Make Up for 40+ dummies - where to begin?

[Haemagoblin]

O I'm 41 and have never worn make-up routinely. I have usually thrown some on for big nights out (mascara, lipstick, eyeliner type stuff) but I have a 10 year old's understanding of the whole arena.

I am starting to show my age now (as I daresay is usual at this point) and am wondering about whether I can make myself look better with about 10-15 minutes in the morning. Main issues are pretty obvious pores around my nose and chin and uneven skin tone. Best thing of course to do is better diet and hydration, which I am also doing. But any quick fixes that won't require me to develop make-up artist skills?

I’m 41 and have very limited time to get ready due to young DC, my fail safe routine is:

Erborian CC or Eldridge Skin Enhancing Skin Tint
Rhode Pocket Blush (Freckle is a lovely colour but it will depend on your skin tone, I also dab it on lips if I can’t be bothered with another product)
Merit Brow 1980 Volumising Tinted Pomade

I blend it all with one brush (Saie The Base Brush) or fingers. This gives me a glow and makes me look polished with minimal effort. I also think less is more at 40+.

What is your skincare routine like though? Makeup will always look better if you’re looking after your skin.

Thank you for this! I wash, tone and moisturise every morning, wash and moisturise at night, put on SPF in the summer of I remember - so not great!! Could certainly take on skin care tips as well!

I recently started vitamin c in the morning and retinal at night. I had a bit of a mini panic about turning 40, but I’m really pleased with the results. My skin looks better/ clearer now than it did in my 20s. The specific products I’m using are:

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced

But there are lots of cheaper alternatives (I’ve linked SpaceNK as they have 20% off at the moment). I think at 40+ you need to scale back the makeup and scale up the skincare! Also sunscreen, I’m much more diligent with sunscreen now but it sounds like you’ve got that covered.

Thanks so much really appreciate this - so clear and doesn't sound at all intimidating! I went to youtube/insta looking for videos to guide me but it's all contouring and 85 products and 72 brushes and I got a bit terrified!

Hi OP, I hear you completely! I suggest a moisturizer first with hyaluronic acid. You don’t need heavy foundation/full face cake. A lightweight tinted moisturizer or a BB cream is ideal. Conceal strategically, focus only on problem spots (under-eye circles, redness around the nose, or blemishes). For the eyes, a quick swipe of mascara makes a huge difference! For cheeks & lips, a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks, & a tinted lip balm or sheer lipstick.

I think if you've never worn much make up, you should prioritise skin care first. Getting your complexion looking and feeeling better will help.

Agree with a PP who has suggested vitamin C and Retinol. Just remember with retinol to start really really slow - 1-2 times a week, moisterise after, and if your skin flares up at all, stop until it stops reacting. A great entry level one at a reasonable price point is the Neutrogena range.

I am a bit older and have really found as I've got older that what I use to clean my face makes a huge difference. I use balm cleansers at night - currently my favourite is atually the Pure one from M&S. In the morning, I use a selection, but mostly all from Clarins. My skin is qutie dry and patchy so I find this one great and try to use it at least every 2-3 days as otherwise I find my skin goes back to being blotchy. I also use a very light exfoliator on the other days or a very gentle cleanser.

As for make up, if your skin tone feels uneven, it's a good simple complexion product you need. A lot of people use tinted moisterisers or face base. I like a foundation myself, but I do use ones that I can apply quite lightly - The Trinny BFF one is my favourite.

I second the Erborian recommendation. I like the BB cream but lots of people swear by the CC cream (I think CC is a bit lighter than the BB). It's really foolproof and natural. It just evens out colour and pores.
I think a good concealer and a bit of blush make a massive difference too. And mascara. You could start there and have a routine that looks natural and takes less than 5 mins.

20% off Erborian at John Lewis at the moment. Go for one of the small 15ml tubes. You only need to apply a small amount.

Following as I could pretty much have written OP's post word for word! 'Not haggard' is roughly the look I'm aiming for.