Our makeup routines can’t stay the same our entire lives. Instead, they need to evolve with us to accommodate the changes in our skin. Here are six makeup tips specifically for women in their 40s.
Pin this article for later! For more, follow Good Housekeeping on Pinterest.
1. Primer
Primer is an important first step in any makeup routine. It fills in pores and smooths out imperfections so that your skin appears flawless and your makeup glides on easily and stays put for longer. It can also fill in fine lines that might be amplified by your foundation. And because our skin becomes drier as we age, using a primer that can hydrate your skin at the same time is essential.
We recommend:
2. Foundation
Using the correct type of foundation is crucial as we get older. This is because the wrong formula can make us look much older by settling into wrinkles and fine lines. And powder foundations? They make skin drier and give a powdery finish – not a good look. Opt for formulas that are designed for dry skin and, if you want to get rid of shine, dust a small amount of translucent powder onto your T-zone.
We recommend:
Related: 8 eye-shadow tips from makeup artists
3. Concealer
Concealer is a product that’s often overlooked but it really shouldn’t be. It can make you look youthful and well rested – even if you are neither of those things! Use it to cover dark circles, pigmentation and any other imperfections. Creamy or more liquid consistencies are better, as they offer hydration, whereas heavier stick varieties tend to settle in any wrinkles and amplify them – not a good look!
We recommend:
4. Blush
The biggest mistake many women make when applying blush is to put it in the middle of the apple of the cheeks. This is what we have been taught for years, after all. But it looks a lot more natural if it’s applied higher on the apple and extended upwards and back. As for formula, rather than a powder, which can look cakey and artificial, opt for a cream texture to give you a sheer flushed look.
We recommend:
Related: 6 nude makeup palettes that are both stunning and versatile
5. Eye makeup
The eye area is one that, if not handled with care, can make us look a lot older. Prevent this by using a good eye cream daily and using a concealer to hide any dark circles. Another way to fake your way to wide-awake eyes is to use the correct eye shadow. Use colours that have a warm undertone rather than a cool one, as this can make skin appear dull, and stick to matt finishes rather than shimmery ones.
We recommend:
6. Lipstick
In our 40s we can start to develop fine lines around the mouth area, which lipstick can sometimes bleed into. This can be avoided by always applying lip liner before you add your colour. It’s also important when buying lipsticks to pick ones that have a rich, thick formula; not only will this add some much-needed moisture to your lips, it will also ensure your lipstick stays in place and doesn’t bleed out.
We recommend:
PHOTO: iStock/Eva-Katalin
ALSO READ:
5 clever ways to organise and store makeup products
