How to Look Younger After 40

Aging is a privilege, but let’s be honest—we all want to look as fresh, vibrant, and youthful as long as we can. The good news? You don’t need to go under the knife or spend a fortune to turn back the clock.

A few smart tweaks to your beauty routine, wardrobe, and lifestyle can make a world of difference! If you’re wondering how to look younger after 40, 50, or 60, I’ve got you covered with these tried-and-true tips.

How to Look Younger After 40, 50, 60

Wear Colors That Brighten Your Face

Dull, dark colors can make you look tired because they cast shadows on your face, which emphasize wrinkles and aging skin.  Instead, wear light, bright, fresh shades next to your face. I don’t mean neon. I’m talking about colors like coral, soft rose, and pink, which are super flattering because they warm up your skin and give you an instant face-lift.  As for makeup, swapping harsh black eyeliner for brown or navy and using a peachy-pink blush can make a world of difference, too! 

Nars Blush in the color “Orgasm”  is a cult favorite, and I use it because of its perfect blend of pink and peach that gives you a soft, flattering glow. Of course, don’t forget a fresh swipe of lipstick to wake up your face.  Soft or lively-colored lipsticks are so much better than those muddy brown shades that make gals our age look like they have one foot in the grave! (Lol!)

Dress for Your Body Shape

Wearing clothes that highlight your best bits and downplay some others can instantly shave off ten years,   and often 10 pounds! Plus, you’ll feel much more confident. To look Age-amazing, you need to understand what works for your body type. Experiment with different cuts and styles until you find what truly flatters your figure. Don’t settle.

If you aren’t sure how to determine your body shape, then head over to How to Find Your Body Type and Dress for It: A Guide for Women Over 40

Make Sure Your Clothes Fit Well

Baggy, shapeless clothes? No, thank you, they’ll make you look dowdy.  Clothes that are too tight? Also, no. You’ll look like you’re trying too hard. The secret to looking effortlessly chic (and younger) is to wear clothes that fit just right. If you love something but it’s a bit sloppy or tight, take it to a tailor! A little nip here or there can take your outfit from average to awesome.

For example, a tailored piece like a well-fitting blazer worn with jeans adds structure to your softer, rounder midlife body, elevating your outfit and making you look younger.  

Stay Trendy (Without Trying Too Hard)

You don’t have to follow every trend, but adding a few unique touches to your wardrobe will keep you looking modern and youthful. Swap outdated trendy pieces for updated classics—For example, try wearing a chic fitted blazer with a breezy dress and( surprise) sneakers. The trick is to mix timeless staples with just the right amount of trendiness. Even something as simple as a new handbag, some interesting flats, or a modern cut of denim can make a huge difference.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories are like the icing on the cake—they can make or break your look! Ditch anything that feels too clunky or outdated, and go for elegant, modern pieces.

A structured handbag, oversized sunglasses, or a delicate necklace can add instant polish. And don’t underestimate the power of a great scarf or statement earrings—they can level up any outfit! Stick to classic, versatile pieces that work with multiple outfits for an effortlessly stylish vibe.

Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

Your skincare needs a glow-up just like you! After 40 is the time to bring in the heavy hitters—retinol, vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides. Retinol smooths fine lines, vitamin C brightens dull skin, and SPF? Non-negotiable! Sun damage is the #1 culprit behind premature aging, so slap on that sunscreen every single day (yes, even in winter!). Exfoliating a couple of times a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant can also keep your skin glowing. I am religious about this, and it has paid off!

Want more skincare advice? Read:

Top Anti-Aging Ingredients to Add to Your Skincare Routine

The Best Body Lotions and Creams for Dry Skin

Best Face Washes for Mature Skin – I’ve Used Them All!

Lighten Up on the Foundation

Thick, heavy foundation settles into fine lines, making you look older. Instead, go for a lightweight, dewy foundation or a tinted moisturizer that lets your natural glow shine through. A little creamy concealer can cover what needs covering, but the key is to keep it light and fresh. P.S. You can find my favorite concealers in this post. A finishing spray with a hydrating formula can also help keep your makeup looking radiant all day.

I share more makeup tips for women over 40 in these posts:

How to Fake a Facelift with Makeup

Contouring Makeup Tips To Wipe Years Off Your Face

Get a Flattering Haircut

We all know how hair can add (or subtract) years. What’s aging are overly structured cuts that look stiff. Soft layers, face-framing styles, and movement are your best friends.

Shoulder-length cuts, curtain bangs, and long layers can soften your features while adding volume to thinning hair, which makes all the difference. If your hair is starting to lose its shine, go for a gloss treatment or get subtle highlights to add dimension and brightness. 

Wondering what hairstyle to show your hairdresser at your next appointment? Try one of the cuts in this post: 20 Ageless Hair Trends for Women Over 40

Keep Your Brows on Point

Brows frame your face, and thin, over-plucked ones, which can creep on you, are extremely aging.  Fill in sparse areas with a natural-looking brow pencil (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer is a good one), then use a brow gel to lift and set your new fluffy brows. Stay away from overly dark, blocky brows—soft and natural is the goal! If you’ve lost definition in your brows, microblading, powder brows, or brow lamination are great semi-permanent options.

You can read more about grooming your brows in this post:

How to Make Skinny Brows Look Full, Natural & Youthful

Brighten Your Smile

A bright smile is one of the easiest ways to look younger. Coffee, tea, and wine ( Hello!) can stain teeth over time, making them look as yellow as corn. Try an at-home whitening kit or treat yourself to a professional whitening session.

And here’s a fun trick—lipsticks with blue undertones (think berry or classic red) make your teeth look whiter instantly! Don’t forget to brush and floss regularly to keep your gums healthy, which is just as important as having white teeth.

Do you have any other tips for looking younger after 40? Let me know in the comments!