MAKEUP AFTER 40
YOUR MAKEUP DIDN'T SUDDENLY STOP WORKING.
Your skin changed underneath it.
Maybe your favorite foundation suddenly settles into areas it never used to.
Powder feels heavier.
Concealer emphasizes your under-eyes instead of helping them.
Or the techniques you've used for years just don't give you the same result anymore.
You don't need to stop wearing makeup.
And you certainly don't need to hide your age.
You may simply need to adjust how you're using it.
Welcome to makeup after 40—simplified.
FIRST, PREP THE SKIN.
One of the biggest makeup lessons after 40 actually starts before makeup.
Skincare matters.
When skin is dry or dehydrated, complexion products can make texture and fine lines appear more noticeable.
Start with skin that feels clean, hydrated and comfortable.
Allow your skincare to absorb before applying makeup.
Think:
PREP → HYDRATE → ENHANCE
Not:
COVER → COVER → COVER
FOUNDATION: LESS CAN BE MORE.
You don't necessarily need heavier foundation because you're getting older.
In fact, applying too much complexion product can make texture and fine lines more noticeable.
Start with a small amount.
Apply coverage where you actually want it.
Then build only where necessary.
The goal isn't to create completely different skin.
It's to create a more even-looking version of your skin.
DON'T TRY TO POWDER AWAY EVERY BIT OF SHINE.
Powder can still be useful after 40.
The key is placement.
Instead of automatically powdering the entire face, concentrate it where you tend to get excess shine or where your makeup needs additional setting.
Allow some natural dimension to remain.
Skin doesn't have to look completely matte to look polished.
BRING LIFE BACK TO THE COMPLEXION.
Blush can be one of the easiest ways to make the complexion look fresh and vibrant.
Apply gradually and blend.
Creamy and lightweight textures can be especially beautiful when you want the skin to maintain a natural-looking finish.
YOUR EYES DON'T NEED TO DISAPPEAR BEHIND HEAVY MAKEUP.
Eye makeup after 40 doesn't have to mean abandoning eyeliner, mascara or eyeshadow.
Instead, think about definition.
A little definition around the lash line can help frame the eyes.
Mascara can help make lashes appear more defined.
And softer, blended placement can create impact without overwhelming the eye.
Enhance what's there.
DON'T FORGET THE BROWS.
Brows help frame the entire face.
If yours have become sparser over time, you don't necessarily need to draw completely new brows.
Use small amounts of product to add definition where needed while keeping the result soft and natural-looking.
LIPS CAN STILL HAVE COLOR.
There is no rule saying women over 40 have to wear nude lipstick.
Wear red.
Wear pink.
Wear berry.
Wear whatever makes you feel like yourself.
If your lips feel drier than they once did, prep them first and consider comfortable lip textures that add moisture or glide easily.
THE 5-MINUTE MAKEUP ROUTINE
You don't need 15 products for everyday makeup.
Try:
1. COMPLEXION
Lightly even the appearance of your skin.
2. BLUSH
Add natural-looking color.
3. BROWS
Define where needed.
4. MASCARA
Frame the eyes.
5. LIPS
Add moisture, color—or both.
Done.
THE MOST IMPORTANT MAKEUP RULE AFTER 40
There really isn't one.
You don't have to stop wearing shimmer because you're over 40.
You don't have to give up bold lipstick.
You don't have to hide your lines.
And you don't have to follow every "mature makeup rule" on the internet.
Learn what works with your skin now.
Then wear makeup in whatever way makes you feel most like you.
That's what beauty after 40 should be about.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR SKIN FIRST?
Great makeup starts with understanding the skin underneath it.
Take our quick Skin Quiz and we'll help you figure out where to start.
Beauty After 40, Simplified.