Is anyone else ready for a little spring refresh?! After months of cold weather, cozy sweaters, and darker makeup shades, there’s something so refreshing about switching things up when spring arrives.
And I’m not just talking about your wardrobe! Spring is the perfect time to clean out your makeup bag, update a few products, and bring a little color and glow back to your face.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to buy an entirely new makeup collection to refresh your look!
As a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist, I’m all about helping women over 40 simplify their beauty routines while still looking and feeling amazing. So if you’re ready to transition your makeup from winter to spring, here are seven simple tips to help you get started!
1. Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag
Before you start buying new spring makeup, let’s talk about what you already have. When was the last time you went through your makeup drawer?
If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to collect products that you no longer use, shades that don’t flatter you, or makeup that’s been sitting around for years. Spring is the perfect time for a little makeup decluttering!
Here’s what I recommend:
- Toss expired makeup and products that have changed in smell, color, or texture.
- Get rid of shades you never wear or products that irritate your skin.
- Check your mascaras and liquid eye products, which generally have shorter recommended replacement periods.
- Organize your everyday favorites so they’re easy to find.
- Make a list of anything you actually need to replace.
And girlfriend, don’t feel guilty about letting go of products you spent money on! Keeping makeup you never use isn’t saving you money. It’s just taking up space.
My tip: Focus on creating a makeup collection filled with products you genuinely love and use.
2. Clean Your Makeup Brushes and Tools
Now that your makeup bag is organized, let’s give those brushes a little attention! Dirty makeup brushes can collect leftover product, oil, and microorganisms. They can also make your makeup harder to blend and contribute to skin irritation. And if you’re trying to get a smooth, natural-looking makeup application, clean brushes make a difference!
Here’s my simple routine:
- Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, keeping the handle and ferrule as dry as possible.
- Use a gentle brush cleanser or mild soap to loosen makeup and oils.
- Gently massage the bristles and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out excess water and reshape the brush.
- Lay brushes flat to dry completely.
For quick touch-ups between deeper washes, you can use a brush cleanser according to its instructions.
I recommend washing frequently used makeup brushes regularly, especially those used with cream or liquid products.
3. Switch to a Lightweight, Hydrating Foundation
One of my favorite ways to transition makeup from winter to spring is to lighten up my foundation. As we get older, our skin can become drier, and heavier foundations may emphasize fine lines, wrinkles, and texture. That’s why I love using lightweight, hydrating complexion products that allow your natural skin to show through.
You don’t need a thick layer of foundation to look polished! For everyday makeup, I personally love the Olive Rose Hydroxytyrosol Skin Tint.
It provides lightweight coverage, helps even out my complexion, and gives my skin a beautiful, natural-looking glow. And because it’s skincare-infused, it’s a great option for women who prefer makeup that feels comfortable on mature skin.
My Tips for Natural-Looking Foundation After 40
- Start with hydrated skin.
- Apply a small amount of foundation or skin tint.
- Blend from the center of your face outward.
- Add extra coverage only where needed.
- Avoid layering too much product around fine lines.
Remember: Less is more when it comes to foundation on mature skin!
4. Add a Fresh Pop of Spring Blush
If there’s one makeup product that can instantly make your face look more awake and refreshed, it’s BLUSH! I love how a little blush brings color and dimension back into the face. And spring is the perfect time to experiment with fresh pinks, soft peaches, and rosy shades.
The Best Blush Colors for Spring
Here are a few color families I love:
- Soft pink: Creates a fresh, youthful-looking flush.
- Peach: Adds warmth and brightness to the complexion.
- Rosy nude: Perfect for a natural everyday makeup look.
- Berry pink: Adds a beautiful pop of color, especially on deeper skin tones.
The best shade depends on your complexion, undertone, and personal preferences. And don’t be afraid to experiment! There are no rules that say you can’t wear a bright blush after 40.
Where to Apply Blush on Mature Skin
One of my favorite tricks is to apply blush slightly higher on the cheeks rather than concentrating it too low.
Start around the upper cheek area and blend gently upward toward your temples.
This creates a soft, lifted-looking effect.
I especially love cream blush for mature skin because it blends beautifully and can create a fresh, skin-like finish.
My favorite trick? Try layering two complementary blush shades for a subtle ombré effect that adds dimension to your cheeks!
5. Refresh Your Eyeshadow With Soft, Flattering Colors
You don’t have to give up eyeshadow as you get older!
In fact, choosing the right shades and placement can make your eyes look more defined and awake.
