Mary J. Blige Gave Us Her Top Piece of Skin-Care Advice For Women Over 40

Mary J. Blige is a force. A bonafide entertainment-industry veteran, the 50 year-old mogul already has the titles of actress, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist and three-time Golden Globe nominee under her belt. Proving she’s nowhere near wrapping, the star has also launched her own line of wine, Sun Goddess Wines, a jewelry line named Sister Love, and has a rumored footwear collection in the works.

Blige’s current project, however, hopes to tell a bigger story by playing a vital role in Gold Bond’s #ChampionYourSkin campaign, which aims to celebrate those who put their skin to the test to break down barriers for themselves and others.

“I’m partnering with @goldbond on the #ChampionYourSkin campaign to share my spotlight with Black stuntwomen because they’re the ones who make action roles possible,” Blige captions her latest Instagram post, revealing her partnership with the iconic skin-care brand. “These women literally put their skin to the test to break down barriers and fight for greater representation in the industry – both on camera and off.”

With a bustling career and a jam-packed schedule, Blige’s skin is somehow more radiant than ever—and in a recent media-facing Zoom call, she credits it all to diligence. But when asked for her number-one piece of skin-care advice, particularly for women over 40, it’s clear that an elaborate skin-care routine doesn’t always equate to healthy skin, even for a decorated entertainer. In fact, Blige’s number-one skin-care recommendation is as straightforward as they come: “Water. Lots and lots of water—that’s the secret.”

Taking it one step further, Blige adds that “occasional” facials also help. “If you can’t do it every month, get it in there.” Her anti-aging trifecta: “Facials, water and vitamins.”

While Blige is diligent about her skin-care routine now, she admits it hasn’t always been this way. “I had to grow into it,” she says. “I didn’t care about my skin, I didn’t care about anything. I evolved into this after I kept getting chance after chance and my life began to be more important to me, so everything else became important to me and it just came with growth.”