Make-up makes me look worse now that I’m 41

[summersands]

There was a thread on this topic a while ago, but I now can’t find it - if anyone happens to be able to link to it, that would be great! Otherwise, I hope people don’t mind another thread on this topic! I’m 41 and suddenly finding that foundation seems to make the fine lines in my face more noticeable, plus the foundation looks very obviously there, which it never used to. I don’t know whether there’s a different foundation that is more suitable for skin at this age, or whether I’ll just have to do without! Grateful for any thoughts!

Change your primer and application. If you use a brush use a sponge etc

Dilute a thicker foundation with moisturiser.

Have a make up lesson with Mac or Bobbi Brown. Explain the issues you have with current products and see what they recommend.

And don’t get hung up on it being age related. It may or may not be but a product that will be great on one 40 something might be awful on another. Think more about skin tone/ texture/ lifestyle rather than age.

I'm the same. I can only use the thinnest, lightest foundation imaginable and I have to dilute it with moisturiser if I don't want to look like Barbara Cartland.

I remember that thread.
Lots of posters advised changing to a decent tinted moisturizer and/or use a primer designed to 'fill in' lines somewhat.
Personally (I'm 49) I've found that focusing on looking rested and well makes a big difference. I've started using a touch of blusher for the first time, for example, and filling in my eyebrows.

Switch to a CC cream instead of traditional foundation. You might also not have realised that your skin is now drier than it used to be, so a full coverage foundation in the wrong formula is going to look awful.

Thank you very much for the replies. Does anyone happen to know what would be a good tinted moisturiser?

@MorrisZapp If you don’t mind me asking, which foundation do you use, please?

@Aquamarine1029 What is a CC cream, please?

Thanks!

CC creams are tinted moisturizing foundations that typically have anti-aging benefits along with sun protection in them. They're like a lotion with colour. I use It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better and their Bye Bye Foundation formulas. I really love them and they make your skin look amazing. Apply with a foundation brush for best results, and a little goes a long way.

I used to use expensive foundations until I started to find the same, at 33! After lots of trial and error I find No 7 BB cream the best of the lot.

I think as you get older less is more. I'd suggest a makeup lesson with Bobbi Brown. I use her BB cream for every day wear and I think it's great.

Op, before you run out and spend money on anything, you should try using the foundation you have and mix it with some of the lotion you use on your face. It might work very well for you.

I found that thread useful too. I focus on having well groomed, self-tinted eyebrows now (they're not huge Scouse brows, just more defined). I wear a cream blusher now, a light brown clinique chubby eye pencil colour and mascara. I've ditched the eyeliner after many years.
I'm 43 and feel like this has been a useful refresh of my routine. Agree re lighter foundation. I use the no.7 luminosity (or something like that!) and like that too. I look after my skin much better too so the base is as good as it can be.
Lips is clinique chubby sticks so it's more sheer or just the small round Vaseline tins of tinted lip balm.

What do people think about bare. Minerals? It's a powder based foundation that you build upgradually, OP, I got some when I was 30 (older now), I don't wear makeup coz it encourages me to pull my eyelashes out(!) and feels weird and I just don't give it priority but I have noticed that darker lipsticks make me look like my Dad in makeup these days when I do wear it!! I don't have much clue what to do with my no longer twenties yo face. I think everyone is used to me as I am, but I feel caked now if I have to wear it.

I love bare Minerals and use that when I don't use my cc creams. You just have to blend it in really, really well, and if you have very dry skin or lots of lines, it may not be the best choice. As for dark lipstick, most older women should avoid them like the plague. They only serve to make your lips look smaller and dark colours really accentuate lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

Honestly if it makes you look worse don't wear it.
Most women of any age don't need makeup, I am a huge advocate of no makeup I have never worn any.
If it makes you feel better then use it if that has stopped stop wearing it.

Thank you so much for these suggestions!

I've switched to tinted moisturizer and cream blusher. Light and moisturizing.

If you have dry skin be careful if you try Bare Minerals, it made my skin itch and it was hours before I could take it off, it was maddening!

