Since I’ve entered my 40’s, I noticed my makeup application and products needed to change. Do you find yourself in the same situation and need suggestions for beauty products that work best for skin over 40? I got you! Below is a list of beauty products that will help you achieve natural looking makeup for over 40 individuals.
Some of these beauty products are newly discovered, and some have been my favorites forever. They have worked for me, my busy lifestyle as a working mom, and my 40+ year old skin. If you’re like me and like natural looking makeup, keep reading!
This post is all about natural looking makeup for over 40.
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Natural Looking Makeup for Over 40
1. Skin Tints
Let’s start with skin tints. I rarely used foundation when I was younger. And that still rings true, more so now than ever. If, like me, you prefer light to medium coverage and want to attain natural looking makeup for over 40 individuals, then tints are more likely suitable for you.
There are two skin tints that work really well for my aging, combination skin that can lean more on the drier side at times.
The first skin tint I like is Rose Inc Skin Enhance Non-Comedogenic Skin Tint Serum. I came across this tint when I was gifted a sample size. I liked it so much I purchased a full-size bottle. This tint is really lightweight yet provides just the right amount of coverage and is buildable. I’m usually color 80 during most seasons and color 90 during the summer.
I apply this with my hands, and it looks like my skin’s imperfections are blurred. Yet, it gives a really natural finish. The color is perfect for tan skin as well. Some tints or foundations can leave skin looking a little gray if you’re tan. You don’t have to worry about that with this tint.
As far as longevity, I would say that a primer and setting spray should be used with this product. When using the tint alone, it doesn’t really hold that well throughout a long day.
Another tint I recently discovered and have been enjoying is Chanel’s Les Beiges Eau De Teint Water Fresh Tint. I’m currently using the color light deep. I don’t remember how I came across this, but I was surprised by how much I loved this tint.
I usually stayed clear of high-end face makeup because way back in the day, I noticed they didn’t really cater to tan or darker skin tones. However, today, Chanel’s range of colors no longer leaves a gray cast. I also apply this with my hands instead of using the tiny, cute Chanel brush that comes with it.
I find this tint lasts a bit longer than Rose Inc’s tint. However, the price is pretty high at around $70, versus Rose Inc, which is at around $49.
Macy’s will sometimes have a sale on Chanel makeup. You do need to go in person to benefit from the sale. Macy’s doesn’t advertise Chanel beauty sales online. If you see that Macy’s has an online sale for other beauty products, most likely, they’ll have a sale for Chanel beauty products in-store. Well, in California that is.
For Rose Inc, you can purchase it on sale through Sephora (I think Sephora is slowly discontinuing Rose Inc products) or directly through their website, which always has sales.
If you asked me which I prefer, I’d go with Chanel. Even though the cost is almost double, I like that it lasts longer, and it just feels more luxurious, even though the consistency of the two is similar. It also has a lovely light scent.
I justify the price because I only use the tints if I’m going out, which is probably 1-2 times per week, if at all. Either way, whether you choose the Chanel or Rose Inc skin tint, both will help in achieving natural looking makeup for over 40 skin.
2. Primer
I will admit, most of my primers have been gifted to me either by my daughters or friends. I’m very lucky in that way to receive an abundance of gifts.
Most recently, I had a birthday, and my girlfriends gifted me with a YSL Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer. I have to agree with my girlfriend. It’s a really great primer!
It doesn’t dry your skin out, and it gives the skin tints mentioned above the longevity it needs. It also says what it does and seems to blur pores, too.
I would have to say YSL has to be my favorite primer at the moment. So much so that when I run out, I would purchase this despite how expensive it is.
My second favorite primer would have to be Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide. I hate to say this, but this was also gifted to me by the same friend. She buys a lot of makeup and has such an abundance that she consistently gifts me things she doesn’t use.
I loved this primer so much that I finished it quickly! It’s a great go-to for travel. Especially when you know you’re not going to return to the hotel room any time soon. However, I’ve noticed that at the end of a long travel day, my skin tends to become more oily with this primer.
There is just something about the YSL primer that I love. I feel like it’s a bit more moisturizing than Milk’s primer, and the smell is so nice and subtle yet luxurious. It feels nice applying it to the skin, too.
