Kat James Strives to Defy Beauty Standards—Plus Her Go-To Products

Kat James is not your average beauty influencer. From her beautiful glam looks to how she redefines aging with style and grace, she has built a platform off of her unwavering authenticity. As a single mother of three and a leading voice for women over 40, Kat James has turned her experiences and growth journey into a movement. James’ message to the over 40 community is clear and firm: beauty isn’t about chasing youth, it is about showing up for yourself time and time again.

HAUTE LIVING: Your journey in the beauty industry spans decades, from celebrity makeup artistry to becoming a leading voice for women over 40. How have your personal experiences, like navigating divorce and raising children, shaped your approach to empowering women through beauty and self-care?

KAT JAMES: Let’s just say life handed me the full tasting menu—divorce, single motherhood, raising three very amazing, yet opinionated kids, and building a career while remembering to keep it all together. Beauty, for me, stopped being about perfection years ago. It became about reclaiming a sense of self—especially when everything else felt chaotic. I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and not recognize the woman staring back. I also know the power of a little lipliner, a bubble bath, and remembering you’re still her. That’s the energy I bring to everything I do—helping women feel seen, sexy, and strong again… even if they’re also Googling “how to not have a nervous breakdown.”

HL: Los Angeles is a city that celebrates reinvention. How has living in LA influenced your own evolution, both professionally and personally, as you’ve transitioned into this new chapter of creative autonomy?

KJ: I’m in rural Malibu—horses, creeks, no valet parking in sight. My days start with a hike, not a highlight reel. I shop at the mom-and-pop stores where people know my kids’ names. It’s real. It’s grounding. And it’s the space that’s allowed me to be more creative, more intentional, and honestly—more me. I think LA has taught me how to be around the noise without getting swept up in it. I’ve built a life where I can dip into the glam when I want to, but still come home to barefoot peace and a sunset that doesn’t care if I’m wearing makeup.

HL: With over 1.3 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, you’ve built a platform that resonates deeply with women, particularly those over 50. What do you think makes your approach to skincare, wellness, and aging so relatable and impactful for this demographic?

KJ: I don’t speak from a pedestal—I speak from the bathroom floor. I’ve lived this, tested everything, worked in derm offices, done the celebrity glam thing, and now I use my voice for the women who feel invisible once they hit 50. I think the difference is: I’m not selling “anti-aging,” I’m showing how to age well and with style. No filters, no BS. Just good products, good energy, and a reminder that your worth doesn’t expire.

HL: You emphasize a holistic approach to beauty, integrating lifestyle, nutrition, and wellness. Can you share a specific practice or philosophy from your own life that has been a game-changer for your skin or overall confidence?

KJ: Here’s the truth: You have to start treating yourself with the same care and attention you give to your kids, your best friend, or literally anyone you love. If your child was about to leave the house with unbrushed hair, a crusty face, and mismatched clothes, you wouldn’t let it fly. You’d say, “Get back in there and get it together.” So why do we let ourselves go out like that? It’s really hard to feel good when you don’t look your best. And “your best” doesn’t mean a full face or an outfit from Vogue—it means your version of pulled together. For some, it’s a slicked-back bun, a little tinted moisturizer, and a swipe of lip balm. For others, it’s full glam and a great heel. Both are valid. But the key is showing up for yourself on purpose.

As we get older, we don’t always have the same routines—no office, fewer meetings, fewer events. So we fall into the rut: same sweatpants, same T-shirt, day after day. But this isn’t about impressing anyone else. This is about honoring you. When you put in a little effort—whatever that means for you—it shifts something. You carry yourself differently. You feel more vibrant, more awake, more you. And confidence? It shows up right behind that. Every single time.

HL: As a single mom and woman over 50, you’ve broken boundaries in an industry that often prioritizes youth. What challenges have you faced in advocating for age-inclusivity in beauty, and how do you hope to continue reshaping the narrative around aging?

KJ: It’s not just about brands finally catching on to older demographics or helping women over 50 feel confident—though those are big pieces. What matters just as much is showing the younger generation what aging actually looks like. I want women in their 20s and 30s to see someone in their 50s and think: “She gets it. She’s cool. I want to be like that.” We don’t need to be seen as intimidating or out-of-touch. We’re vibrant, funny, smart, chill, and honestly—we’ve been through enough to know what matters. I’m here to show that you don’t have to fade into the background as you get older. You can be someone people want in their corner. Someone they want to learn from, laugh with, and maybe even emulate. We’re not just aging—we’re evolving. And I’ll keep showing up, speaking up, and creating space until that’s the norm, not the exception.

HL: You’ve spoken about navigating relationships and finding love later in life. How do you balance vulnerability and strength in sharing these personal stories, and what advice would you give to women who are re-entering the dating world or redefining themselves post-divorce?

KJ: Honestly? It’s rough out there. The dating landscape has completely changed since I was last single. People are sliding into DMs instead of walking up and saying hello, no one wants to define anything, and apparently “exclusive” is now a vibe, not a commitment. So I decided to take a different approach. I kept it simple. I wrote out a list—like an actual list—of what I truly wanted in a partner. I’m talking age range, geography because I’m not doing long-distance or even crossing the 405- (IYKYK) and core personality traits. I made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t compromise—not on the real stuff. And it was worth the wait. Vulnerability? That comes naturally when you’re honest about what you’ve been through. I’m not ashamed of my journey. But strength is in the boundaries. I share what feels helpful, what might make another woman out there feel seen or less alone. I also made a choice to not over share. I want my kids, my boyfriend and my friends to feel like our lives are sacred.

HL: What are your top 5–7 beauty products right now?

KJ: I’m always testing, always discovering, and always looking for what works—especially for women over 40 and 50. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I’m incredibly excited to be launching products of my own soon. These were created to fill the gaps in the market for mature skin—because we deserve formulas that get it.

Kat’s Beauty Secrets

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

Shop Now, $141

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Shop Now, $50

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil

Shop Now, Now $28

Make Up For Ever Longwear Lip Liner

Shop Now, $24

Sarah Creal Back of The Cab Mascara

Shop Now, $40

Hourglass Cosmetics Unreal Liquid Blush

Shop Now, $36