What is the first thing to do? Embrace your age, there’s no denying it there is no stopping it. It is obvious when a woman over 40 is trying to be what society thinks is “beautiful, sexy and hot”, that’s exactly what it looks like. Strive to be the youngest looking 40ish woman around, you will be happier.
What is the second thing to do? Focus on prevention. Use sun protection cream and foundation. This should be a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine. Prevent and slow down the aging process by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen that is combined with antioxidants. Antioxidants will prevent premature aging of the skin.
What are the major beauty concerns of a woman over 40? Changes in skin texture, skin color, face and body hair, and in teeth color.
What is the #1 make-up mistake made by women over 40?
Wearing way too much makeup on your skin. Just as your skin begins to change, so does your hair. Keep your hair and skin tones so they compliment each other. As your hair begins to change to grey tones, allow your skin color to fade in intensity also. Makeup for a woman over 40 looks young and fresh when very sheer, luminous, simple, and the right color.
What is the #1 make-up recommendation?
The type of foundation you use on your face is key to younger, smoother looking skin. Makeup settles into wrinkles and fine lines. Find one that is perfect for your skin tone, is a long-lasting formula with sun protection. Get professional assistance; you can look at the options before making a purchase. More expensive foundation is available with anti-aging, skin firming ingredients. Consider using a makeup primer that contains peptides. A makeup primer fills in wrinkles and fine lines under the application of a foundation.
What is the #2 make-up recommendation?
Use a finishing spray to put a finishing seal on your foundation makeup. This is a spray that is applied after you have put on your foundation– it helps to keep your skin’s surface extra dewy, stops makeup from settling into the fine wrinkles and pores, and keeps your foundation from drying out. It is also a good component to an overall anti-aging routine.
What about your eyes?
Many women over 40 begin to stop using mascara. Don’t. Women over 40 can “lift” their eyes with the use of a volume building, lash-lengthening mascara. This type of mascara contains tiny fibers that give your eyes the longer lashes you used to have. Apply two light coats instead of one heavy one. An alternative is to become an expert in applying the new, light, very natural looking false eye lashes available. Try these at your department store cosmetic counter or makeup boutique before purchasing them. They are a viable option with practice.
What about your lipstick?
Try a glossy formula instead of a matte lipstick. Gloss provides more reflection of light from your teeth. Berry gloss colors will make your teeth appear more white. Don’t go too dark, you can get the opposite effect desired.
What about your teeth?
The natural aging process shows up in your smile. Teeth darken with age and use. Drinking coffee and tea, and eating foods that stain the teeth all impact the color of your teeth more readily with age. Smoking will very obviously color your teeth. Brush after eating or drinking. As your hair color take on a more grey color, your teeth will appear more yellow. Consult with your dentist about options for whitening your teeth, understand any risks that apply to your particular teeth. There are a lots of options available over the counter, just be aware of the risks to the enamel of your teeth that can come with overuse.
What about unwanted face hair?
There are good home treatments available now. LHE Technology (light plus heat energy) is used for a number of skin treatments, including hair removal, pigmentation and vascular lesions, to boost collagen, to reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate skin surface, for the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Do test a small area before treating your entire face and definitely follow the directions provided.
What about professional skin procedures?
Botox is injected into frown lines and relaxes the tissue, lessens the appearance of frown lines. Like many surface procedures, it’s temporary. Work with a reputable plastic surgeon or dermatologist. You can inquire about other procedures available. Some procedures can be very expensive but can make a huge difference in your skin’s appearance; some are more long lasting than others. Obviously if you have any concerns about skin cancer, don’t hesitate to get to the doctor.