Milk’s primer can feel a little tacky, but I think that’s why it makes your makeup last longer. So far, I haven’t had any issues with how long YSL makes my makeup last. In fact, my skin and makeup are still going strong and looking smooth by the end of the night. However, I haven’t used it when I’m traveling.
I don’t know if I’m just being biased, though, but I also feel like the YSL primer works better with mature skin types. I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older that, unfortunately, the higher-end makeup brands, like Chanel and YSL, seem to work better for mature skin. Maybe that’s their target audience, older women? It seems like that’s all we want, though, is natural looking makeup for over 40 skin.
3. Blush
I love blush! I used to love matching my blush as close to my lipstick or stain color as possible.
Before, I’d apply blush directly to the apples of my cheeks. That is no longer the case. Now, I apply blush at the very tops of my cheekbones towards my ears. This little shift in placement can really help lift your face.
Did I mention blush is one of my favorite makeup products? I just love experimenting with color. The fact that you can bring color to your face just brings me so much joy! Dramatic much?
There are currently three blush brands that are a part of my rotation. I’ll list the most used first, which is Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo.
Patrick Ta’s blush duo offers a cream and powder blush in one compact. My daughter told me that Patrick Ta instructed users to apply the powder first and then the cream.
For me, if I’m going for a more natural look that day, I’ll only use the cream blush. If I’m going somewhere where I need to look more done up or staying power, then I’ll set my cream blush with the powder blush.
Cream blushes are more forgiving on older skin and look more natural. Be sure to blend well! This will help in achieving that natural looking makeup for over 40 cheeks.
I love this blush because it offers two textures, cream and powder. The second reason is that it lasts pretty long, even if you only use the cream blush. And third, I love this blush because of all the color options.
I’m currently using the color She’s Blushing, which is a beautiful dusty rose color. In the summer, I enjoyed using She’s So LA, which is a beautiful bronzed nude shade. I was introduced to Patrick Ta’s blushes by my daughter, who gifted me She’s So LA.
The other two blushes I really like are tied right now. They both offer different benefits.
Let’s start with Tinted. I was also gifted this from Ulta (Yeah, I get it. Huge eye roll with the gifts already). I bought something from Ulta online, and to my surprise, they included a full-size Tinted Huestick Multistick in the color True for free in my order!
I tried it on my lips, and the color isn’t as flattering as it is on my cheeks. Didn’t care too much for the texture on my lips either. As a blush, the color lasts for a really long time. The color is also super flattering on tan skin, and the formula is pretty blendable. I also like how it’s a stick, which makes it easy to pack. This is usually the blush I’m traveling with.
Last but definitely not least, this was something I actually purchased for myself (Big surprise, right?). It’s the N*1 De Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink. I’ve also tried this on my lips, and again, the color and texture just didn’t suit my lips like it did for my cheeks.
Unlike the Tinted blush, this does not last as long. Which is disappointing since it’s the most expensive out of the three. However, the color is just beautiful! And it really adds a nice, healthy glow to your skin.
The finish is a beautiful dewy glow. The only gripe I have with this is the longevity and price point…well, two gripes. I’ve already hit pan, and I’m trying to savor my last moments with it.
4. Mascara
I also love mascara, but my love for mascara is different than my love for blush. If I had to choose any makeup product to wear and nothing else, it most likely would be mascara. Mascara can instantly open your eyes and make you look more refreshed.
Mascara wasn’t something I usually experimented with until recently. Not long ago, I started to venture into the higher-end brands, and now I can’t stop! Well, I have, but it has been such a fun (and expensive) journey!
For the longest time, I stuck with my tried and true Maybelline Lash Sensational in Blackest Black. I love this mascara for many, many reasons. I like the price point; it doesn’t clump, it elongates lashes, and it helps create a natural look, yet it’s still impactful. Also, it doesn’t smear or flake!
The only con I would say is that it doesn’t thicken lashes as much as I’d like with one coat. I only wear one coat of mascara by the way. And to give you an idea of the type of lashes I have, I would consider them straight, a little thin, and a little sparse. I have been using Sweed Lash Serum, which has tremendously helped my lashes grow, but that’s for another post and time.
