Dewy Skin| How Your Skincare and Makeup Should Change in Your 40s?

Your 40s are not about “fixing” your face—they’re about refining, softening, and elevating your makeup routine to work with your skin, not against it. As collagen production slows, skin texture changes, and hormonal shifts affect everything from dryness to pigmentation, the makeup habits that worked in your 20s and 30s may suddenly feel a little off.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does my foundation look cakey now?” or “Why does my eyeliner make me look tired instead of sexy?,” you’re not alone. The good news? A few intentional tweaks can make your makeup look fresh, lifted, and radiant, not heavy or aging.

This guide will walk you through how to wear makeup in your 40s, step by step, with practical, confidence-boosting tips designed specifically for middle-aged skin.

Start With Skin: Makeup in Your 40s Begins With Prep

In your 40s, skin prep matters just as much as the makeup itself, if not more.

As skin becomes drier and cell turnover slows, skipping hydration can make makeup settle into fine lines and texture. Before you even think about foundation:

• Use a gentle exfoliant 1–2 times per week to remove dull, dead skin
• Apply a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides. I have been using Alastin’s HA Immerse serum to keep my skin and even my lips super hydrated.
• Lock it in with a rich but non-greasy moisturizer. The Magic Water by Charlotte Tilbury is moisturizing and light. It also has Niacinamide which helps to even out the skin tone.
• Always finish with a matte SPF, even on makeup days

Think of this step as creating a smooth, plump canvas. Makeup in your 40s should enhance glow—not cling to dryness.

Foundation + Face: Less Coverage, More Radiance

One of the biggest makeup mistakes women make in their 40s is using too much foundation.

Heavy, full-coverage formulas can settle into lines and emphasize texture. Instead:

What to Do Instead:

• Opt for light to medium coverage foundations or skin tints. I am living in the ColorScience Flex Tinted SPF in Medium. I switch to light in the winter and sometimes even mix the shades when the seasons change over. The flex formula gives your skin a beautiful glow.
• Apply sparingly—start in the center of the face and blend outward
• Use a damp beauty sponge for a more skin-like finish

Pro tip: If you need more coverage, spot conceal instead of layering foundation everywhere.

Concealer: Strategic, Not Heavy-Handed

In your 40s, concealer is about brightening, not masking.

• Use a hydrating concealer under the eyes. Do not opt for matte concealers because they tend to mask the eye area cakey and accentuate fine lines. I use Tarte’s Creasless Creamy Concealer.
• Apply in small amounts only where needed
• Avoid thick formulas that crease
• Let concealer sit for 20–30 seconds before blending for better coverage

For dark circles, a peach or light corrector underneath can make a bigger difference than piling on product.

Blush & Bronzer: Creams Are Your Best Friend

Powder products can sometimes look flat or dry on mature skin. Cream blushes and bronzers melt into the skin and create a youthful, lifted effect.

Best Tips for Application:

• Choose cream or liquid formulas
• Apply blush slightly higher on the cheekbones to lift. I have been using Laura Geller’s Refreshing Rose Serum Blush with the Dual Ended Blush Bronzer Brush.
• Use soft peach, rose, or warm pink tones
• Keep bronzer subtle—avoid heavy contouring. I have been using Fenty Color Match Stix in Truffle as a bronzer and cream contour.

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A little warmth goes a long way and instantly makes skin look healthier.

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Eyes: Soft Definition Over Harsh Lines

Eye makeup is where the biggest shift often happens in your 40s.

Eyeliner Tips:

• Swap jet black for brown, charcoal, or bronze. I like to use an almost black liquid liner for my eyes.
• Tightline the upper lash line instead of heavy wings. If you are like me and are addicted to the winged look for a more cat-shaped eye, start the wing at the outside corner of the eye. Don’t line the entire top lid, don’t even start in the middle.
• Smudge slightly for softness. I like to use a rusty color eyeshadow and smudge it on as a bottom liner to my eyes.

Eyeshadow Tips:

• Avoid overly frosty or chunky shimmer. The Kylie Pressed Powder Shadow Set it perfect!
• Choose satins or soft metallics
• Keep darker shades on the outer corner only

Less lid space? Apply eyeshadow slightly above the crease to visually lift the eye.

Brows: Fuller, Softer, More Natural

Brows naturally thin with age, so over-plucking or harsh shapes can be aging.

• Fill brows with light, feathery strokes. I use the e.l.f. Waterproof Taupe Brow Pencil for a very natural look.
• Choose shades slightly lighter than your hair color
• Avoid overly sharp tails
• Use a tinted brow gel if you have bushier brows and want to instill a little hold

Well-groomed brows frame the face and can instantly make you look more refreshed.

Lashes: Lift Over Volume

Heavy mascara or thick false lashes can weigh the eyes down.

Instead:

• Curl lashes to open the eyes
• Use lengthening mascaras like the L-Oreal Telescopic Mascara. I am absolutely OBSESSED!
• Focus on the outer lashes for a lifted effect

If you love falsies, opt for wispy, lightweight styles—or try lash lifts for a low-maintenance glow-up.

Lips: Hydration Is Everything

As lips lose volume and moisture, matte and drying lipsticks can exaggerate lines.

Best Lip Choices in Your 40s:

• Creamy lipsticks. I have fallen in love, with everyone else across the world, with MAC’s Matte Teddy Lipstick.
• Hydrating glosses or oils. The Summer Fridays line is my absolute favorite. They have also come out with a hydrating mask that is amazing in the dry winter months.
• Lipliners that you can contour with. I often choose two liners to really get a contoured ombré look like the Huda Lip Duo Blushed Pink Set

Flattering shades include rose, berry, mauve, soft nude, and warm coral. Lip liner can help define the lips—just keep it soft and blended.

Makeup Trends to Let Go of in Your 40s

Some trends just don’t translate well to mature skin:

• Heavy matte foundation
• Thick, blocky brows
• Harsh contour lines
• Overly dark under-eye concealer
• Too much shimmer

Instead, aim for balance, softness, and glow.

Makeup in Your 40s Is About Confidence, Not Concealment

Your 40s are a powerful era—your makeup should reflect that.

Rather than chasing trends or trying to look “younger,” the goal is to look healthy, radiant, and like the best version of yourself. With thoughtful product choices, lighter application, and an emphasis on hydration and glow, your makeup routine can evolve beautifully right alongside you. Aging is not something to hide—it’s something to style with intention. Because confidence is the most flattering makeup you’ll ever wear.

Want to share these tips with your fellow ladies 40 and over? Pin the image below to your favorite Beauty Pinterest Board!

Younger than 40? I have you covered. Check out my How to Wear Your Makeup in Your 30s post!

Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.  

Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.