Don’t wear it if it doesn’t make you feel nice op!

If you don’t want to wear makeup but fancy a bit of a glow I recommend the st tropez facial mist! I spritz myself each morning and it makes me feel a bit less death like 😂

Also I rate Vichy dermablend compact foundation. You apply with a sponge, so it’s easy to blend and doesn’t seem to cake or gather in fine lines

I'm 48 and love Urban Decay's Naked foundation, it's very sheer but buildable

I'm 42. I had the same issue last year: suddenly, my usual make-up routine wasn't cutting it. I was starting to look old and crinkled under the eyes. I thought about buying more expensive products, but instead I just changed my routine.

Out went the black mascara and thick eyeliner and smoky three step eyeshadow.

In came the under eye concealer and the tinted moisturiser.

I'm using a brown mascara now, instead of black, which doesn't look so harsh.

I apply the tinted moisturiser, under eye concealer, a dust of powder on my t-zone, a pop of blush on my cheeks AND eyelids, mascara and boom, I'm done.

I'm using no7 city lights tinted moisturiser, £13, and a nip and fab CC eye fix (which I buy on ebay or amazon for around £5 but which costs around £16 in boots)

I've also been applying a 'Revolution" hyaluronic serum (superdrug, £10) at night when I feel I need a boost and it's brilliant for hydrating.

I'm ivory-coloured, and freckled, and my skin is sensitive but in pretty good condition.

eermwhatda, I used to use No7 tinted moisturiser before they changed it to City Lights and I think that one was better. Which shade do you use of the City Lights? I use the No7 essentially natural foundation which is very light.

I had the same problem (in my 40s) I find Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation is fab. Has more coverage than a BB but is light and reflective without being glitter ball/shiny. I have yellow-toned skin and the Bourjois foundations suit this really well. Recently I also bought Rimmel Jelly blush and highlighter, and thought it would be yet another impulse purchase I didn't really wear but no, it is brilliant for adding a very light, fresh/natural cheek colour. Works better than a cream or powder as it's a lot lighter in texture, almost watery, but a little goes a long way - I literally use the barest amount but that's all you need on the apples of your cheeks. It builds up well if you want more of a blush.

Definitely less is more as you get older. I’m 48 and I use a Cc cream though do need a concealer ( super cheap Rimmel is lovely and creamy) for my hormonal chin spots 🥴 . I don’t wear much eye shadow , I use a brow pomade ( L’Oréal paradise brow in ebony ) and only one coat of mascara. I like a nude lip ( as they say in the press 🙄) so just use a lip liner ( L’Oréal Beige a Nu) with a bit of Vaseline on top.

Try either the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser or the Bare Minerals gel one. Yes the price is slightly horrifying but they last ages honestly - look so much kinder than an actual foundation- I'm 38 and haven't got the best skin but found these look the best.

Get a bronzer that isn't too dark for you and a decent brush and draw the number 3 on both sides of your face - starting on your forehead. Then a bit of blusher - I find NARS Orgasm (Sleeks Rose Gold is an excellent cheap dupe) to be a universally great colour on anyone. Use the same bronzer as your eyeshadow. Mascara. Touch of lip balm. Eyebrows. The Rimmel pencils are really good - better than anything expensive - the taupe is a good colour on a lot of people - you would just need to adjust depending on the colour of yours.

Obviously for a night out you could do more but this is my 'light' routine. My staff said the other day I always look polished - I told them all the products I use and they couldn't believe I had all that on 😂

Hope that's helpful I got really stuck like you are a couple of years back where I just started thinking I looked like a clown. I'm not that keen myself on the Trinny make up but she does some great tutorials - as does Lisa Eldridge.

I've just realised you only asked about foundation so I've waffled on a bit but just to show what make up I've found useful now I'm a bit older.

I really avoid using makeup altogether as you just look like some old drag queen as you approach 50. Just learn to love the wrinkles which are actually laugh lines ( or could be frown lines in some).