I’ve been using Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara for years now. In fact, I think I started using it when it first came out. I can’t even remember what I used before it.
I don’t remember why I decided to venture out into higher-end mascaras. Honestly, I think it was because I got a gift card (sorry). Nonetheless, the process was fun, and here is what I discovered…
Out of all the high-end mascaras I’ve used, I would say that Gucci L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara and Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Lengthening Mascara are my favorite high-end mascaras. They both provide the same benefits as my favorite Maybelline mascara, but I feel like Gucci thickens a little better, and Armani lengthens a little more. However, Armani can clump if you’re not careful with application.
The runner-ups would be Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara and Thrive Causmetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. They are the complete opposites of one another.
Lancôme provides a more natural lash look. If applied carefully, you could get away with looking like you don’t have any mascara on. Yet, your lashes look nice, are a little longer, and a little thicker. It doesn’t lengthen as much as I’d like personally. But it’s still a really good mascara overall that doesn’t flake or smudge. However, it can get clumpy.
Thrive’s mascara is a tube mascara, and although it’s very long-lasting, it’s kind of a nuisance to wash off. It leaves little residue all over my sink when I wash my face. Sometimes, I’ll find little flakes of mascara in the corners of my sink. Because of this, it makes me not want to use it as much. However, it really does extend and thicken your lashes. I find that it doesn’t clump either!
At one point, I stopped using it because my lashes looked too fake. After all, guys, this post is all about natural looking makeup over 40 eyes. This mascara did not add to the natural looking aesthetic I was aiming for.
5. Brows
UPDATE: It’s currently January 2026, and I have finally found a favorite brow gel. Bonus- it’s also super affordable! It’s the e.l.f. Wow Brow gel in Neutral Brown. I like how it holds my brows together. The color is also a perfect match for me. I have dark brown and black hair. I also love how affordable it is at around $6.
Now, if, unlike me, you are already gifted with nice, thick brows, then perhaps this section isn’t for you. But if you are someone who needs a little something like me, then please read on.
I don’t have thick brows, nor do I have sparse brows. But I would say I lean more on the sparse side than I do the thick side.
If I’m on the go or really want a natural look, I will opt for a brow gel. If I want to look a little more put together or going out, then I’ll opt for a brow powder.
I haven’t found a brow gel I absolutely love. So I’ll just go through some brow gels I’ve used. With all brow gels, I’ve noticed that when the bottle starts to get empty, it’s a bit easier to apply. I make fewer makeup mistakes when there’s less in the tube.
Let’s start with Thrive Causemetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Gel in the color Serena. I love this company’s mission, which is what prompted me to purchase from them in the first place. If you have time, you should really learn more about them.
Okay, so going back to their brow gel. I thought I loved it so much I bought three at once! At first, I felt it was really easy to apply, and the color matched perfectly. However, after going through my second tube, I noticed the color was starting to look too dark, and it became really messy to apply. I slowly and begrudgingly went through all three tubes.
With all that being said, I do want to give this brow gel another try. This time, I want to try it in the color April, which is a cool brown. I much prefer cool tones for my brows since my skin is naturally pretty warm.
Now, when I’m going for natural looking makeup, I’m alternating between Refy Brow Tint Eyebrow Gel in black and Sephora’s Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in midnight brown.
Refy is easy to apply because the formula isn’t supposed to smudge or stick onto skin. However, in certain lights, it can make your eyebrows look shiny and hard. It can give the appearance of wet eyebrows. Honestly, as easy as it is to apply it, I’m still trying to learn how to use it.
The end of the applicator looks like a spiky ball. It doesn’t apply the product any differently than a regular eyebrow brush. I might not be using it correctly, though. Out of the two, I would say I favor Sephora right now.
I like Sephora’s price point and color options. It also has a nice, short, fluffy brush that’s easy to use. But again, I’m towards the tail end of the product, so maybe that’s why it’s easier to use. I’ve also used the clear version, which I find better than Anastasia’s Clear Eyebrow gel. For some reason, Anastasia leaves a white cast on the brows when it dries.
As far as brow powder, I really like Benefit’s Goof Proof Waterproof Brow-Filling Powder in color 3.5. This was given to me by my youngest because she thought it was too dark for herself. I thought the same at first, too, but ended up loving the color. When applying this product, it’s best to use a light hand.