Spring is a wonderful time to introduce lighter, softer colors into your makeup routine.
My Favorite Spring Eyeshadow Colors for Women Over 40
- Champagne
- Soft taupe
- Rosy brown
- Peach
- Mauve
- Soft bronze
These shades can create beautiful everyday looks without feeling too dramatic.
But remember, you don’t have to stop wearing darker colors just because it’s spring!
The goal is to find shades that flatter your eyes and make you feel beautiful.
My Favorite Eyeshadow Tip for Hooded or Mature Eyes
If you have hooded eyes, try placing your transition shade slightly above your natural crease.
Keep your eyes open while applying so you can see where the color will be visible.
Then add a lighter shade to your eyelid and a little definition to the outer corner.
This simple technique can help your eyes appear more open and defined.
SEE MY SIMPLE SPRING EYESHADOW LOOK
6. Add a Little Warmth With Bronzer
After winter, our complexions can sometimes look a little less warm than they do during the summer. And while I’m a big believer in protecting your skin from unnecessary sun exposure, I do love the look of a natural, sun-kissed glow! That’s where bronzer comes in. A little cream bronzer can add warmth and dimension without making your makeup look heavy.
How to Apply Bronzer for a Natural Spring Glow
Apply a small amount to areas where the sun would naturally add warmth:
- Along the upper forehead and hairline
- Around the temples
- Lightly across the upper cheeks
Blend everything well so there are no harsh lines.
And remember, bronzer and contour are not the same thing!
Bronzer adds warmth. Contour creates dimension.
Using them intentionally can make a big difference in your makeup application.
For mature skin, I love using lightweight cream products that blend seamlessly into the complexion.
7. Don’t Forget Your Skincare and SPF!
Here’s something I remind women all the time: Beautiful makeup starts with well-cared-for skin!
As the seasons change, you may notice your skin’s needs changing too. You might need a lighter moisturizer, additional hydration, or adjustments to your skincare routine. But one thing that should stay consistent year-round is sunscreen!
My Simple Morning Skin Prep Routine
Before applying makeup, I like to focus on three things:
1. PREP with toner
I use a hydrating toner to refresh my skin and prepare it for the rest of my skincare routine.
2. ADD ANTIOXIDANT CARE with vitamin C serum
Vitamin C can help support antioxidant protection and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
3. HYDRATE with eye cream and face cream
Moisturized skin helps makeup apply more smoothly and can reduce the appearance of dryness.
And of course, I finish with a face cream that has natural sun protection before applying makeup.
Vitamin C is a wonderful addition to a morning routine. Taking a few extra minutes to care for your skin can make a beautiful difference in how your makeup looks and feels.
READ MY SPRING SKINCARE ROUTINE TIPS
Spring Makeup for Women Over 40: Keep It Simple!
If you’re feeling inspired to refresh your makeup for spring, here’s my biggest piece of advice:
You don’t need more makeup. You need makeup that works for YOU!
Sometimes all it takes is switching to a lightweight foundation, adding a fresh blush color, or changing your eyeshadow placement. And if you’re over 40, remember that makeup doesn’t have to be about covering up the signs of aging. It’s about enhancing your natural beauty and helping you feel confident in your skin.
You weren’t made to fade, girlfriend! Spring is the perfect reminder that there’s always room for a fresh start.
Need Help Updating Your Makeup Routine?
As a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist, I love helping women find products and techniques that work for their changing skin.
If you’re not sure which foundation shade, blush color, or makeup products would be best for you, I’d love to help!
Or explore more of my favorite beauty tips and products below!
More Makeup and Skincare Tips You’ll Love
- Simple Easter Makeup Look
- How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup
- Spring Clean Your Skincare Routine
- All About Seint Beauty Makeup
- Shop My Beauty Favorites
Here are other blogposts you might enjoy:
- The Complete Olive Rose Makeup Guide: Shades, Finishes & What to Buy First
- How to Make Mature Eyes Look Bigger: Eyeliner & Eyeshadow Tricks for Women Over 40
- Best Beauty Devices for Mature Skin: Red Light, Laser, Gua Sha, and More
- How to Fill In Sparse Eyebrows After 40 Without Making Them Look Drawn On
- The Best Needle-Free Skincare for Aging Gracefully
- At Home Microneedling for Mature Skin — A Licensed Esthetician’s Complete Guide to the Seranova System
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed aesthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured, I receive a small portion from the sale. Thank you! It does not affect you at all.
