nicolle, 64

Her non-negotiable beauty must-haves: For skin, my own “fountain of youth” face serum and body butter. I created them—they’re organic and better than any product I could buy, especially for mature skin. For hair, the Wet Brush Detangler. For makeup, the IT Cosmetics CC Cream foundation.

The best beauty tip she learned on set: When you wear fake lashes, use mascara, swiping up from your top waterline to glue your fake lash to your real lash—plus, it makes the lashes look fuller.

Her beauty splurging philosophy: I don’t splurge. I believe in a plant-based diet and lots of sleep. The two best inside-out beauty “products.”

Carla, 62

Her biggest beauty splurges: I love getting facials that are tailored to my skin needs, and eyelash extensions are a delightful splurge. I prefer natural extensions that add a subtle pop to my eyes. Massages are a little luxury that I consider essential. They help relax my muscles, reduce stress, and improve circulation, all of which contribute to a radiant complexion.

Her biggest beauty regret: I wish I had spent more time exploring and experimenting with makeup during my 30s and 40s. Over time, I've lost some confidence, and now feel like I'm playing catch-up, especially when it comes to current makeup applications. The last thing I want is to look outdated with old practices that inadvertently age me.

Her “straightforward” day-to-day beauty routine: I absolutely love the Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser by Allies of Skin. It's so gentle and leaves my skin clean without that annoying residue. I’m all about sun protection, so Black Girl Sunscreen is my go-to because it doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast. When it comes to my hair, I keep it simple with my sisterlocks. I’m pretty low-maintenance and only use products when it's shampoo day. My favorites are NVLX Locs Loading Shampoo and Lush Locs Nourishing Hair Oil. As for makeup, I’m all about enhancing what I’ve got. I swear by Pat McGrath foundation, eye shadows, and blushes, and I can’t leave out my favorite for lips, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb.

Tracy, 62

The beauty products she can’t live without: Wildling Moonbounce Bioretinol Moisturizer, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, and Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer.

Her biggest beauty splurge: Hair extensions.

The beauty treatments she swears by: Botox and laser skin treatments.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s: Stay out of the sun. We used baby oil to tan…yikes!

Peg, 62

The beauty products she can’t live without: SkinCeuticals eye cream, Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, Almay mascara, and Colorescience Brush-On Shield.

Her biggest beauty splurges: Photofacials [aka Intensed Pulsed Light or IPL treatments], hair treatments, perfume.

The best beauty tip she learned on set: Debbie taught me to use retinol on my chest and neck, followed by shea butter.

Terri, 72

The beauty treatment she swears by: My biggest beauty splurge is probably a laser facial treatment called Cutera that I do to keep my face free from dark spots and blemishes. It stimulates collagen production to soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Her skin care routine: I love Neutrogena Makeup Wipes to remove all of my makeup nightly. I follow up with retinol and then a moisturizer to lock in hydration and reduce irritation; I love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. In the morning, I apply a vitamin C serum. I also frequently apply organic castor oil to my face and hair. I also take bioidentical hormones, which help with my dry skin. At 72 years old, I need all the help I can get!

The beauty lesson she wishes she'd learned in her 30s: Instead of chasing every new product, I would have stuck with a few timeless ones: sunscreen, vitamin C, and patience.

Debbie, 65

Her biggest body care secrets: No. 7 Retinol Serum mixed with Eucerin body moisturizer to reduce crepiness on the neck and décolletage. Westmore Beauty body makeup. I’m pretty sure all the women in the mansion were using this product. It’s a lifesaver! Peta Jane Self-Tanning Mousse is seriously the best self-tanner on the market. I love how evenly and easily it goes on, and that it doesn’t have that nasty smell to it. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid—I saturate a cotton pad and use it under my arms for reducing dark patches. It’s magic. I wish I had discovered it sooner!

The best beauty tips she learned in the mansion: Less is truly more when it comes to foundation. Use a cream blush that melts into the skin. Hydrate like crazy. Use hydrating primer. Eye patches before makeup. Avoid heavy hair spray. Use blotting papers instead of constantly applying more powder.

Her drugstore-heavy makeup rotation: I wear L’Oréal True Match Tinted Serum Foundation every single day and love it. Fit Me Pressed Powder by Maybelline. Milani blush and bronzer are better than any high-end product out there. MAC pencil eyeliner in Teddy is pretty much the only eyeliner I use. Maybelline Lash Sensational is simply the best! E.L.F. setting spray—I loved how most of the women on the show used it. Stila Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in the color Grace. Superb!

