There’s something wonderfully refreshing about the way Jhyll Teplin talks about beauty and ageing.
The Australian actor, entrepreneur and social media creator has built a loyal following in her 70s by sharing her wisdom on all things beauty and well, life, with humour, confidence and an unmistakable sense of fun.
Her approach is not about trying to look decades younger or following the old rules about what women “should” do as they age. Instead, Jhyll is all about making the most of her life, enjoying the process and refusing to shrink from view.
“Silver hair, don’t care has always been my attitude,” she tells The Weekly. “I don’t take wrinkles-shminkles too seriously. Life’s hard enough without fighting your face every morning.”
As for the idea that women become invisible as they get older, Jhyll has a typically direct response: “Visible to whom?”
“The real freedom comes when you stop waiting for permission to fully be yourself,” she adds.
At 73 years old, Jhyll has no interest in disappearing quietly. “Ageing gracefully? Seriously… life’s too exciting for that!” she says. “Your 70s are the perfect time to be completely you. No hiding, no shrinking, no becoming beige and boring. Show the world who you are, wear what you love, and enjoy yourself while you’re at it.”
Here, Jhyll shares the skincare steps she never skips, the makeup rules she ignores and why beauty should still feel fun whatever your age.
The beauty philosophy she lives by
I focus on making the best of myself without chasing some impossible version of younger. And I’m never scared to try something new if it tickles my fancy.
At this stage of life, beauty should feel fun, expressive and a little bit fabulous – not stressful.
On becoming more comfortable in her own skin
My relationship with my face has absolutely changed.
I spend far more time taking care of my skincare and much less time criticising it. You learn to care for your skin properly instead of constantly trying to “fix” it.
Her skincare routine
At night, it’s cleanser, serum, eye cream, moisturiser… and a decent night’s sleep.
In the morning, I never skip moisturiser, sunscreen and a good hydrating lip balm.
Honestly, hydration and consistency matter more than a 14-step routine.
Jhyll’s picks:
- Emma Lewisham Supernatural Crème Cleanser
- Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
- Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
- MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
The ingredients she looks for in mature skin
Ingredient-wise, I always look for hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightness, peptides for firmness and ceramides for barrier support. I use retinol carefully and slowly.
At this stage of life, skincare is less about perfection and more about keeping skin healthy, hydrated and happy.
Her favourite skincare products
There are so many products I’ve used and loved over the years.
On a recent trip to New York, I used MUJI skincare on the flights. It’s beautifully hydrating with glycerin and really kept my skin comfortable on those long-hauls.
Back home, I’ve been using the Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 range, which has just launched in Australia. Everything I put on top sits better and looks natural.
Her approach to makeup
These days, makeup really starts with skin prep – that’s half the job done.
I stick to lightweight, hydrating serum foundations that let my skin breathe, and creamy blushes that move with the skin rather than sitting on it.
And of course, a fabulous lipstick or lip gloss that has skincare benefits.
Jhyll’s picks:
- MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in shade ‘Daring’
- MECCA MAX Pout Pop Sheer Lipstick in shade ‘Mood Booster’
- Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush
- MECCA MAX Zoom Shadow Stick in shade ‘Teal’
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Her best makeup advice for older women
Change like the seasons. That’s the first thing.
If your old routine isn’t working, it’s not you – it’s just time to switch things up.
Experiment a little. Try a bold lip, or go for strong eyes and a softer mouth.
Blush placement makes a huge difference. I lift it higher on the cheekbones and blend upwards towards the eyes for a fresher, more sculpted look.
Makeup should feel playful again, not like a rulebook.
The beauty rule she happily ignores
Matte foundation. I tend to ignore that rule completely.
On me, it settles into every little line and wrinkle-shminkle I didn’t even know I had.
I much prefer lighter, serum-style foundations that are hydrating and skin-like, then I build it up where I need more coverage.
At my stage of life, skin should still look like skin – just a better-rested version.
What she wants beauty brands to understand
Simple: stop selling products on a 30-year-old skin and pretending that’s the reality for the rest of us.
No product is doing that overnight and we all know it.
Give us the science, the technology and the ingredients that actually support our skin as we age. We’ve lived long enough to recognise marketing when we see it.
The one beauty lesson she swears by
Sunscreen is the best defence against ageing. Full stop.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.
