Textured skin, larger-looking pores and fine lines are common after 40, and applying makeup the same way you did in your twenties or thirties can lead to patchiness. Here is how to rethink application for mature skin with practical fixes that keep your base smooth and radiant.
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The forties can arrive quickly, and suddenly your makeup no longer sinks in but sits on top. Skin naturally becomes drier and more textured with age, so foundation can settle into creases and look uneven as the day goes on. That does not mean giving up makeup or overhauling your routine. A few targeted tweaks can transform the finish.
Prioritise skin prep
Patchiness almost always starts with under-hydrated skin. Exfoliate gently two to three times a week to lift dry patches. Follow with a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturiser that suits your skin type. Give products five minutes to absorb before applying makeup. If you are already mid-application and a dry patch appears, press a little moisturiser into the area with a damp sponge to rehydrate without lifting the base.
Find the right primer for over-40 skin
Match the primer to what you see in the mirror. Use a hydrating primer over dry areas, a blurring primer where pores are prominent and a glow-boosting primer to revive dullness. Apply sparingly, and only where needed, so you do not add unnecessary layers.
Apply less foundation and build slowly
More product rarely solves texture. Keep layers thin, concentrate application where you need coverage most, usually the centre of the face, and blend outward. Dampen your sponge and press, rather than drag, to meld product with skin. If the base starts to separate, press it back into place instead of wiping.
Choose creams over powders
Powders can cling to fine lines. Opt for cream blush, bronzer and highlighter, then set only the areas that tend to shine, such as the T-zone. Avoid baking, which emphasises texture. If you prefer powder, choose a finely milled formula, use a light hand and apply with a fluffy brush so it diffuses rather than sits.
Quick fixes for midday makeup patches
Reset without starting over. Mist lightly with a setting spray or hydrating mist, tap a clean sponge over any melted areas, add a touch of concealer only where coverage has faded and finish with the smallest veil of powder if you need longevity.
The bottom line is, radiant skin and professional-looking makeup are possible at any age. Focus on hydration, place products only where needed and favour textures that move with your skin. Invest in good tools and replace frayed brushes and sponges, which can cause product build-up and patchiness. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your makeup even and flattering all day.
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