5 Makeup Looks And Tips To Celebrate Women Over 40

Here at bh, we think getting older is something worth celebrating. So we asked some of our favourite makeup artists and experts to share what they think are some of the best makeup looks for women over 40.

And boy, they did not disappoint. 

“Women over 40 are stunning — they tend to have a magnetic confidence that comes with the experience of age,” says Georgie Greville Jasper, Co-founder and Creative Director of Milk Makeup (we like Georgie).

As such, women over 40 can pull off a whole library of looks. So don’t let anyone say you’re too old for anything! Yes, even liquid eyeliner.

And while the rules are there ain’t no rules, if you are looking for some guidance or inspiration, this is a great place to start.

5 of the best makeup looks for women over 40

#1 Poppin’ cheeks and lips

“Flushed cheeks, full lashes, lightly defined brows and a bold lip,” is a favourite look of Georgie Greville Jasper, Co-founder and Creative Director of Milk Makeup.

Her top tip: For makeup, make sure your base is hydrating and that you’re using products that give your skin the deep, healthy hydration that it needs.

• Maybelline New York FIT me! Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation, $10.97 at Chemist Warehouse
• IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a CC+ Cream, $63 at Sephora
• Milk Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30, $64 at Sephora

#2 Luminous skin and loaded lashes

Over 40s makeup expert Amanda Ramsay chooses a similar vibe to Georgie when it comes to the best makeup look for women over 40. She highly recommends “luminous, glowing lit from within skin, brushed up brows, lashings of mascara and a banging bold and vibrant lip.”

Her top tip: Choosing a warm-toned (yes, even when you’re pale adding that touch of warmth lifts your complexion!) lightweight and light-reflecting foundation, and correctly matching it to your chest. It will deliver a huge difference and can take years off you.

#3 Red lip and a clean face

“Everyone can wear a red lip; it’s whether it’s a tomato red, or a cool red etc” says Trinny Woodall, beauty entrepreneur and founder of Trinny London. “This is personally just for me, but if I’m wearing white, [I’d] do a beautiful red lip and a really clean face. And maybe just a soft eye.”

Her top tip: If you feel you don’t have the lip for it, I believe in Miracle Blur all over the lip. I started wearing it there because of those little lines on the lip. It helps to perfect the mouth’s base before you put the lip on.

• Miracle Blur, $48 at trinnylondon.com
• Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in ‘Mayfair Red Lady’, $13.95 at Priceline

#4 Classic smokey eye

If you thought you were ‘too old’ for a smokey eye, Georgie says to think again. “I love a smokey eye with a nude lip and some light contouring.”

Her top tip: I would recommend using a hydrating cream bronzer like our Matte Bronzer to lightly contour cheeks and nose.

bh top tip: Try using a damp sponge to apply your cream contour rather than a brush. This will help to create a more diffused, skin-like finish.

• Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer, $31 at Sephora
• Real Techniques 4 Miracle Contour Wedges, $25.98 at Amazon AU

#5 Colours you love (and that love you back)

“I don’t love trends. I just love what suits you and your bone structure and everything,” says Trinny. “So I think it’s looking at, well, what colours do you want to wear? Like, if I’m wearing pink and loving pink, I generally wear lots of cheek that’s pink and a more neutral lip.”

Her top tip: Knowing your colour palette is key, and that’s where Match2Me (The Trinny London makeup matching quiz) can really help us to refine.

Do you like any of the suggested looks? Which one would you be most keen to try?