I've not updated my make-up since the late 90s

[AshGirl]

Can anyone help?! I would really like to have a more modern look.

I am early 40s, professional job, fat, good skin. I don't want to wear foundation or anything that feels heavy on my skin. Whatever the new routine is, it must be quick and easy!

If you have links to any YouTube videos (less than 5 minutes if possible) please drop them as well.

Big thanks in advance!

What time do you have to do the make up?
Do you have any problem areas that you’d like to disguise?
And in turn any lovely features that you’d like to accentuate?

For a very simple routine you could look at some of the “clean girl aesthetic” content knocking around on tiktok/IG/YouTube - the focus is very much on good clear skin, bright eyes, long healthy lashes and groomed/shaped brows.

Some of it might not translate perfectly into a 40 year old woman’s complexion/skin concerns but there will be adaptations you can make.

What’s your current routine and products? How long does it take you?

By “bright eyes” I mean the whites are clear, the lid and under eye area looks even and reflects light - not bright eyeshadow 😂

Current routine is:

• eyeliner (liquid on the top eyelid and pencil on the line above the bottom eyelashes
• dab of concealer under eyes
• mascara

Probably takes me 2-3 minutes. I like to emphasise my eyes and would like to pull off a subtle winged eye liner look if possible.

I don't mind buying new products or learning new techniques but the whole process needs to be quick and simple or I won't keep it up. I'm ADHD and need to be realistic!

im definitely not an expert, but I’m a little older than you. When I turned 40 I searched a lot for ‘make up tips over 40’ and similar searches. I’d say drop the eyeliner on your lower lids, it’s dated and probably too harsh. If your don’t like foundation, have you considered a tinted moisturiser or BB cream? As I’ve gotten older, I also find I need to use blusher to brighten my skin up.

I agree about the eyeliner - it’s dated on bottom lash line. A softer look with eyeshadow is better.

Have you thought about a BB cream/tinted moisturiser rather than foundation? I love It Cosmetics CC cream, it’s really light but gives nice coverage and a nice glow.

Deffo drop the bottom lash liner, or if you feel you can’t then swap out black/brown for a slightly iridescent peach/skin shade as it will open the eyes and make them look bigger and brighter.

In terms of top liner, don’t line the entire lid, I tend to curl my lashes, get my mascara on and then just do a little line on the outer corner and out to a slight flick, it creates the winged look without the whole lid looking heavy and lined.

I use a Mac Paint Pot in soft ochre to create an even colour all over my lid. Like a PP recommended I also use IT Cosmetics CC cream for a very quick base - than can then by powdered down/set when I want an evening look with it.

As I’ve got older I tend to focus my energy on getting a good groomed base for everything, so neat brows, long healthy lashes, clean and bright teeth as well as good skincare with active ingredients. I also have Botox and fillers - but not suggesting those necessarily. Then I feel I can get away with quite minimal make up and still look groomed.

Included a pic of what I mean regarding eyeliner.

Defo stop with the liquid liner. To harsh past a certain age. Change to pencil. Bottom lashes use a smudge of shadow. Not pencil. To harsh and drags your eyes down. Look at how Kate Middie changed that hideous liner she used to do and looked so much better for it

I still do my makeup per Jackie annual 1980.

I used to work in Cosmetics, and discovered that the majority of women do their makeup the way they learnt as teenager.

Thank goodness that we don't all wear that awful severe look from a few years ago.

Some fabulous suggestions! Thanks so much! I particularly like @ZealAndArdour winged eye liner which looks great.

Eyebrows definitely need attention (I have this on my list). Eyelashes are probably OK but I need a nicer mascara as the one I have is a bit clumpy. Any suggestions for one which will stay put and not end up smudged all over my face?

I think it tends to be oils on the skin or in other products that start to dissolve the mascara over the course of the day. You could try a waterproof one, or use a shade of eyeshadow that matches your skin tone to sort of powder down your upper and lower lid.

I use Urban Decay Lash Freak, but it’s quite messy and I do have to scrape quite a bit off the brush before I start using it to avoid clumping or printing it onto my lids. It does have a nice spiky bobble on the bottom on the tip of the brush though so I can get right into my bottom lashes and the stragglers that poke in funny directions at the outer corner. I wouldn’t really advise it for someone needing a rapid routine though.