“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller.
In this episode of What Matters with Liz , the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to discuss confidence, reinvention, and embracing aging on your own terms.
From being overlooked for jobs in her 40s to building a brand that celebrates women over 40, Geller shares how she turned rejection into purpose and why helping women feel seen, confident, and beautiful at every age has become her mission. She opens up about her early career as a makeup artist, working with icons like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman, launching her business in New York City with no roadmap, and the pivotal moment—casting an older model on QVC—that helped shift both her brand and the broader beauty conversation.
If you’ve ever felt invisible, unsure how to evolve your look, or like your best years are behind you, this conversation will remind you: they’re not.
Watch What Matters With Liz Episode 6 here or listen on Spotify , Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts .
Watch Episode 6 right here! ‘What Matters to Laura Geller: Aging with Confidence, Beauty & Owning Your Power’
Laura Geller on how was pushed aside —and pushed back
Geller’s career path wasn’t a straight line. She built her reputation as a makeup artist working with icons like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman. But when she hit her 40s, she found herself being overlooked for jobs. The industry that had trained her was pushing her aside.
She didn’t accept that. With no roadmap, Geller launched her own business in New York City. Laura Geller Beauty grew out of a gap she’d experienced firsthand: the absence of makeup designed for women over 40.
Laura Geller
One decision changed the trajectory. Geller cast an older model on QVC at a time when the dominant selling strategy in beauty was youth. She went the other direction. That bet paid off and helped shift both her brand’s identity and the broader beauty conversation.
Introducing ‘What Matters With Liz’: 'Conversations to Change Your Life'
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Why aging is something to own—not fight
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The biggest beauty mistakes women make after 40
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Laura’s simple “3 E’s” rule for instantly enhancing your look
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How to adapt your skincare and makeup as your skin changes
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Why confidence actually gets stronger with age
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How to turn rejection into reinvention
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The reality of balancing career, motherhood, and ambition
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Why finding “your thing” is essential at every stage of life
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How to shift from self-criticism to self-acceptance
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How to ignite a new flame of passion in your life – no matter your age
‘What Matters With Liz’ Ep. 5: Nedra Glover Tawwab on Connection (Excl)
Why finding 'your thing' matters at every age
Geller makes a case for something broader than beauty in this episode. She talks about why finding “your thing” is essential at every stage of life and how to ignite a new flame of passion regardless of age. Her own path — from working makeup artist to brand founder to public advocate for age-inclusive beauty — is a case study in serial reinvention.
Her message is direct: beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about empowerment.
Laura Geller
For anyone who has felt invisible, unsure how to evolve their look, or skeptical that the best is still ahead, Geller’s perspective is worth your time. She turned professional rejection into a brand and a mission, and her approach to aging runs counter to most of what the beauty industry has sold for decades.
What Matters With Liz airs every Wednesday on YouTube , Spotify , Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts , with highlights and behind-the-scenes clips shared on Instagram and Facebook .
Also, be sure to subscribe to the What Matters With Liz free newsletter from Woman’s World Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello . Every week, you’ll get real talk about health, money and entertainment, plus uplifting stories, practical tips and exclusive updates on Vaccariello’s new video podcast.
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