5 Makeup Mistakes Women Over 40 Often Make — and How to Fix Them

Makeup is meant to help you feel like your most confident self — but if your makeup routine hasn’t evolved since your 30s, it might be doing the opposite.

As a makeup artist who works with women over 40 every day, I often see the same little mistakes crop up again and again. The good news? With just a few simple tweaks, your makeup can enhance your natural features and leave you glowing.

Here are 5 of the most common mistakes — and what to do instead.

1. Using Heavy or Matte Foundation

The problem: Full coverage, matte foundations can settle into fine lines and make skin look flat or dry — especially on more mature skin.
The fix: Go for hydrating, radiant-finish formulas that add glow without heaviness. Less is often more.

💛 Mel recommends: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation – it’s radiant, blendable, and perfect for a natural, plumped-up finish.

🛍️ Explore my full foundation picks here → View Foundation Board

2. Neglecting Your Brows

The problem: Sparse or thinning brows are common as we age, but skipping them can leave your face looking unbalanced.
The fix: Choose a brow pencil that’s not too dark and follow your natural shape for soft, flattering definition.

💛 Mel recommends: Laura Mercier Eyebrow Pencil – I suggest choosing a shade slightly lighter than your natural brow for a softer, lifted look.

🛍️ See what I use and love for brows & eyes → View My Eyes Board

3. Wearing Harsh Black Eyeliner

The problem: Heavy black eyeliner can drag the eyes down or look harsh.
The fix: Try a warm brown pencil instead — it’s softer, still defining, and much more flattering on mature eyes.

💛 Mel recommends: MAC Teddy Eyeliner – a rich, warm brown with a touch of shimmer that makes all eye colours pop.

🛍️ Discover more subtle but effective eye favourites → View My Eyes Board

4. Skipping Blush or Choosing the Wrong Shade

The problem: No blush = no warmth. But the wrong blush can also look dated or muddy.
The fix: Use a radiant cream blush high on the cheeks to lift and brighten your whole face.

💛 Mel recommends: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm – glowy, flattering and easy to blend.

🛍️ My favourite face-fresheners are here → View My Face Board

5. Choosing Lipstick That Drains Your Colour

The problem: Pale nudes or drying matte formulas can wash you out.
The fix: Look for moisturising lipsticks in shades that lift and enhance your natural tone.

💛 Mel recommends: Trinny London Lip2Cheek in Joyous Jessica – it’s a vibrant, confidence-boosting coral-pink that works beautifully on mature skin.

🛍️ See all my go-to lip colours → View My Lips Board

FAQ: Makeup Over 40

What’s the best foundation for mature skin?

Look for something lightweight and hydrating. CC creams or skin tints with added skincare ingredients (like hyaluronic acid or peptides) tend to work beautifully.

Is cream blush better than powder for older skin?

Yes — cream blush melts into the skin and avoids sitting in fine lines. It gives a fresher, more dewy appearance compared to powder.

Should women over 40 avoid shimmer eyeshadow?

Not necessarily! Just avoid chunky glitter. Soft satin or shimmer textures on the lid can actually brighten and lift the eyes if applied gently.

Ready for Personalised Advice?

Every face is unique — and makeup should feel like a joy, not a struggle. 💄

If you’d love help choosing the right products and techniques for your features, I offer warm, supportive 1:1 makeup lessons in Harrogate or online across the UK.

👉 Book your lesson here
👉 Explore online makeup lessons

Let’s help you feel like the best version of yourself — every single day.