Over-40 skin has different needs than skin in its 20s. While it's key to nail the right skincare routine, finding makeup that works for your skin's changing needs can be just as important. Super matte foundation formulas that sink into fine lines and cause creases are a thing of the past—it's time to fully welcome dewy, hydrating, makeup-skincare hybrids into the mix. The same goes for other items like eye shadow. Leaning into creamier formulas that won't crease after a few hours is the name of the game.
If you're looking to add a few delicious and easy-to-apply staples to your routine this winter, look no further. Reviewers are raving about these over-40-skin-friendly products this season. A few of them have a cult-following, so you're going to want to keep scrolling. We have picks from viral brands like Jones Road and mature-skin-friendly Sarah Creal.
As iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown (the mastermind behind Jones Road) says, this light-reflecting balm is an absolute staple for over-40 skin. It can be used as a highlighter, blush, bronzer, etc., depending on which shade you get. It gives you a fresh, healthy glow that doesn't look harsh, and it's made with skin-nourishing ingredients like castor and jojoba oil.
Promising review: "I'm in love. Unlike other similar products I've tried, this one is really emollient and saves my aging skin from dry, cold air. The finish creates a nice glow with a bit of color that's neither naked nor made up. I even like the smell—a soft, botanical scent with lavender. Total win."
Sarah Creal's philosophy centers around making beautiful, quality makeup for those over 40. Instead of catering to everyone, the brand chose to only photograph women 40-plus for its campaigns.
This medium-coverage concealer is one of the brand's hero products because it can also double as a hydrating foundation. It corrects the appearance of dark circles, blemishes, and rough skin texture almost instantly. It creates a really smooth finish, and the hydration is also long-lasting.
Promising review: "40+, this is the concealer. Really wish it wasn’t because the price. But everything else I have tried dries my under eyes out or never dries down. This blends like a dream. Matches perfectly. And stays put."
This dewy balm adds a pop of color while acting as an intensive hydrating lip treatment. It plumps the lips with peptides and contains cupuaçu butter to give long-lasting sheen and moisture to the lips. The colors on this are sheer, but I love that because it adds a natural rosiness when you don't want to use a full-on lipstick.
Promising review: "Living in an area of extreme temperatures, a hydrating balm is a necessity. This balm stands up to brisk walks in negative temperatures. It has also kept my lips hydrated during the hottest days of summer. If you live in an area of extreme temperatures, this balm feels luxurious but holds up to the elements."
This stunning Laura Geller palette is a collection of the brand's most-loved "baked" makeup—a convenient carry case of everything you'll need. It contains three eye shadows, a bronzer, two highlighters, and the brand's baked blush in Pink Buttercream. Together, they create an effortless glow that's perfect for everyday wear.
Promising review: "Would totally recommend this product. So easy to use looks great on your skin, very light, feels like you haven't got any make up on. Fantastic for older skin types . Thank you for this amazing product."
This eye trio from Jane Iredale comes in a variety of color palettes—from warm and bronzy to midnight blue and charcoal. The shadows have a soft, buttery texture that's perfect for drier skin types, and they don't crease or fade throughout the day.
Promising review: "The eye shadow goes on smoothly and doesn't crease on the eyelid throughout the day. The colors have rich pigments and really make my eye color pop! My favorite is Brown Sugar. It makes a great smoky eye."
This serum-in-spray provides the perfect luminous finish to any makeup look and is loved byBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editor in residence Tennille Jenkins. It hydrates and plumps the skin with hyaluronic acid and a watermelon blend that helps increase cell membrane fluidity, providing deep moisture. You can wear it under makeup, over makeup, or you can use it on a bare face for a dewy glow.
Promising review: "I love this spray. I spray it on before and after I put on makeup and it leave me with a nice natural glow."
The RMS Hydra Powder Blush is a long-time favorite of mine and looks beautiful on skin of all ages. I'm obsessed with the formula. It may look like a straight powder formula, but don't be fooled, this has a creamy consistency to it that melts into the skin like butter. The shades are pretty luminous, but you can dab just a little on if you like something more subtle.
Promising review: I've gotten so many complements on this blush color and it looks great on everyone I put it on, no matter the skin tone. These blushes and bronzers last so long even with frequent use, you won’t have to replace them even yearly. A new must- have for me.
This is the ultimate clean-girl mascara. It really volumizes, separates, and lifts the lashes without getting clumpy after one coat. You can swipe a little for an everyday natural look or build it up for a full-glam look easily.
Promising review: "I have tried SO MANY clean mascaras, and this is by far and away the best. No clumping, no transfer, comes off easily, and doesn’t look spidery. I’m on my fourth tube!"
These Westman Atelier drops are the perfect makeup-skincare hybrid. The formula is designed for normal, dry or combination skin and is packed with hydrating serum ingredients like Tsubaki, sunflower seed, and jojoba oil.
Promising review: "Worth every penny, it is light and feels light but it also has great coverage. I have rosacea, so I have redness and it covers it well without any irritation ever (I am super sensitive)."
This do-it-all kit is perfect for everyday makeup. It includes a cheek and lip stick Bare Rose, a shade that gives you a naturally flushed look. Then, you have a hydrating setting powder that creates an instant blurring effect, diminishing large pores, imperfections, and fine lines. As a bonus, it coms with an essential complexion brush for flawless application. Finally, a silky lip treatment adds hydration and fullness to the lips. This set truly has it all and even mkaes the perfect holiday gift for anyone who loves makeup.
Promising review: "Fantastic products for aging skin. So far I've enjoyed the natural coverage Jouer provides."