I also love Benefit’s Precisely My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer, also in 3.5. My daughter and I love this pencil! We’ve gone through so many. I stopped using it because one, I ran out, and two, the application takes a bit longer for me than gel or powder.
6. Concealer
Yes, yes, I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but “when I was younger, I never had to wear concealer! It wasn’t until 2 years ago that I started to wear concealer. This was at the ripe ol’ age of 44. In my 2-year journey, I have tried a lot, from Thrive Causemetics (which I like and my daughter loves) to Nars, Armani, Hourglass, Maybelline, and now Chanel.
The concealers that worked best for me are Chanel and Thrive. I’m currently using Chanel and was recently gifted more Chanel concealers. So this will be my go-to for now.
I do actually favor Chanel over Thrive. I think the consistency is a bit thicker and nicer on my skin. Chanel’s color also works well for me. Although I do need to use two shades. The two shades I’m currently using are BD51 and BR92. Update- in the winter, I’m finding that I only reach for the lighter shade, BD51.
However, I don’t think Chanel lasts as long as other concealers do. But the two shades I’m using suit my skin tone the best. I want to give Thrive another try, but I won’t be repurchasing it any time soon. Simply because I just received two brand new Chanel concealers.
I liked Thrive, too, because it was creamy and hydrating. I bought so many colors in Thrive when I first started using concealer that I can’t remember which color suited me best. My daughter feels like Thrive’s concealer matches her undertone the best out of all concealers she’s tried. She’s also tan.
Both Thrive and Chanel definitely work well to attain that natural looking makeup for over 40 skin.
7. Face Powder
Now this is optional. Well, everything in this list is optional, honestly. But I finally found my favorite powder for setting and overall face powder. And guess what? It’s a drug store.
It’s the Revlon Colorstay Finishing Pressed Powder. For under my eyes in the winter, I’m currently using Light/Medium, and for my overall face, I’m using Medium. In the summers, I use Medium Deep.
I’ve tried so many powders, both loose and pressed. And started to feel like I would never find a powder that best suited me. I’ve noticed that the powders that work best for my skin type are usually pressed powders, but they need to be fine-pressed powders. I can tell these powders are fine by how they react when I swirl my brush on them.
Fine pressed powders usually become very powdery on initial contact with a makeup brush. It’s kind of like loose powder, where it leaves a small print of dusty powder in the air. Revlon’s pressed powder has definitely helped me pull off that natural looking makeup for over 40 skin.
If you’re going for natural looking makeup, only set the concealer under your eyes instead of using it all over your face. For application, I alternate between a brush (for a more natural look) or a makeup puff (for staying power).
8. Lips
I almost forgot about lips! Again, “when I was younger…” I used to wear lip stains. I LOVED Benefits Benetints in Posie Tint and went through so many bottles for years. They were so long-lasting. The color was perfect for my hyper-pigmented lips, too. Posie Tint was a perfect cool-toned pink color. When I applied it to my cool-toned lips, it became such a beautiful, natural pink lip color.
Unfortunately, Benefit decided to change up their colors and formula. Now, I find the new version doesn’t work as well for me. Do you have any stains you like and can recommend? I know recently stains have become a bit more popular, but I haven’t found any I love yet.
I’ve tried the Fenty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in Mai Type. I like the color and feel, but I found it wasn’t long-lasting enough for me. The biggest con about this stain was the tube it came in. It made a huge mess every time I used it. A glob of product would escape and slide all over the sides of the tube. It was pretty annoying, and it stained my counters more permanently than my lips! I’m not sure whether they’ve updated the tube.
But have no fear because I found something else that works and nourishes lips! That is Dior Addict Lip Glow in 001 Pink. This, too, is a cool-toned pink and provides just the right amount of pink to your lips. It’s so natural and beautiful. At first, I didn’t want to buy into the hype of this lip balm. I found it overpriced and thought it would be useless for my lips.
Let me tell you, the color is absolutely beautiful, and it definitely moisturizes lips like no other lip balm. I’ve gone through four tubes already!
It never gets cakey or sticky like others do when you consistently reapply. And you don’t need to reapply often because the color and moisture are pretty long-lasting. Plus, it leaves a pretty sheen to your lips.
