10 Makeup Tips for Women Over 40 to Achieve a Smooth, Fresh Look

Apply Blush to the Apples of Your Cheeks

"Work against gravity by applying your blush on the upper part of your cheekbones in a slightly upward sweep," Jahns tells us. "And our skin tone can change over time, so we also need to be very aware of whether warm or cool undertones will work best for us."

Strategically Fill In Your Brows

"The good news is that as we mature, we most likely don't have to pluck our eyebrows as much," Jahns says. "But we should also begin to fill in sparse hairs—especially the 'tails.' I notice most women don't know to fill in the tails of their eyebrows completely." The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Sourcils Design bak has an easy applicator with a brush on the other end to create a filled-in, fluffy look.

Use Eyeshadow to Open Up Your Eyes

"Our eyelid area changes, but we can open up our eyes by using lighter, nude shade on the lid and under the arch of the brow," Jahns tells us. "Put a medium to dark tone high enough so these shadows can be seen above 'hooded' eye areas. It also helps to make a backward seven shape at the outer area of the eye to lift the eye. I especially love Laura Geller's Baked Highlighter Duo—I use shades French Vanilla and Portofino."

Avoid a Drying Lipstick Formula

"I think we're all influenced by advertising and trends to some extent," Jahns says. "Not choosing bright enough lipstick colors with luminosity can be a mistake—the color and shine will boost your lips and keep them hydrated. Matte lipsticks and the nude lip look can age anyone." For a pop of color with just the right amount of shine, try the Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick in a shade like 744 Diorama, a coral red.

Don't Give Up on Eyeliner

"Many give up on eyeliner because it's far more difficult to apply when you can't see as well as you used to, but eyeliner gives wonderful definition," says Jahns, who recommends using an eyeliner that has a smudging tool (or a Q-tip) to give a softer look—that way, you can get away with a line that isn't as perfect.

"Another option is to rub an angled eyebrow brush over an eyeliner pencil and use the brush to apply the liner," Jahns tells us. "The brush makes application far easier, and the result is a pretty, soft look. I usually recommend a darker brown on the top lid and a lighter brown applied only to the outer third of the bottom lash line."

Use a Soft Buffer Brush for Foundation

The application process is just as important as the products themselves. Jahns suggests using a soft buffer brush—like this one from It Brushes for Ulta —to apply your foundation to allow it to smooth out your skin instead of settling into fine lines. "Lipstick 'feathering' or 'bleeding' can also be a challenge due to small wrinkles around the mouth area," Jahns says. "Before putting on lipstick, I recommend using foundation or concealer (with the lips stretched wide when applying) around the mouth area to provide a barrier. Using a lip liner and applying a light application of powder can also be helpful."

Apply Eyeshadow in Small, Circular Motions

"Opening up the eye with a soft vanilla shade on the lid and bringing the medium- and dark-toned shadows higher above the crease makes a world of difference," Jahns tells us. "I love Clinique's All About Shadow Quad in Teddy Bear ($38). Use a small, circular motion with your eyeshadow brush to ensure the shadow is on the eyelid skin evenly. A windshield wiper motion can sometimes miss areas of the lid where there is some crepeyness."

Additionally, when you're next shopping for an eyeshadow palette, try to pick one that has shades you really love. "I think most of us are loath to invest in eyeshadow palettes where we don't use half or a third of the colors, but It Cosmetics makes several that are all great," Jahns tells us.

Invest in Cream and Liquid Products

"I definitely recommend cream or liquid foundations and cream blush. Powder can settle in fine lines and emphasize those lines and any crepe-yness we may have in our eye areas. It can also look splotchy and uneven," Jahns says. "For most women, skin tends to get drier as we mature, so using cream products with more moisture is a plus. They're also pretty mistake-proof. It's easy to start with a small dab and gradually build to a soft, light color."

Consider Different Formulas

Though any product is fair game to use at any age, certain formulas do complement your skin better as it ages. "Clinique makes some excellent skincare and makeup products that are fragrance-free and allergy-tested," Jahns says. The brand's Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer is a lightweight formula that still provides full coverage. "Often as we get older, we become more sensitive to product ingredients. Mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows can pose problems for more sensitive eyes."

Reduce Redness with Foundation and Concealer

"For women who need greater coverage due to redness or discoloration, I recommend Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, which is a combination foundation and concealer formula, and its Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15," Jahns says. "I also like to add some of the brand's Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup to give a dewier finish to the skin."

"Clinique also has an excellent product that helps reduce the appearance of larger pores," Jahns continues. "I also love Eve Pearl's HD Dual Foundation and primer."