If you’re searching for the best makeup for women over 40, you are in the right place… Your girl is 41 and I have LOTS of makeup, skincare and hair experience under this belt.
I’m SO sick and tired of every influencer on the internet shoving high priced makeup products down our throats. The majority of these influencers have zero to no experience with makeup on anyone other than themselves and they are looking to make more money on higher ticket products, so hence the $$$ product push.
I’ll admit, finding affordable products that actually work for mature skin can feel overwhelming. Most tutorials are aimed at women in their 20’s. The formulas that work on younger skin just don’t always translate to ours. (insert crying emjoi here!!)
Fine lines, uneven skin tone (melasma or rosacea), loss of volume, crow’s feet, and changes in texture are all real concerns that deserve real solutions. How about the fact that as we age, our skin tends to get drier too?!
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune at Sephora to look absolutely gorgeous. In this full face drugstore makeup tutorial, I’m sharing every single product I used. The best part is that nothing is over $15! So whether you’re a makeup minimalist or love a full beat makeup look, this routine for women over 40 is approachable, wearable, and completely stunning.
📺 WATCH THE FULL TUTORIAL:
Watch the full tutorial above, keep reading for product links and tips!
I walk you through every single step in the video above, but keep reading for all the product details, my best tips for makeup on mature skin, and direct shopping links all listed below.
WHY DRUGSTORE MAKEUP WORKS BEAUTIFULLY FOR MATURE SKIN
One of the biggest misconceptions about makeup for women over 40 is that you need high-end, expensive products to get a flawless finish. In my experience? That’s just simply not true. Some of my all-time favorite makeup and skincare products come straight from the drugstore aisle.
The real secret isn’t the price tag, it’s knowing which products to reach for and how to apply them for the most flattering, age-appropriate finish.
SHOP MY FULL FACE — ALL PRODUCTS FOR MATURE SKIN:
Here’s everything I used in this makeup tutorial for women over 40, listed in the order I applied them:
🛍️ L’Oreal True Match Foundation → My go-to for a natural, skin-like finish. The shade range is incredible and it never settles into fine lines. Perfect for mature skin. I love mixing with It Cosmetics CC.
🛍️ Catrice Brightener → A total gem for women with dark circles of any age. Formula is extra creamy which is fabulous for fine lines around the eyes.
🛍️ L’Oreal True Match Concealer → Pairs perfectly with the foundation for seamless, buildable coverage that doesn’t look cakey. I still prefer my Dermablend concealer, but this one is great for the price point.
🛍️ Milani Cream Bronzer → Cream formulas are so much more flattering for mature skin. This bronzer gives the most natural, sun-kissed warmth and is so easy to blend.
🛍️ Covergirl Trublend Blush Balm → Adds a gorgeous flush of color that looks like it’s coming from within. A must-have in any makeup routine for women over 40. Make sure to always apply with a brush.
🛍️ Covergirl Trublend Baked Blush → Layer this over the blush balm for extra dimension and the most beautiful glow.
🛍️ Covergirl Trublend Baked Bronzer → The perfect finishing bronzer to tie the whole look together beautifully.
🛍️ Maybelline Setting Powder → Keeps everything locked in place without looking dry, flat, or cakey on mature skin. I prefer Laura Mercier, but this banana powder is a close second.
🛍️ Sorme Under Shadow Primer → Non-negotiable for makeup on mature skin. Primer keeps your eyeshadow from creasing all day long. ALWAYS set with a nude shadow to prevent creasing.
🛍️ Colourpop Nude Mood Palette → Beautiful neutral shades that are universally flattering. Does have fall out but color payoff is incredible.
🛍️ L’Oreal Extensionist Mascara → Lengthens and defines without clumping. One of the best drugstore mascaras I’ve ever tried. Separates while also volumizing.
🛍️ NYX Brow Glue → A total game changer for fuller, feathery brows. Thicker brows always look more youthful.
🛍️ ELF Brow Pencil → Fills in and defines brows naturally for a polished, put-together finish.
🛍️ Colourpop Lip Pencil → Defines and shapes the lips beautifully. As we age, our lips lose volume, so a great liner is essential.