Her beauty advice for her 30-something self: Never go without sunscreen….ever! Start using products for your neck and décolletage. Get regular facials and be sure to exfoliate once a week. Don’t sleep with your makeup on. Keep hydrated and make sure you get proper sleep. Invest in quality serums like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as well as retinol. DO NOT OVERPLUCK! A good primer makes all the difference. Don’t spend a fortune on your manicures.

Maia, 58

The skin care products she can’t live without: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, Chanel Sublimage La Creme Yeux, Zo Skin Health Hydrating Cream, Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask, Peter Thomas Roth 24k Gold Hydragel Eye Patches, Follow the Sun Golden Face & Body Oil (from my local Malibu farmers’ market).

Her biggest beauty splurge: Professional blow-outs—worth every penny! My hair is naturally frizzy, and when it's sleek and shiny, I feel my most confident.

Her favorite way to moisturize: I coat my body in organic coconut oil, wrap myself in towels, and watch TV or read—it is the most nourishing and affordable moisturizing ritual!

The best beauty tip she learned on set: During filming of The Golden Bachelor, the makeup artist introduced me to Le Mieux Derma Relief Serum. It gives the perfect dewy base under makeup. I've been hooked ever since!

Her aging philosophy: In my 30s, I thought beauty was about perfection. Now, I see fine lines as proof of laughter, wisdom. Beauty evolves, and leaning into that makes you truly radiant!

Susie, 62

Her must-have beauty products: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Isdin sunscreen, SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream and TNS Recovery Complex, Ourself HA+ Replenishing Eye Serum, L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox shampoo and mask, Tom Ford foundation, Charlotte Tilbury eyeliner pencil, brow pencil, and blush, and L’Oréal bronzer powder.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s: Retin-A! I still don't use it, but I should. My friend is 64 and her skin is flawless, and she swears it's because she’s used Retin-A since she was 30.

Lisa, 66

Her minimal beauty routine: I’m pretty low-maintenance on the beauty products, but I absolutely can’t leave the house without my pink lip gloss! I’m also known for always having my lashes on. I could be mowing the yard, and I will have eyelashes on. Ridiculous, I know, but that’s just me!

Her one-product nightly skin care ritual: The one skin care item I use every night is Egyptian Magic Cream. I found it on clearance at TJMaxx about five years ago, and now I’m hooked! A jar lasts forever, and there are only five ingredients.

Her beauty advice for her 30-something self: Get outside as much as possible and get some kind of exercise every day. Oh, and drink lots of water! I didn’t start doing any of that until my mid-thirties.

Roxeanne, 63

Her favorite beauty indulgence: My biggest beauty splurge is always going to be my primer and foundation. I want my skin to look flawless and have a natural glow. I don't like heavy makeup that looks caked on the face—it will only accentuate the wrinkles and imperfections. I swear by Tarte's BB Blur Tinted Moisturizer.

The beauty treatments she swears by: I use a gua sha tool every morning, followed by face ice plunging. I use scar tape on my forehead along with mouth tape before I go to bed. I do red light therapy not only on my face, but other parts of my body. Every six weeks, I do microneedling to help with pore minimizing and boosting collagen production.

Cindy, 60

The products that helped her survive the mansion: During the filming, I used One/Size On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray and Lawless Perfecting Power. It is a perfect way to set your makeup. Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector blurs my freckles and illuminates my skin—I found this gem right before we checked into the mansion; it was a game-changer. Do yourself a favor and get the buffing brush with it. The brush is half the magic.

Her hair loss and regrowth journey: When I contracted COVID several years ago, I lost about one-third of my hair density. My hair was shedding in clumps. Of course, it was just on my head; those pesky stray hairs on my face and body had no problem growing. To support the best and quickest hair growth—under a physician-guided program—I did a combination of treatments: oral medications, topical treatments, and injectable interventions. My non-negotiables are the chewable Biotin + Minoxidil from Hers and a finasteride prescription. Additionally, I have used Nutrafol hair serum and injectable exosomes. The combination treatment is key, and it has been working.

The treatments she swears by: BBL laser twice a year works for me to tap back sun damage and perfect my skin. It is a splurge, but I end up saving because I buy fewer products to perfect my skin. And facials with Betty Boyd at Barbarino Surgical Arts in Austin! Betty is the quintessential aesthetician who will customize her treatment based on your concerns and how much downtime you can tolerate. It is important to go to an expert if you want red carpet results.

