Bristol Makeup & Beauty Blog
Feeling Like You’re Starting to Look Older? Here’s How to Refresh Your Skin in Your 40s
If you’ve looked in the mirror recently and thought:
“Why does my makeup suddenly look different?”
“My skin feels dull.”
“Nothing sits right anymore!”
“What happened to my glow?”
You’re so not alone — and nothing is “wrong” with you.
Skin naturally changes in our 30s and 40s, and your old routine simply stops working.
The good news?
With a few simple adjustments, your skin can look fresher, brighter and more youthful again — without expensive products or complicated routines.
πΌ What Actually Changes in Your 40s?
You may notice:
- Foundation emphasising texture
- Makeup settling into fine lines
- Dry patches that never used to be there
- The “midday dullness”
- Redness or sensitivity
- Skin feeling thinner or more creased
These changes are mostly down to:
β Slower cell turnover
β Less natural oil production
β Hormone changes
β Environmental exposure
β Dehydration
β SPF not used consistently in earlier years (very common!)
All of this is normal — but totally manageable.
π The Real Secret: Better Skin Prep, Not More Makeup
You don’t need a 12-step routine or £80 serums.
You just need the basics done well:
- Proper cleansing
- Gentle exfoliation
- Hydration (serums + moisturiser)
- SPF every single day
These steps alone make your makeup sit so much better and instantly make the skin look fresher and more youthful.
π₯ Watch My Full Skin Prep Video
If you want to see the correct technique for cleansing, exfoliating, serum layering, moisturising and SPF…
𧴠The Routine I Recommend for 40+ Skin (Step-by-Step)
ο»ΏAs our skin changes in our 40s, the basics done well make the biggest difference. Here is the full routine with clear, gentle techniques to help your skin look fresher, smoother and more radiant.
Step 1: Remove Eye Makeup (PM only)
Most people in their 40s don’t cleanse thoroughly enough — especially around the eyes.
How to do it properly:
1. Soak a cotton pad with eye makeup remover or micellar water.
2. Press the pads together so they’re evenly damp.
3. Close your eyes and gently press the pads onto your lashes.
4. Hold for a moment to allow the product to dissolve your mascara.
5. Gently wipe away without rubbing or dragging.
6. Repeat if needed.
7. Once makeup is removed, lightly wipe underneath the eyes — this area is very thin and delicate, so be extra gentle.
Your eyes should feel clean, never irritated or tight.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Face
Option A – Using Pads (Micellar Water or Cleansing Water)
1. Soak a cotton pad with cleanser/micellar water.
2. Starting in the centre of your face, wipe outwards towards your hairline.
3. Always sweep towards your temples to avoid dragging your skin down.
4. Don’t forget your jawline and neck.
Option B – Using Your Fingers (Cream, Gel or Balm Cleanser)
1. Using your fingertips, massage the cleanser into your skin using upward circular motions.
2. This dissolves makeup, SPF and oils gently.
3. Rinse with warm water — never hot.
Your skin should feel fresh and clean — not tight or squeaky.
Step 3: Tone (Optional Step)
Toner is no longer considered an essential step in modern skincare — so don’t feel guilty if you skip it.
Traditionally, toner was used to rebalance the skin’s pH after harsher cleansers. But if you’re using gentle, skin-friendly products, your pH is unlikely to be disrupted in the first place.
That said, some toners now include extra benefits such as:
• added hydration
• soothing ingredients
• gentle exfoliating acids
• calming botanicals
If you enjoy using one, you absolutely can. A lovely way to apply toner is to decant it into a spray bottle — it’s refreshing, easy to use, and can even be misted lightly over makeup throughout the day.
Step 4: Exfoliate (1β2 x per week)
This is one of the biggest glow-boosters for mature skin. It can instantly:
• brighten
• smooth texture
• help foundation glide instead of cling
• Improve effectiveness of moisturisers and serums
Exfoliating is essential because your skin is made up of multiple layers.
When the top layer becomes dry, dull or congested, it acts like a barrier — stopping hydration from penetrating properly. By gently removing (or polishing!) that top layer, you reveal the fresh new skin underneath, allowing your serums and moisturisers to work far more effectively.
How to exfoliate:
1. Apply your exfoliator with your fingertips.
2. Use gentle circular movements — no harsh scrubbing.
3. Buff away dry, dead skin cells.
4. Rinse with water.
Your skin should feel soft, smooth and radiant afterwards — never red or sore.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Eye creams are made for the delicate skin around the eyes, often containing ingredients like caffeine or peptides.
How to apply:
1. Using your ring finger, dot the cream under the eyes along the natural crease.
2. Gently tap or massage in using tiny circular motions.
3. Optionally use a cooling eye roller to boost absorption, de-puff and brighten.
4. Store the roller in the fridge for extra soothing benefits.
Step 6: Moisturise
Choose a moisturiser that makes your skin feel comfortable and plump — not greasy.
How to apply:
1. Spread a generous amount across your hands.
2. Press into the skin in upward and outward motions.
3. If sweeping, do so very gently.
4. Patting is gentler and avoids pulling the skin.
Tip:
• Day cream = lighter, sits better under makeup.
• Night cream = richer, supports your skin’s repair overnight.
Step 7: SPF or Serum (depending on time of day)
Morning Routine – SPF is non-negotiable
SPF is the #1 anti-ageing product.
Use every single day, even if it’s cloudy. It protects from sun damage, pigmentation and premature ageing.
Night Routine – Serum for deeper nourishment
Look for ingredients like:
• hyaluronic acid
• peptides
• ceramides
• niacinamide
Your skin will drink these up overnight and look fresher by morning.
How to apply:
Press into the skin in upward, lifting motions — never drag.
β¨ What Results You Can Expect
With consistent skincare, clients in their 40s typically notice:
β Makeup sits smoother
β Skin looks more hydrated and plump
β Fine lines appear softer
β Less redness and irritation
β Pores look more refined
β Pigmentation looks more even
β A fresher, brighter, more youthful look
β More confidence without makeup
It’s never too late to get your glow back — you just need the right steps, done consistently.
πβοΈ Why Regular Facials Help Even More
While a good home routine makes a huge difference, professional facials support your skin on a deeper level, especially as we age.
Skin naturally renews itself through a process called skin turnover:
- Ages 30–40s: around 35–45 days
- Ages 50+: slows to 45–60 days
This slower renewal is why our skin starts to look duller, more textured, or uneven over time.
Regular facials help speed up and support this natural renewal cycle, giving you clearer, brighter and healthier-looking skin.
Facials I Offer & Their Benefits
β¨ Dermaplaning
- Removes dead skin & peach fuzz
- Instantly brightens complexion
- Helps skincare absorb better
- Creates a smooth base for makeup
β¨ Aqua Hydrating Facial
- Deeply cleanses & exfoliates
- Rehydrates dull or dry skin
- Helps reduce congestion & texture
- Leaves skin soft, plump and glowing
β¨ Microneedling
- Encourages collagen production
- Helps with fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Smooths texture and improves open pores
- Helps fade pigmentation, sun spots & acne scarring
- Can help calm rosacea by strengthening the skin barrier
These treatments are most effective when done regularly, as results build over time and support your skin’s natural renewal cycle.
π
Need Personalised Help?
If you’re feeling confused (or overwhelmed) with skincare, I can help you work out exactly what your skin needs:
β¨ Bespoke facials
β¨ Skin analysis & personalised reports
β¨ Tailored skincare routines
β¨ Makeup lessons for 40+ skin
β¨ Product guidance to suit your budget
π Jax-Glam Beauty – Lyde Green, Bristol
π Book online: www.jax-glam.co.uk
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