Although it’s not a stain, my daughter and I feel like it leaves a little trace of color on the lips after it has worn off. She has naturally pink lips, and I have naturally hyperpigmented lips. The color payoff on both of our lips is still really pretty and natural.
I wrote about how much I love this balm in my blog post: 13 Items That Are Purse Must Haves. Click here to find out what I consider essentials to keep in your purse.
I do have a lip gloss that I absolutely love. But since we’re going for natural looking makeup for over 40 lips, I’ll only list the Dior lip balm for now.
If you want to hear about what lipgloss I love, be sure to stay connected and sign up for updates so you can read about it in an upcoming blog post. Your support is greatly appreciated.
9. Face Sprays
This, too, like face powders, is optional. I have a few sprays I like…Surprise! There’s more than one! Just kidding. However, both have different purposes. One is for longevity, and the other provides your makeup with a more natural finish.
The spray that provides you with long-lasting makeup is the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide. Just like the primer I mentioned above, they were both gifted to me by my friend at the same time.
After using this setting spray, I noticed my makeup would last all day! It’s not too drying for my skin either. Some setting sprays can be pretty drying.
The finish of this setting spray can look a little oily if applied too much. As the day progresses, it does start to settle in a bit more. As far as finish, I will admit it’s not my favorite, but it does the job of making makeup last longer.
What also works at keeping my makeup from budging is the One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray. This actually makes your makeup last longer than Milk’s, in my opinion. I purchased the travel size and finished the whole bottle. I haven’t purchased another bottle for a couple of reasons.
One, I was gifted Milk’s setting spray and primer around the same time I finished Patrick Starrr’s setting spray. Two, I don’t like the application spray nor smell of the formula. It feels like applying hair spray on your face.
I can’t get over that feeling, and it turned me off from wanting to repurchase. I think I just breathe in too quickly. Because I end up swallowing some of the setting spray.
Finally, the other spray I love is more for a natural finish to makeup. It’s the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist. In my 20’s, I used this a lot and still love it! I went through so many bottles throughout the years, but recently stopped because it was getting expensive. I can go through a bottle pretty quickly.
Now, I’m trying to budget better. In fact, I’m writing about my journey to financial freedom, which you can find here if you’re interested.
Okay, so back to the spray. I absolutely love this beauty elixir because it really helps set your makeup to a more natural finish. If my makeup looked too cakey, I’d spray this on my face.
It gives such a beautiful dewy glow. This beauty elixir definitely helps with creating that natural looking makeup for over 40 women.
As far as longevity, it doesn’t provide much like the other setting sprays. It’s more so to help with the finish of your makeup.
However, the smell is so natural and refreshing. Throughout the day, I would spray it for a little pick-me-up. That’s probably why I went through so many bottles so quickly.
I tried to replace it with a more affordable option, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater. Although it is a nice, affordable option, I didn’t reach for it as much and ended up discarding it because it expired.
The smell wasn’t the same, nor the finish. It was a nice spray, especially for the price, but it didn’t do anything for me. The hydrating aspect was meh for me, too.
So there you have it, 9 makeup products to achieve a more natural looking makeup for over 40!
I realize, as I reread my posts, that I write a lot about being gifted by friends and family. I’m totally aware of this privilege, and I’m super, super grateful. It’s because of these gifts that I’m able to find out what products I like and enjoy. Hence, I’m able to share my opinions and reviews on them.
I hope you find these posts helpful when deciding on some products. Yes, some of these products are really expensive. I wouldn’t be able to provide as much insight about these beauty products if I weren’t gifted so many things from friends and family,
After all, I am on a journey of financial freedom and learning more about financial literacy. These gifts really help me budget because I no longer buy makeup just because, like I used to.
If you’d also like to join me on my financial journey, please be sure to sign up for updates on new posts. You can also read about my journal entries by clicking here.
As always, thank you for reading. I hope you have a beautiful day! Please share with me some of your favorites. I’d love to check them out!
Below, I created a widget of all the beauty products I enjoy. Be sure to let me know if you’ve tried any of these and if you enjoy them too or not.
Love, Sutivi.
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