There’s something so refreshing about Denise Richards on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. While the rest of the cast leans into glitz, drama, and full-on glamour, Denise brings a California-cool energy that feels approachable, laid-back, and—dare I say—relatable. She’s proof that you don’t have to go over the top to shine on reality TV. Her effortless beauty and warm presence have been like a breath of fresh air, balancing out the group with a touch of authenticity.
But here’s the question we all want answered: how does Denise manage to look so youthful and radiant, especially with such a busy life as an actress, model, and mom of three? Let’s take a peek at her beauty secrets.
How Old Is Denise Richards?
First, let’s set the record straight. Denise Richards was born on February 17, 1971—which means she’s 48 in this season of RHOBH. Honestly, she looks decades younger, and it’s not because she’s hiding behind heavy makeup or overly dramatic contouring. Her beauty philosophy seems centered around letting her skin glow, embracing her natural features, and enhancing them with the right products.
The Signature Denise Look
When you think of Denise’s makeup, the word that comes to mind is dewy. She’s all about creating that youthful, glowing complexion. Forget flat matte finishes and heavy powders—her routine is built around luminosity, hydration, and just the right touch of shimmer in all the right places.
If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate her signature look, the key is choosing liquid and cream-based products, steering clear of anything overly matte, and letting skin breathe.
Step One: The Glow Base
Denise’s makeup routine starts with highlighter, and not just any highlighter—she swears by the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow. This formula has warm champagne-gold undertones that flatter her sun-kissed skin beautifully.
Now, a word of advice: liquid highlighters can emphasize texture if you apply them all over. The trick, as Denise shows us, is to place them strategically. She applies it to the tops of her cheekbones, then blends it seamlessly with the Anastasia Beverly Hills A23 Large Diffuser Brush and finishes with her fingers to soften the edges.
For those of us who don’t have the same flawless complexion, don’t worry—you can still get the effect by adding a dab to the inner corners of your eyes, the cupid’s bow, and just a touch on the brow bone. It gives you that instant “lit from within” vibe without exaggerating texture.
Step Two: The Foundation
Denise doesn’t pile on heavy layers of foundation. Instead, she gravitates toward formulas that strike the perfect balance: coverage that evens out the complexion but still feels breathable and natural.
Her favorite? Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. This product is a cult classic for a reason—it blurs imperfections, adds a radiant finish, and feels weightless on the skin. The result is polished but never cakey.
And here’s the thing: Denise’s look isn’t about hiding—it’s about enhancing. This foundation lets her real skin shine through, which is key to that youthful glow.
Why Dewy Works at Any Age
One of the reasons Denise looks so incredible at 48 is because she avoids the common trap of going too matte. Heavy powders and flat finishes can settle into fine lines and make skin look dull. Instead, she leans into radiance. A dewy complexion reflects light, making skin appear plumper, fresher, and more youthful.
The lesson here? Don’t be afraid of glow. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, opting for cream or liquid products can instantly revive your look.
Steal Denise’s Routine for Yourself
Want to bring a little Denise-inspired radiance into your own makeup bag? Here’s a simple way to get started:
- Hydrate First: A well-moisturized base is everything. Apply a lightweight, hydrating primer or moisturizer before your makeup.
- Glow Placement: Use a liquid highlighter on the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and inner corners of the eyes. Blend with a brush and finish with fingers for a natural effect.
- Foundation Choice: Pick a foundation with a satin or luminous finish, like Armani Luminous Silk. Apply lightly with a damp sponge or brush for that skin-like look.
- Skip the Heavy Powder: If you need to set, use a very light dusting of translucent powder only on areas prone to shine, like the T-zone.
- Keep It Effortless: The key to Denise’s beauty is that it never feels forced. Less is truly more.
Final Thoughts
Denise Richards is living proof that glowing, radiant beauty doesn’t come from piling on product—it comes from smart choices and a less-is-more approach. At 48, she embodies California casual with a mix of polish and ease, showing us that age is just a number when it comes to beauty.
Her secret? Lean into hydration, embrace the glow, and let your natural features shine through. Because at the end of the day, confidence (and maybe a dab of highlighter) is the best beauty product of all.
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