As much as we'd all love for our beauty regimens to stay the same forever, it just isn't possible thanks to a little something called aging. Once you hit your 40s, for example, some techniques and products you've been using for a long time can just stop working for you altogether. But don't fret, because change is good! Once you tailor your products and techniques to your current needs, getting glam will immediately go back to smooth sailing. For our full guide to 40s-friendly (and not-so-friendly) makeup, keep scrolling!
Primer: Yes or No
Prepping your skin is key to making your base products adhere well and most importantly, last as long as you want them to. Primer can help you in this department, since it will give you a smooth and even canvas to work with. Choose a formula that addresses your main concerns (hydration, oiliness, longevity), and plus points if it has SPF!
LAURA MERCIER Pure Canvas Primer Protecting SPF 30, P2095, Rustan's
Foundation: Liquid, Cream, or Powder
The right foundation boils down to your skin type and your personal preference. Generally, however, liquid foundations tend to work best on 40s skin because they blend easily into the skin and are less likely to enhance any dryness. Opt for a formula with light to medium coverage to achieve a more natural finish!
SHISEIDO Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, P3000, Power Plant. JANE IREDALE Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream SPF 25 PA++, P2400, Rustan's
Concealer: Stick, Liquid, Cream
For concealer, try to use a different formula for your undereyes and blemishes because these areas require different textures to look flattering. To cover your dark circles, for example, go for a liquid or a cream formula that sets even without powder to minimize creasing. To conceal any dark spots, you'll need drier formulas that will stick to those areas and maintain coverage. A stick concealer or a thick cream would be ideal for this. That said, some concealers can do both jobs just fine—usually, this would be a cream or a liquid.
ESTEE LAUDER Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Concealer, P2300, SM Megamall
Powder: Pressed or Loose
If you've developed dry skin over the years, powder is completely optional. In case you do need it, though, choose a finely-milled loose powder that'll set your makeup without giving you that cakey look. You can also try sheer illuminating powders that'll lightly reduce shine while maintaining a skin-like finish.
HOURGLASS Ambient Light Powder, P2900, Sephora.ph. BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, P2982, Sephora.ph
Blush and Highlighter: Cream or Powder
Cream and liquid blushes are definitely ideal for achieving a natural flush, especially if you're battling some dehydration. These formulas often leave a dewy sheen to your skin and make you look extra fresh. The same goes for highlighters—non-powder formulas are more likely to give you a glow sans chunky glitters that could accentuate lines and unwanted texture on your face.
NUDESTIX Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush, P2100, Sephora.ph; CHANEL Baume Essentiel, price unavailable, Rustan's
Sculpting: Contour or Bronzer
For an everyday look, sweeping some bronzer over the outer perimeters of your face with a big brush can provide you enough dimension and color.
TOM FORD Soleil Glow Bronzer, price unavailable, Adora, Greenbelt 5
Eyebrows: Gel, Pencil, or Powder
The last thing you want for your brows is to look overdone. Use a slim brow pencil to softly fill in any gaps and create thin strokes, and then set your hard work with an eyebrow gel. The latter will also accentuate the texture of your eyebrow hairs and give the illusion of fuller arches!
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brow Wiz, P1500, Rustan's; TEVIANT Eyebrow Gel, P995, SM Megamall
Eyeshadow: Cream or Powder
When it comes to eyeshadow, any texture that you love will do. To make sure it looks its best, always start with an eyeshadow base or primer to neutralize discoloration and texture on your eyelids beforehand.
URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Primer Potion, P1445, Sephora.ph. SUPERGOOP Shimmer Shade Eyeshadow SPF 30, P1480, Sephora.ph
Eyeliner: Liquid, Gel, or Pencil
The best eyeliner to use is down to your preference as well. If you love doing a cat eye, a liquid liner is your best bet. For tightlining or a more smudge-friendly formula, go for a gel eyeliner. But if you're after easy, foolproof definition that puts you at less risk for mistakes, choose a pencil!
BOBBI BROWN Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, P1950, Rustan's
Mascara: Waterproof or Washable
Our eyelids tend to drop as we age, resulting in slightly more hooded eyes in our 40s. Waterproof mascaras are an easy choice for avoiding any smudging caused by friction, though water-resistant formulas might be preferred if you want something that's easier to remove. Some might even want to wear brown mascaras over black ones, since the former can give a more natural curl.
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara, price unavailable, Power Plant
Lipstick: Matte or Glossy
When you have well-moisturized and freshly-exfoliated lips, all lip products can work to your advantage. But if you're struggling with a loss of volume in the area, start off by cheating definition with a lip liner and fill in the center with a lipstick that has a slight sheen. Remember: More shine equals more volume!
MAC Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare, P1200, SM Megamall. TOM FORD Lip Color in Indian Rose, P2820, Rustan's Makati
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