How To Make Your Makeup Look Natural After 40 (5 Pro Artist Tricks)

As a self taught makeup artist and founder of a clean beauty brand, I hear the same thing from women all the time:

My makeup doesn’t look the way it used to.

Skin changes. Texture changes. What worked in our 20s and 30s doesn’t always translate the same way in our 40s and beyond.

The good news? You don’t need more makeup.

You just need smarter makeup techniques.

Here are five tricks I use constantly when working with women who want their makeup to look fresh, natural and modern.

Trick #1

Use Less Foundation Than You Think

The biggest mistake I see is too much base makeup.

Heavy foundation settles into fine lines and texture.

Instead:

• apply foundation only where needed

• blend outward

The goal is even skin, not covered skin.

(See da lish foundation)

Trick #2

Cream Products Are Your Best Friend

Powder formulas can make skin look dry and textured.

Cream blush, cream highlighter and multi-use balms melt into skin and move naturally with your face.

They create that healthy skin glow instead of a powdered finish.

(See 3-in-1 Balms)

Trick #3

Place Blush Higher

Blush placement matters more than most people realize.

Instead of placing it directly on the apple of the cheek, try placing it slightly higher toward the cheekbone.

This creates a lifted effect instantly.

Trick #4

Skip Heavy Eye Makeup

Thick eyeliner and heavy shadow can make eyes appear smaller.

Instead try:

• soft mascara

• subtle neutral shadow

• a tiny bit of highlighter in the inner corner

It brightens the entire face.

(See da lish mascara)

Trick #5

Glow, Not Glitter

A subtle glow gives the skin a healthy, rested look.

The trick is choosing finely milled highlighter instead of glittery formulas.

Apply a small amount on:

• cheekbones

• brow bone

• inner eye

It mimics naturally radiant skin.

(See Sunset Highlighter)

The biggest beauty shift I’m seeing right now is that women want makeup that enhances their features instead of masking them.

That philosophy is exactly what inspired da lish cosmetics — uncomplicated beauty that works with your skin, not against it.

Stay Fabulous,
Melanie XO