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20 Ways Women In Their 40s Can Capture Their Natural Beauty


20 Ways Women In Their 40s Can Capture Their Natural Beauty


Hydration Can Bring Out Your Natural Beauty

Entering your 40s doesn't mean that you can't let your natural beauty shine. Women in their 40s can adopt an array of style choices and routines that emphasize their natural beauty, and let them look their age in all its glory. Here are 20 ways women in their 40s can capture their natural beauty.

A woman with red hair wearing a black top and jacket.Maks Styazhkin on Unsplash

1. Lean Into Your Natural Skin Tone

Stop chasing perfection, and instead focus on celebrating your skin tone. To enhance your skin's natural tone, focus on your diet and nourishing your skin with hydrating cleansers, antioxidant serums, and SPF protection. Well-moisturized skin creates a beautiful glow.

A woman smiles, holding a cocktail in her kitchen.Brooke Balentine on Unsplash

2. Get More Quality Sleep

Beauty sleep is a real thing. It lends itself to cellular recovery time and reduces under-eye puffiness, and improves your skin tone. Hormonal shifts can disrupt your sleep, so create a routine where you go to bed early and limit your screen time.

a woman lying in a bedDmitry Ganin on Unsplash

3. Hydrate Inside and Out

Hydration can create more luminous skin. Drink water throughout the day, use hyaluronic acid serums, and eat hydrating foods like cucumbers and citrus. Proper hydration can plump your skin and soften fine lines. 

a box of oranges sitting on top of a tableTerrillo Walls on Unsplash

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4. Use a Simplified Makeup Routine

Once you turn 40, adopt the mentality that less is more. Go for lightweight foundations, cream blushes, and neutral tones. These will highlight your features, rather than mask them. Now is the time to let makeup show your confidence and not disguise your age.

close-up photography of assorted cosmeticsJazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

5. Elevate Your Skincare Routine

You need to shift your skincare routine in your 40s, as collagen production slows and your skin will get drier. Use retinoids for renewal, peptides for firmness, and some vitamin C for brightness. 

woman in white tank topCheyenne Doig on Unsplash

6. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Beauty begins with your diet. You want to have a balanced diet that's rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and lean proteins. You also want to eat lots of leafy greens, and salmon is a good choice as it supports collagen. 

macro shot of vegetable lotDan Gold on Unsplash

7. Find Joy in Working Out

Turning 40 is a great time to exercise more. Exercise improves circulation, tones muscles, and delivers oxygen to your skin. Find a workout that you enjoy, like yoga, swimming, soccer, dance, or jogging. Even a simple movement class can do wonders for your beauty.

woman doing exerciseMarcos Sarmento on Unsplash

8. Focus on Your Eyebrows

Eyebrows can thin over time, so shaping and filling them can help you achieve the look you want. Consider going for soft, natural arches that complement your facial features. Remember, well-groomed eyebrows draw attention to your eyes. 

a woman with her hand on her faceReece van der Merwe on Unsplash

9. Enjoy Your Natural Hair

If you're a woman in your 40s, you might discover your first gray hairs. Instead of panicking, celebrate this and lean into your new silver or gray locks. 

Mikhail NilovMikhail Nilov on Pexels

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10. Get a Modern Haircut

The right haircut can change your look and how you feel about your appearance. Choose a style that frames your face. Maybe a shoulder-length bob or soft waves will help you achieve the look you want.

a woman with no shirt posing for a pictureengin akyurt on Unsplash

11. Invest Time in Sun Protection

Most don't recognize that UV protection is one of the best anti-aging steps you can take in your 40s. Daily SPF, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can help your skin keep its elasticity. Sunscreen is your ticket to preserving your youthful skin.

woman standing on beachJens Kreuter on Unsplash12. Let Your Style Cultivate Confidence 

Your natural beauty will shine when you wear clothes that reflect who you currently are. Don't cling to your style from a decade earlier. Instead, choose colors and fits that flatter your current shape and tone.

Wendy WeiWendy Wei on Pexels

13. Be Grateful

Stress can negatively impact your skin and drain your energy. Ground yourself in the good things in your life by reflecting on all the ways you are lucky. You can even keep a gratitude journal, which can help organize your thoughts around what you're grateful for. 

a woman in a red dress sitting downFelipe Queiroz Alves on Unsplash

14. Whiten Your Smile Naturally

A bright, white smile can rejuvenate your face and look. Try using a gentle whitening toothpaste and stay hydrated to prevent your skin from looking dull. 

Darina BelonogovaDarina Belonogova on Pexels

15. Correct Your Posture

Carrying yourself with better posture can make you feel more confident. Work to straighten your shoulders, elongate your spine, and walk with purpose. Good posture can also make you look and feel more radiant. 

woman in blue leggings and red tank topAlex Shaw on Unsplash

16. Nurture Your Hands and Neck

To keep your hands and neck looking smooth and young, moisturize them routinely, apply SPF, and exfoliate gently. By focusing on these areas, you are showing that you care about the details and will be able to balance your appearance. 

person holding white and blue plastic tube bottleClarissa Watson on Unsplash

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17. Surround Yourself With Positive Energy

Your beauty often reflects your environment. By spending time with friends who uplift you and in inspiring places, you can feel more positive and energetic. This can radiate through your movement, expression, and overall presence. Don't forget that joy is one of our most magnetic qualities. 

AdriennAdrienn on Pexels

18. Redefine Beauty on Your Own Terms

Now that you're in your 40s, you are well within your rights to reject outdated and obnoxious beauty standards. You can redefine beauty with your confidence, strength, success, and by being your authentic self. Stop comparing yourself to celebrities and project your own style and magnetism.

A woman standing in a room with her hands on her hipsAlexander Mass on Unsplash

19. Keep Learning

Stay vibrant by continuing to be curious and looking for ways to enrich your life. You can take a class, learn a new skill, or travel. This personal growth is a beauty all of its own, and your 40s are a great time to focus on personal growth.

woman in black tank top and black skirt sitting on black chairMarina Piano on Unsplash

20. Laugh As Much As You Can  

It might sound cheesy, but joyful energy is ageless. Laughter releases endorphins, relaxes facial muscles, and can make your eyes light up.

a woman laughing while sitting at a tableStephen Okonkwo on Unsplash