Should you wear make up in your 40s?

[Shineyorange]

I’m mid 40s and starting to think the more make up I wear, the more aged I look - I’ve started reducing it to some under eye concealer, mascara and lip gloss. But then I look quite washed out…

So what ‘works’ make up wise as you head further into your 40s?

I spend a lot of time on skincare to make sure I have the best base for makeup. I’ve switched to lighter formulas with a more dewy finish foundation instead or matte. I wear what suits me and my skin but I definitely look better with makeup than without and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon (43)

If you are used to wearing eyeliner/mascara on the bottom lashes it can be hard to break the habit. I haven’t managed to stop completely but do my best to keep it as subtle as possible, just to give some definition and to look ‘alive’

I don’t use powder eye shadow, I like to use a bit of bronzer or Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk highlighter on my eyes instead.

I like skincare so I focus more on that than on anything heavy on my face. I use a bit of Dr Jart cicapair colour corrector or nars tinted moisturiser.

You defo need to wear less and wear different products imo. Tinted moisturiser instead of foundation, for example. No eye liner on lower lashes. Less powder.

I’m in my 40s and have found that I need some tweaks although like some of the other posters, I think the skincare element is the bit that’s most important these days. I have found that I prefer a slightly lighter look - darker lipsticks and/or red lipsticks just don’t work for my anymore for example. Likewise heavy eyeliner seems very aging on my face these days.

I am 45 and love wearing makeup - it is the only creative thing I can do

Yes, Charlotte Tilbury makeup has changed everything for me and I’m 43!

I like a bit of fake tan on face. Then translucent face powder on t-zone, clear mascara on top lashes, eyeliner on top lashes from middle of eye to just before edge of eye. Bronzer on top of cheekbones and wear a nice natural lipstick.
I stopped wearing concealer and foundation years ago, I’m 50’s.

Oh i always have a full face! But then I have quite a metal type look, piercings, tattoos, black jewellery etc. so it fits my style to have dark eyes etc.

Only thing I’ve changed is I find I don’t suit the very red lips now, I go for something more neutral. But nobody is ever taking away my eyeliner or mascara. I look like a naked mole rat without my eyes done!

I've had very spot prone skin since puberty. I'm 46 now so have fine lines and the beginings of wrinkles as well as spots, and some acne scarring and VERY dark circles under my eyes (what a babe). The only time i go make up free is on Halloween as ive totally nailed the half-dead-zombie-plague-victim-starting-to-decay look! I wear less makeup than i used to and to be fair my skin isnt as bad as it was in my younger years but i HAVE to wear some makeup, I dont want to frighten people.

Yes, but go to a make up counter to get advice on what will suit you

You’re making it sound like 40 is old….jeez I got my second wind in my 40’s.

wear what you want, put on the make up you want…adjust if needs be…but come on…40 really isn’t old.

I have never regularly worn make up. I'm 62. My mum didn't either. I last wore some about 3 years ago when I got married but even then felt it didn't really change how I looked.
I have a really good complexion which my mum and grandmother also had despite them both being smokers for many years.

I actually hate the feeling of makeup on my face.

I’ve just turned 40 but have a 3 year old and had chemo 2 years ago and both have aged me 🫠 I had to throw all my old make up out as it just made me look worse, I always used to wear foundation and now I just can’t - but I’ve found Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint, and Refy concealer, bronzer and blush to be an absolute god send. I get so many compliments when I actually have time to put make up on 😂

For eyes, give eyeshadow sticks a try if you haven't already - I love the Bobbi Brown and NARS ones, and you only need a small amount to be smudged around. The matte nude ones also work well as a primer.

For lips, I'm increasingly preferring sheers and glosses - perennial Clinique Black Honey, also 'Painterly' by Lisa Eldridge is very flattering.

But yep, good skincare, staying hydrated, a light mascara, Eborian cc cream defined eyebrows, and bronzer and a little highlighter seal the deal.

Yeah finding the concept quite weird too!

I look better now than in my 30s when I was knackered and worn out by having little kids.

Im very very far from toning it down to be honest 🤣

I’m 40 now, never really wore much makeup at all, didn’t own anything other than a black eyeliner and some Vaseline for my lips until about 7 years ago, now I own loads of makeup and still rarely wear it.
Never really learnt how to apply it all and blend it all seamlessly, felt like a bit of a hassle and made me feel quite self conscious like it looked silly on my face (it probably did!).
Now I may do eyeline and lipstick, and some blusher at a push for a night out but that’s it.
I look after my skin and it’s clear and smooth, I feel confident in myself and happy to go out barefaced daily.
You SHOULD wear makeup if you like it or if you want to. Why the hell not?!
Some of my friends wouldn’t leave the house without a full face, others like me are happy without any of it - no one is right or wrong, we are just happy people out enjoying ourselves!

Over 30? People in their 30s don't look old.... they aren't wrinkled and their skin is still young. Some people have a few fine lines and maybe some dark circles under their eyes for some, but I don't know anyone in their 30s who looks aged or 'needs' make up!

40s and beyond! I’m never giving the stuff up! I have noticed I’m emphasising different features these days compared to say 10/15 years ago.

Less is more the older you get. Nothing illustrates this more than when you see older women (late 50’s) working for cosmetic brands in department stores absolutely caked on foundation. You can get away with that when you’re young, but not at that age. I get they have to be seen to be wearing the make up but it does the brands no favours at all.

I look like a corpse without makeup. I find I need blusher and it makes me look younger and healthier. I also look a lot better with bronzer and a bit of lipstick (applied with some lip balm). I don’t suit eye makeup as much as I used to.

I'm 55 and definitely look better with some light make up. I firmly believe women can do what the hell they want with their faces, but I have eschewed foundation for skin tint or just concealer as it looks fresher.

Wow! I'm 70 and will rock undereye liner and red lippy till I drop!

I don’t wear foundation or powder any more- too heavy and settles in the lines! Concealer as I have dark under eyes & BB/CC cream. I’m a bit alternative/gothy and used to wear very heavy black eyeliner and eye make up on nights out which I’ve paired back quite as bit as it’s not as flattering any more.

And I only bother with make up for nights out. CBA day to day but apart from dark rings under my eyes, my skin is okay and I have naturally dark full eyebrows and eyelashes.