Welcome to the fabulous 40s and up – where confidence and wisdom reign supreme, and our makeup routine gets a reality check! Makeup, that magic wand of self-expression, can sometimes be a double-edged sword, ladies, aging us instead of enhancing our natural glam. You see, being over 40 does not mean your makeup game should hit pause.
Our skin’s story evolves, going through many changes, and if you don’t refresh your makeup magic, sadly, you just may give the impression of being older than you indeed are. No one wants that, right??!! Therefore, it’s time to give your makeup routine a glow-up!
Today’s post is a shout-out to all the radiant 40+ gals who feel young at heart and want their exterior to match. Let’s dive into the 15 common makeup mistakes and missteps that can, unfortunately, make you look more vintage than vibrant and how to sidestep them with grace!
Makeup Makes Me Look Worse…Help!!
As a makeup artist, I’ve observed that my clients over 40 typically fall into one of two categories regarding makeup blunders. The first group consists of those who are completely oblivious to their makeup mistakes.
While the second group frequently laments that as the decades have gone by, their makeup appears to detract from rather than enhance their looks. Each morning, after application, they are left feeling disappointed.
That which they once relied on to make them look better and feel confident about themselves no longer seems to do the trick. They’re not entirely sure where they’re going astray, but it’s clear that something has definitely shifted.
Many women notice their makeup settling into lines and wrinkles or making their skin appear cakey. Some find their dark circles seem more pronounced even after using concealer. Others feel it’s become harder to brighten up their eyes, and after applying their eye makeup, they just look heavy and tired.
Well, the good news is no matter which group you may fall into, if you’re worried about looking older, by adjusting your routine and avoiding these common mistakes, you can reveal a refreshed, more youthful version of yourself. So, let’s get to it, shall we!?!
Makeup Dos & Don’ts: 15 Mistakes To Avoid If You’re Over 40
Mistake #1: Overdoing The Powder
There’s a pervasive myth that powder is the holy grail for setting makeup, but piling it on dry or dehydrated skin will only make lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Add to that the fact that the majority of women find that with age, their skin becomes dryer. So you see the problem, right?
PRO TIP: Opt for translucent, finely milled powders and apply sparingly, using a light hand, focusing only on areas prone to shine to avoid cakey build-up. You could also consider a setting spray instead.
Mistake #2: Skipping Primer
Many of us, in our rush to get our faces on, neglect the all-too-important step of priming the canvas. Without a smooth and even base, makeup can settle into fine lines and pores, magnifying their appearance.
PRO TIP: Invest in a good primer that suits your skin type. A primer can help makeup glide on more evenly and ensure it stays put all day. Many primers these days, when applied before your foundation, will help to blur imperfections and smooth the skin to perfection!
Mistake #3: Closing Off The Eyes With Shadows
Using only dark shadows around your eyes can make them seem smaller, and as far as makeup mistakes go, this can instantly age you, ladies! By contrast, lighter shades will open the eye area up for a more alert, awake, and refreshed appearance.
PRO TIP: Blend a mix of light and medium shades on the lids and highlight the inner corners to open and brighten the eyes. Ease up on the eclipse-level dark shades! They’re meant for the outer limits of your lid, not a shadow takeover.
Mistake #4: Not Realizing The Importance Of Blush
A pop of blush is the secret to eternal youth, but alas, many dodge it like a bad date, leading to a sallow or washed-out appearance. Not to mention, skipping a healthy flush of blush can lead to a flat, one-dimensional look.
PRO TIP: Choose a blush shade that mimics your natural flush – think of the color your cheeks turn after a brisk walk.
Mistake #5: Underestimating The Power Of Good Lighting
Applying makeup under inadequate lighting conditions can lead to numerous beauty blunders. It’s easy to misjudge colors and the amount of product you’re using, leading to either an underdone or overdone look that accentuates lines and wrinkles.
Without proper lighting, blending mistakes may go unnoticed, making it difficult to see flaws, match skin tone, or achieve a balanced look.
PRO TIP: Natural light is best for makeup application, so consider placing your vanity near a window. If that’s not possible, invest in a high-quality lighted mirror that simulates daylight conditions.
Mistake #6: Choosing The Wrong Lipstick
Often, as we age, our lips naturally get smaller, so when it comes to makeup mistakes, using dark or matte lipstick can make lips appear thinner and even smaller.
PRO TIP: Want fuller lips without the filler? Go for moisturizing formulas in lighter shades or slick on some gloss. Voilà, instant pout perfection!
Mistake #7: It’s All About the Eyes
Focusing solely on the eyes can create a disproportionate look, drawing attention away from the rest of the face, particularly the features that add a youthful glow.
PRO TIP: Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips—The Beauty Trinity – Balance your eye makeup with subtle cheek and lip colors. A touch of highlighter used on the brow bone and the high points of the face can also do wonders in creating a younger, radiant look.
Mistake #8: Sticking To Old Tricks & The Same Ol’ Products
Relying on the makeup techniques we used when we were younger and never updating the type of products we use is a surefire way to age you, and it’s one of the worst mistakes a woman over 40 could make.
