When I decided to stop dyeing my hair and embrace the grey, I wanted to ensure that I was in no way demonstrating that I was ‘letting myself go’ (after all, I had only just turned 40 at that time). In fact it was quite the opposite. My children were getting older and more independent and I was finding, for the first time in many years, that I had more time for myself.
Looking at new ways to apply makeup was such a luxury, because until that point, I was still doing my makeup the same as I had applied it in my 20’s. So, one of the ways I chose to spend time on myself was through learning new ways to work with my skin and my eye shape with makeup. I even professionally trained as a makeup artist so I could share that knowledge with my readers.
There are some makeup looks you need to turn your back on as you approach 40 and others that will be your best friend! I have chosen 5 Makeup Hacks for Women Over 40. All of which promise effortless glam and will certainly help enhance your best features.
1. LESS IS MORE AFTER 40
Yes, less is definitely more when it comes to makeup after 40. This makes up number 1 of 5 Makeup Hacks for Women Over 40. By less, I mean that the older and softer your skin becomes, the softer the make should be. This is both in colour and makeup density. I think you are the best judge of your own skin. If you feel something looks too heavy or not quite right on you, then you are probably right. That is regardless of what anyone else says. Make up is to enhance confidence! You must feel completely comfortable with what you are wearing. That doesn’t mean you get stuck in a rut. It may just mean that you need to tweak your application and/or products to really see the difference it makes.
2. SKINCARE SKINCARE SKINCARE
I believe the emphasis should be mostly on skincare as you get older. So here is number 2 of 5 Makeup Hacks for Women Over 40. When we were younger, we could get away with almost anything and still look fresh faced. Late nights, not enough water, too much alcohol etc and your skin would forgive you. These days, we will most likely see the consequences of this. It’s not all bad news though.
We can still have that fresh faced appearance if we really take care of our skin from the inside out. At the very least you might want to consider a sound morning and evening skincare routine. I recommend your skincare routine to look something like this;
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Day cream with SPF and a separate Night Cream.
I am currently using and would recommend Elizabeth Grant Skincare and Baie Botanique. I have partnered with both brands. They are incredible companies, which are cruelty free and ethical. Both are independently owned businesses. Baie Botanique is organic too. Therefore if you are looking to completely minimise toxins, then this brand may be a great option.
3. USE BASE PRODUCTS TO SET THE SCENE FOR YOUR MAKEUP
Base is what you put on in preparation for your foundation and other makeup. For me, I think of it to include Primer, Eye Primer and Colour Corrector.
There are various primers on the market to choose from. Is it the first time you have used a primer?
If you don’t know where to start, i would choose a primer that is moisturising. I like primers that are moisturising and have an illuminating pigment. I recommend Becca First Light or Glossier Moisturising Primer.
Eye Primers are brilliant at keeping your eyeshadow from creasing. Be sure to set the eye primer with a loose powder otherwise your application can go patchy. My favourites are Arbonne Prep and Prime Eye Primer. You can order Prep and Prime through my website or Urban Decay Anti Ageing Eye Primer is also a good option.
Colour Correctors are brilliant for helping to balance out any pigmentation or under eye purples. If you suffer from dark circles, I recommend using a yellow colour corrector. I use Urban Decays Colour Correctors and then follow on with a little concealer. If you have a great deal of redness and pigment then consider using a little Urban Decay Green Colour Corrector.
4. LIGHT REFLECTING FOUNDATIONS
I have found foundations that are medium coverage with some illuminating pigments are the most flattering for the over 40 age group.
Medium coverage foundations are great. That’s because you can create a very light coverage and build. Start with a small amount of product until you get to the coverage you want and remember the softer the skin, the lighter the coverage should be.
Use a moisturising concealer that blends well into your skin and foundation. I recommend Arbonne’s Concealers and Foundations, which you can buy through my website. They are light, creamy and blend really well. I use Arbonne’s Foundation in Soft Blush and Arbonne’s concealer in Fair.
Make sure you choose a colour that blends into your skin. Below is an IGTV I did on how to find your perfect colour. Companies should be able to send you a swatch of their different colours. Test them out for the best match before you invest.
5. WORKING WITH HOODED EYES
Hooded eyes are extremely common. Most of the makeup clients I have worked with have had hooded eyes. I also have hooded eyes. It’s a beautiful eye shape but needs certain techniques and makeup enhance. That’s because this particular eye shape can become heavier as we age- closing in the eye. However if you look after the skin around your eyes then it’s certainly of no concern.
With eyeshadow the less is more principle applies more than ever. Ensure you prime your eye lid and set with a loose powder. Applying a darker shade, like a medium taupe just above the natural crease can really open up the eye. Avoid eyeliner above the lash line. Instead, use liner applied at the waterline on the top lash. Alternatively, just apply a very thin eyeliner actually into the lashes.
Also consider a wispy natural looking strip lash or individual lashes. Don’t shy away from these. They make a huge difference to opening up the eye. I use Prima Lashes and Eyelure. You can see many of my eye makeup looks for hooded eyes over on my IGTV.
Here is a link to a makeup tutorial where I did a smokey eye. There are others to choose from over on my Instagram page. This tutorial did not include lashes. However, I did curl my lashes and put a few lashings of mascara on. This is also a great way to open up the eye without false lashes.
I hope this has given you some inspiration on your makeup. It doesn’t hurt to give your make up a good clear out from time to time. Clean your brushes regularly, ideally weekly, to keep bacteria away from your face.
Don’t forget to sign up here for the regular Silver Styling newsletter. Also come over to Instagram and follow me for bitesized inspiration for women who are embracing the greys. If that’s you…then I can’t wait to see you there and do introduce yourself below or via my socials.
Mel 💫
