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?

Early 50s, I am just getting back into make up again. I’ve had a period of 5-6 years where I’ve not bothered. Up to my late 30s very early 40s I would never leave the house without make up.

I'm mid-40s and you will prise it out of my cold, dead hands. Certainly it's changed since I was younger, but I much prefer how I look with make up on.

There are masses of tutorials for 'older' make up if you need a bit of help.

Me too. I love make up, I love applying it, I have adapted with age. Happy with myself but wear it because I enjoy it and look better with it

WTF? Of course! I am late 50s and have absolutely NO intention of stopping wearing make up!

I use tanning drops, erborian cc cream to even out my skin & give me dewy look mascara & a touch of glow drops on my cheeks, nose & forehead. I also use a nude pink lip crayon for a hint of colour.

I think as you get older less is more bit you need to sort your skincare so your skin is well moisturised so make up sits on it better.

The look I go for is understated & dewy & i look better now in my 40s than I did in my 30s.

My skin got really dry a couple of years ago (I’m 44) and I had to stop using my usual foundation that had suited me for years! I now just use a BB cream or tinted moisturiser.

I think the key (in my opinion!) is skincare/great skin. I invest time and money into getting my skin into the best condition it’s ever been in, so I dont need to apply loads of foundation to achieve the appearance of good skin. In terms of makeup I usually just dust some bronzer over the top of my SPF (factor 50, applied every single day). The spf usually leaves my skin very glowy, so the bronzer mattifies slightly and evens everything out, then I’d add a little blush and some mascara. (Bronzer can also be used on eyes too). If I have any blemishes I just spot cover them with a little concealer. Mascara, a nude lip. Done. (Botox has also been a help for me too!)

Same! I'm in my 50s and love makeup when I'm out and about.

Most days unless I'm WFH I'll wear lighter foundation, concealer, no contour but love blush and highlighter, eyebrows are essential and a bit of lip gloss or lip oil.
I don't always do my eyes but when I do it's a neutral matte either in a cream or liquid texture, brown mascara on top lashes only and a bit of brown eyeliner.
Blurring powder and setting spray to keep it looking fresh all day.

I used a light hand with everything and aim for my skin/eyes/lips- but- better. I feel polished.

I also enjoy shopping for makeup, skincare and hair products especially with my dds.

I don’t bother and I’m in my 50s.

should you - if you want to

i can’t be bothered

Tanning drops, concealer, eyebrow pencil, mascara and bronzing powder (love benefit) then lip gloss. Embracing the gloss works for me

Late 30s here too and I'm very similar. I definitely have changed things in the last six months or so as I edge closer to 40. Mainly not using foundation at all as it looked far too heavy and focusing more on skincare and a lighter touch.

I am prioritising being consistent with my skincare so I have a better base. I tend to just use Charlotte Tilbury flawless filter and then a bit of powder so I have some glow. Benefit Dandelion for a light blush. I will use concealer occasionally if I feel I need it anywhere.

My eyes still need definition as I'm very pale with fair lashes but I've swapped black mascara for brown and pretty much got rid of the heavy black eyeliner. I will sometimes use a cream shadow stick instead.

I've also swapped lipstick for Laura Geller jelly balms which are tinted and moisturising.

I'm basically aiming for dewy skin and lighter makeup but I still love applying it and feel I look better with a bit of makeup on.

I’ve noticed I look much better with less make up now, (at 47.) Instead I focus on uncomplicated but good quality skincare (Clarins face wash, Clinique dramatically different moisturiser, the factor 50 each morning and normal at night), a bit of self tan, and a simple primer (Charlotte Tilbury) and mascara. I dye my brows and use clear brow mascara. A bit of Clinique nude honey lipgloss too. I’ve also stopped with the colourful gel manicures and gave a very unfussy cut and colour.

The economic benefits are more than negated by the fact that I’ve also realised my aged self looks much better in neutral but expensive fabrics and gold jewellery.