As we evolve, so should our makeup! It’s like upgrading from a dated flip phone to a smartphone; you need a few adjustments for the best results. Embrace the changes in your features and skin by investing in more flattering makeup products and the way you apply those products. For example, if you’ve always been a winged liner type of gal, focus on a tinier, softer wing, but don’t extend it quite as dramatically as you once did.
PRO TIP: Worried about sagging eyelids? Consider using an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base and nip creasing in the bud!
Then, concentrate on placing eyeshadow slightly above your crease to minimize the heavy appearance of your lid. Blend upwards to create the illusion of lifted eyes. These are a few of the techniques I teach in my newest makeup guide for women over 40 because, when done correctly, they can actually help you look so much younger.
Mistake #9: Using The Wrong Foundation Shade & Formula
One of the most common makeup mistakes made by women over 40 that adds extra years to their look is choosing the wrong foundation. Usually, they end up using one that doesn’t match their skin tone or opt for a formula that doesn’t cater to their skin’s needs.
Since both our skin texture and tone can change, it’s a good idea to reassess the foundation we’re using. One that’s either too light or too dark will fail to blend seamlessly with the skin, creating an unnatural appearance.
In addition, the wrong formula—particularly those that are too matte or too drying—can settle into fine lines and wrinkles and appear patchy, inadvertently highlighting imperfections instead of providing a smooth, flawless finish.
PRO TIP: Get color-matched by a professional at a beauty counter, or use online shade-matching tools to find your perfect foundation match. Also, consider using formulas that cater to mature skin, such as those with hydrating and anti-aging properties.
Mistake #10: Neglecting Skincare Prep
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through skincare routines or skip them altogether. However, proper skincare prep can make all the difference in how makeup looks and wears throughout the day. In fact, the right moisturizer will help to plump up the skin and minimize lines and wrinkles under your makeup.
PRO TIP: Be sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturize before applying makeup. Don’t forget to exfoliate regularly to keep skin smooth and clear for a flawless makeup application.
Mistake #11: Using A Heavy-Handed Approach
Heavy-handedness creates the opposite effect of what we’re going for. Over-applying makeup can make us appear to be trying too hard or even desperate, which doesn’t exactly scream youthful. Not to mention, going too heavy with foundation or concealer application can magnify lines and wrinkles or lead to a cakey appearance.
PRO TIP: Apply makeup in light layers and build up gradually, focusing on areas that need more coverage. When it comes to blush and bronzer, tap off any excess from your brush before you apply.
Mistake #12: Heavy Or Thick Eyeliner
Slapping on thick eyeliner on the lower lash line is like giving your eyes tiny weights. Suddenly, they’re not perky; they’re doing the droop!
Then, if you add to that a thick, heavy line along your upper lash line, you’ll, unfortunately, wind up making your lid appear heavier and more hooded while making your eyes appear smaller. All of these things are simply no bueno for women over the age of 40, Beauties.
PRO TIP: Avoid ONLY lining the lower lash line; opt for a thinner line on top instead. You may also want to consider using lighter, softer colors like brown or grey instead of black, which can look harsh at times. Also, try tightlining your upper lash line to add definition without weighing down your eyes.
Mistake #13: Not Blending Properly
Harsh lines and unblended makeup can give away our age in an instant. Proper blending is key to a flawless, youthful look.
PRO TIP: Invest in quality, soft brushes and take your time blending to achieve a seamless, airbrushed finish.
Mistake #14: Ignoring Eyebrows
Eyebrows can instantly elevate and brighten your eyes, framing your face to perfection. Ignore them or over-tweeze, and you risk an older or harsher look. As we mature, our brows naturally thin and sparse out. By contrast, fuller eyebrows are your ticket to a fountain of youth, signaling vitality and youthfulness. Keep them lush, and you keep the clock in your favor!
PRO TIP: Groom your eyebrows, opt for a natural shape that flatters your face, and always fill in sparse areas!
Mistake #15: Severe Eyebrows
Overfilling, using the wrong brow products, or using a shade that is too dark can result in severe-looking brows that make you look older, harsher, and tired.
PRO TIP: Use light hair-like strokes rather than harsh lines to create a more natural look, and remember to blend well with a brush to soften their appearance.
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Disclosure: Please Note- Chapter 4’s cover page of this makeup guide contains images that were AI-generated.
The Wrap-Up!
Makeup is a powerful tool for enhancing one’s natural beauty and boosting confidence, especially for women over 40. However, knowing the right techniques and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to achieving a youthful, radiant look. By adjusting your approach to your evolving skin texture and tone, prioritizing skincare, and being mindful of application methods, you can maintain a fresh and vibrant appearance.
Remember to invest in quality products and update those products as needed. With a bit of practice and some experimentation, you can find a makeup routine that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and ageless! So go ahead, embrace your beauty at any age, and show the world that true beauty knows no number. Now, let’s go out there and rock it! You’ve got this! 💄💋
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