The Quick Report

20 Over-40 Beauty Hacks from TikTok

As we age, and our skin and features change, so should our makeup techniques! In fact, the right makeup can enhance your natural beauty, boost your confidence, and keep you looking fresh and radiant. Here are 20 over-40 beauty hacks from TikTok!

Hydrate and Prime

person holding white plastic bottle pouring white liquid on white ceramic mug
Photo by Content Pixie

Start with a hydrating moisturizer AND a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup. Your makeup will look cakey otherwise!

Choose a Lightweight Foundation

brown and black calvin klein perfume bottle
Photo by Hitesh Dewasi

Opt for a lightweight, hydrating foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Heavy foundations can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, so something sheer and buildable works best.

Use a Damp Beauty Sponge

person holding white heart shaped ornament
Photo by Ashley Piszek

Put the brushes down! A damp beauty sponge helps to blend foundation and concealer seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural, airbrushed finish.

Spot Conceal

assorted-color makeup brush on white surface
Photo by Glow Repose

Instead of applying a heavy layer of concealer everywhere, focus on spot concealing only where needed. Less is truly more!

Cream-Based Products

women's Chanel pressed powder beside tube bottles
Photo by Glow Repose

Powder products are not the way to go as we age. In fact, cream-based blushes, bronzers, and highlighters blend more seamlessly into mature skin.

Subtle Contour

brown and white makeup brush
Photo by Kelly Sikkema

If you like contouring, keep it really subtle. Use a cream contour stick to gently defining your cheekbones, jawline, and temples for a natural, sculpted look.

Brighten the Eyes

brown makeup brush in front pink powder on glass case
Photo by Joanna Kosinska

Apply a brightening eye cream or primer before your eyeshadow to reduce puffiness and dark circles. This helps your eye makeup look more vibrant and lasts longer.

Warm-Toned Eyeshadows

Person Blue Eyes Photography
Photo by Lisa Fotios

Warm-toned eyeshadows, such as golds, bronzes, and soft browns, enhance the natural warmth of your skin and make your eyes appear more awake and youthful.

Avoid Heavy Eyeliner

woman's face
Photo by Luis Machado

Instead of heavy eyeliner, opt for a softer look by using a dark brown or taupe eyeshadow as a liner. This provides definition without being too harsh.

Curl Your Lashes

person wearing silver framed eyeglasses
Photo by engin akyurt

Curling your lashes will open up your eyes, making them look larger and more youthful. 

Define Your Brows

selective focus of blue-eyed person
Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn

Well-groomed, defined brows frame your face and can take years off your appearance. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas and set them with a clear gel.

Blend Blush Up!

cosmetics, makeup, shadow
Photo by ymkaaaaaa

Apply a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards. This will not only lift your face, but also give you a natural, healthy flush.

Highlighter on High Points

woman in floral-themed cardigan leaning on fence in bokeh photography
Photo by Artem Beliaikin

Apply a subtle highlighter on the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. This adds a youthful glow without looking overly shiny.

Hydrating Lip Products Only

woman and man near white wall
Photo by Candice Picard

Matte lipsticks can be drying and accentuate lines. Opt for creamy or satin-finish lipsticks and lip glosses that keep your lips hydrated and plump.

Define Lips with Lip Liner

woman's face
Photo by Danielle Peterson

Use a lip liner to define your lips and prevent lipstick from feathering. Choose a shade that matches your natural lip color for a subtle look.

Blotting Papers for Shine

smiling woman
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Instead of piling on powder to combat shine, use blotting papers. They absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

Setting Spray

woman holding spray bottle
Photo by Curology

Finish your makeup with a hydrating setting spray. It helps to set your makeup, keep it in place all day, and give your skin a fresh, dewy finish.

Avoid Shimmery Eyeshadows

a close up of a woman's eye with blue eyeshadow
Photo by Tom Swinnen

While a little shimmer can be flattering, overly shimmery eyeshadows can settle into fine lines. Opt for satin or matte finishes for a smoother look.

Read More: You’re Using These 20 Cosmetics the Wrong Way

Focus on Skincare

man wearing mud mask
Photo by Rosa Rafael

Good makeup starts with good skincare. Make sure to maintain a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Read More: Luxury Cosmetics That Will Step Up Your Makeup Routine

Embrace Your Features

smiling woman
Photo by Ravi Patel

Lastly, embrace and enhance your natural features. Makeup should be about highlighting what you love about yourself, not masking what you perceive as flaws. Confidence is the best beauty tip of all.

Read More: These Are the Top 20 Makeup Trends of 2024