🛍️ Colourpop Lippie Stix → Comfortable, pigmented, and long-lasting. The perfect everyday lip for every woman.
🛍️ Prequel Hydration Mist → Sets everything beautifully while keeping skin looking dewy and fresh. Spritz throughout the day to refresh your makeup.
MY TOP 5 TIPS FOR MAKEUP ON MATURE SKIN
After years of testing products and perfecting my routine, here are my best tips for makeup for women over 40 that will make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and wears throughout the day:
1. Always prep your skin first. The older I get, the more I realize that skincare is the most important piece of the makeup puzzle. I’ve said for years that beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin.
2. Choose cream formulas. Powder blush and bronzer can sometimes look dry or patchy on mature skin. Cream formulas melt beautifully into the skin and give a much more natural, youthful finish. Youthful skin is dewy and glowy, so the best way to emulate that look is with cream formulas.
3. Use a light hand with concealer. It’s tempting to pile on concealer under the eyes, but too much product actually emphasizes fine lines and wrinkles. Use a small amount, blend really well, and set lightly with a translucent powder. Make sure to steer clear of the smile lines on the outside corners of the eyes.
4. Never skip brow gel. Fuller, defined brows instantly lift and frame the face. Brows are one of the most impactful things you can do in your makeup routine after 40. The NYX Brow Glue in this tutorial is an absolute game changer and costs just a few dollars.
5. Finish with a hydrating setting spray. Skip heavy setting sprays and choose something with a dewy, hydrating finish instead. It keeps your makeup looking fresh, skin-like, and glowy all day long.
THE FINISHED LOOK
This is my everyday makeup look since turning 40. I change up my eye makeup look every single time I do my makeup, but the rest of my routine stays pretty consistent unless I’m testing out new products.
The fact that every single product is under $15 is the cherry on top. Proof that gorgeous, glowy skin and a gorgeous makeup look can totally be achieved at a drugstore price point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makeup for Women Over 40
What is the best drugstore foundation for women over 40?
The L’Oreal True Match Foundation is one of the best drugstore foundations for women over 40. It has a natural, skin-like finish, never settles into fine lines, and comes in an incredible shade range. For extra coverage and hydration, I love mixing it with the It Cosmetics CC Cream.
Is drugstore makeup good for mature skin?
Absolutely! Drugstore makeup can be just as effective as high-end products for mature skin. The key is knowing which formulas to choose. Look for lightweight, buildable foundations, cream blush and bronzer formulas, and hydrating setting sprays. Many drugstore brands like L’Oreal, Covergirl, and Maybelline offer products specifically formulated for mature skin at a fraction of the cost of luxury brands.
How do I make my makeup last longer on mature skin?
To make your makeup last longer on mature skin, always start with a good moisturizer and primer. Use an eyeshadow primer like the Sorme Under Shadow Primer to prevent creasing. Set your makeup with a light dusting of setting powder like the Maybelline Setting Powder, and finish with a hydrating setting spray like the Prequel Hydration Mist. You can also spritz the setting spray throughout the day to refresh your look.
What drugstore makeup products work best for fine lines and wrinkles?
For fine lines and wrinkles, reach for lightweight and hydrating formulas. The L’Oreal True Match Foundation and Concealer are both excellent choices as they never settle into fine lines. Cream blush and bronzer formulas like the Milani Cream Bronzer and Covergirl Trublend Blush Balm are much more flattering on mature skin than powder formulas. Always use a light hand with concealer under the eyes and avoid applying product directly into smile lines.
What is the best drugstore mascara for women over 40?
The L’Oreal Extensionist Mascara is one of the best drugstore mascaras for women over 40. It lengthens and defines lashes without clumping, and separates while also adding volume. For mature lashes that may be thinner or sparser, a lengthening formula like this one gives the most flattering, natural-looking results.
How should women over 40 apply blush?
For women over 40, the best approach is to layer a cream blush underneath a powder blush for a natural, dimensional finish. Start with the Covergirl Trublend Blush Balm applied with a brush, then dust the Covergirl Trublend Baked Blush on top. This layering technique gives a gorgeous glow that looks like it’s coming from within and is much more flattering on mature skin than powder alone.
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