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While you may spend your 20s experimenting with products and your 30s perfecting your beauty routine, but in your 40s, you may find that your 30s routines fail you, or even contribute to damage as opposed to adding to your beauty. Two celebrity beauty experts weigh in on the skincare steps you need to add and hairstyles and makeup techniques you should avoid or modify in your 40s.

FOR YOUR SKIN

Make hydration your number one priority

As you get older, your skin starts losing moisture rapidly, which means all dehydrating products need to go in the bin. “Women continue to use oil-control face washes and soap bars on their face, which only dehydrates their skin further,” says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. Make sure your face wash is a creamy, moisturising one instead. However, thick, cream-based moisturisers won’t necessarily reduce dryness. Talk to your doctor about your skin’s specific needs to get to the root of the dryness to begin with.

Pimples need more than over-the-counter treatments

Once you hit your 40s, even though your teenage acne is probably long gone, hormonal changes can lead to excess sebum production causing breakouts. “A lot of women tend to get acne breakouts and end up using over-the-counter anti-acne preparations. The acne in your 40s is different from your 20s and needs proper medical treatment by a dermatologist,” says Dr Agarwal.

Stay away from anything that’s harsh on your skin

Alcohol-based toners are a no-go. Also, while whiteheads and rough, dead skin will be your concerns, daily scrubbing won’t help sort them out. Use a gentle exfoliator, not more than twice a week.

Look after your body too

“Don’t neglect the skin on your body by simply taking quick baths by lathering soap bars in hot showers,” suggests Dr Agarwal. Invest in an enriching body care routine including bath and body oils, exfoliators and softening moisturisers.

Don’t go around trying every anti-ageing product

Anti-ageing beauty products that promise to magically make you 10 years younger are probably lying—maintaining youthful skin and health comes from a combination of a fitness routine, a healthy, balanced diet and personalised skincare, not just one of the three. “Women should stop relying on anti-ageing beauty products as a ‘cure’ for ageing. They should stick to a single routine or anti-ageing beauty product at a time as opposed to subjecting their skin to a lot of changes,” warns Dr Agarwal.

FOR YOUR MAKEUP

Red always goes

A lot of women in their 40s start to move towards brown and nude-toned lipsticks, which they like to believe are now “age-appropriate”. “No matter the occasion, the lady or her age, she can always rock a red lip,” says Mumbai-based celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist Daniel Bauer.

Soft is young

While you’re probably used to wearing your thick black line of kohl, this might be the right time to switch up to a dark brown—it’ll make your eyes look fresher and brighter.

FOR YOUR HAIR

It’s never too late to change

Tired of the same hairstyle you’ve been wearing for over a decade now? Go in for a fresh, new do without hesitating. “For many women in their 40s, the biggest mistake they make with their hair is believing they don’t have a choice of different styles. Getting to a certain age should be all the more reason to shake things up a little and experiment. Makeup can certainly give you a more youthful glow, but hair is what can genuinely make you both look and feel younger and fresher. A great cut or colour can be a life changer,” believes Bauer.

Effortless is the way to go

Skip the intricate pins and structured updos and opt for more relaxed, fresher hairstyles. “Ditch the buns, loose the structure, trim your length and embrace warm colour tones,” says Bauer.Read more at:bridal gowns | wedding dresses brisbane