The beauty lessons she wishes she’d learned earlier: With every decade, you will see signs of aging. I'm a big proponent of keeping up, but don't get ahead of yourself. In your 40s, take in enough protein for your body to grow great hair and produce nice skin. Hydrate your body. It's likely time to start neurotoxins and up your skin care routine. Look to the experts, like Allure and your local dermatology practice. And be kind to yourself! We are all beautiful. Highlight what makes you unique, and don't try to copy someone else's features.

Cheryl, 66

Her beauty routine breakdown: For my skin, keeping it simple has always been key for me, so I’m using Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar always and Olay Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle Lotion for my face—a routine passed down from two generations above me! For my hair, I use Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo and Color Last Conditioner. My makeup must-haves are Bobbi Brown blush in Pink Flame and lipstick in Crushed.

Amy, 63

Her favorite beauty products: Believe it or not, I’ve been using baby lotion all over my face and body since my girls were born! I love using Kiehl’s, it’s just so clean and fresh. I also use their grapefruit body wash and amino acid shampoo and conditioner. I use a Dyson Air Wrap; it gives me a salon blowout, and it’s so easy to do at home.

Her biggest beauty splurges: I love getting massages. I think it is so good for your body and circulation. I also get my lashes done every couple of weeks, and I always have perfectly manicured hands and feet.

Monica P, 60

Her reparative hair care routine: I use Kevin Murphy products, the Repair-Me Wash shampoo and Repair-Me Rinse conditioner. I also use the heavier Re.Store conditioner two times per month. These products are important because I color my hair, and it can get dried out easily. I use Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil, Dry Shampoo, and Heat Protection Spray.

The beauty treatments she swears by: My beauty treatments that I swear by are microneedling, eyelash extensions, and laser procedures to keep my skin glowing and get rid of brown spots.

The beauty lessons she wished she’d learned earlier: I wish I had learned in my 30s and 40s to moisturize my face and skin more than I did then and to use retinol at night! Plus maybe to stay out of the sun more than I did.

Gerri, 64

Her non-negotiable beauty must-haves: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Bobbi Brown foundation, NARS blush, and pretty much anything from MAC—they never let me down. I use Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Clay Face Mask three times a week.

The best beauty tip she learned on set: That I look incredible in bold colors! Orange, yellow, and pink have become my new go-tos.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s: That face masks aren’t just a treat—they’re a necessity.

Mylene, 61

Her beauty routine breakdown: I never skip a rich moisturizer with SPF—Murad is my go-to. I also use a gentle exfoliant, a vitamin C serum, and 111 Skin patches for the undereyes. For hair, I rely on a lightweight leave-in treatment, BioSilk Silk Therapy. I absolutely cannot live without my Big Sexy Hair Powder Play; I never leave the house without it! Makeup musts are concealer by Hourglass, Anastasia eyebrow pencil, Rare Beauty blush, and a good gloss.

Her biggest beauty splurge: Facials! I invest in monthly facials. I also purchased the Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask. I use it four to five times a week, and I feel like I’m aging backwards.

The other beauty treatments she swears by: Dermaplaning, Botox, and fillers. Some might shy away from them, but I believe in doing what makes you feel beautiful—and these treatments definitely do that for me.

Her beauty MVPs in the mansion: Lip gloss, blotting papers, hairspray—and most importantly, my daughter. She taught me how to do my makeup before the show, and I’ve learned everything from her.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s: To really invest in my skin—especially SPF; protect your face like it’s priceless because it is—to honor the power of rest, and to embrace that beauty is personal. Most of all, to never let anyone make you feel less than who you are—there’s nothing more beautiful than confidence, self-love, and a heart that shines.

Robin, 63

Her “easy and effective” makeup routine: I use It Cosmetics CC+ cream with sunscreen every day along with Ilia cream blush, and the most important product is the Victoria Beckham highlighter.

Her biggest beauty splurge: Getting facials with microdermabrasion.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s: Keep all of your body out of the sun, not just your face.

Monica B., 62

Her go-to skin care brand: I have been using the Meaningful Beauty complete face routine for a couple of years. The cleanser, eye cream, and day/night cream are amazing, but I never run out of the Youth Activating Melon serum; it’s a non-negotiable.

Her biggest beauty splurge: Dyson styling tools.

The beauty lesson she wishes she’d learned in her 30s and 40s: That sunscreen is essential, and to take regular vitamin D supplements. I love Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen.

Carol, 63

Her must-have beauty products: For my skin, I must always have my CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen. For my hair, I use Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner and It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In, which always makes my hair feel the cleanest and healthiest. The makeup I use for any look is Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

The beauty treatment she swears by: Botox, Botox, Botox.

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Now, watch Martha Stewart's 10-minute beauty routine:

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Originally Appeared on Allure