22 Things to Adopt in Your 40s to Look Younger

Aging is inevitable, but looking older than you feel? That’s entirely optional. Your 40s can be the decade where you glow harder, feel more confident, and—let’s be honest—make people do a double take when they hear your age.

The secret? It’s not about chasing trends or clinging to the same beauty routine you had in your 20s. It’s about strategic, smart choices—ones that enhance your natural beauty, boost your skin’s resilience, and help you radiate youthful energy from the inside out.

From skincare upgrades that actually work to makeup tricks that take years off, plus easy lifestyle shifts that keep you feeling vibrant and fresh, we’re covering all the moves that make a visible difference.

Ready to turn back the clock (without the time machine)? Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Skincare Habits That Reverse Aging

By 40, your skin has been through a lot—decades of sun exposure, environmental pollutants, stress, and maybe a few nights where makeup removal took a backseat. 

The result? 

Collagen production slows, hydration levels dip, and fine lines start making themselves at home.

But here’s the secret: with targeted skincare habits, you can visibly enhance your skin’s elasticity, texture, and glow, making you look as fresh as you feel.

1. Upgrade to High-Performance Skincare

Your skin’s renewal process isn’t as fast as it used to be, which means your products need to work smarter, not harder. If you’re still using the same cleanser and moisturizer from your 20s, it’s time for an upgrade.

• Hydration Boosters: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides act like moisture magnets, keeping your skin plump and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
• Collagen Rebuilders: Retinol (or peptides, if you have sensitive skin) stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and smooth your complexion.
• Brightening Agents: Vitamin C fades dark spots and evens out skin tone, giving you that sought-after glow.

A better way to apply skincare: The blendSMART Skincare Brush Kit helps products absorb more effectively by gently massaging them into the skin. Unlike applying with your hands—where some of the product gets wasted—this rotating skincare brush ensures even distribution, helping serums and moisturizers sink in fully for deeper hydration and smoother texture.

2. Never Skip SPF—even in Winter

Think sunscreen is just for summer? Think again. UV rays contribute to 80% of visible aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, according to The National Library of Medicine. They don’t take a break in colder months, so SPF should be non-negotiable year-round.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
• Opt for formulas with antioxidants to shield against pollution and blue light (yes, your laptop and phone screens are aging your skin, too).

• Apply daily, rain or shine, and reapply if you’re outside for extended periods.

Skipping SPF is like tossing all your expensive serums in the trash—sun damage undoes all your skincare efforts.

3. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier for Long-Term Youthfulness

A weak skin barrier leads to increased sensitivity, dryness, and premature wrinkles—things you definitely don’t want in your 40s. Instead of just focusing on anti-aging actives, protect and fortify your skin barrier so it stays resilient.

• Choose barrier-friendly ingredients – Niacinamide, ceramides, and squalane help strengthen and soothe your skin.
• Avoid overloading on harsh actives – Retinol, AHAs, and exfoliants are great but can be too aggressive if used together.
• Lock in moisture properly – Use a layering technique (hydrating toner → serum → moisturizer) to seal hydration and keep your skin plump.

If your skin ever feels extra dry or irritated, take a break from strong actives and focus on repairing your barrier first!

Makeup Moves That Take Off Years

Makeup is one of the easiest ways to refresh your look—but it can also add years if done incorrectly. Heavy foundation, harsh lines, and outdated techniques can settle into fine lines and make skin appear dull. The key? Lighter, fresher, and more strategic application that enhances your natural beauty rather than masking it.

4. Brighten Your Under-Eyes the Right Way

Dark circles can make you look more tired than you actually are. But piling on concealer? That just leads to creasing.

• Use a color corrector first (peach or salmon tones cancel out darkness).
• Apply concealer only in the inner corners and blend outward for a lifted effect.
• Choose a lightweight, hydrating formula to prevent settling into fine lines.

5. Soften Your Eyeliner & Brows for a More Youthful Look

Harsh black eyeliner and overly defined brows can age your face by making features look severe. Instead:

• Swap black eyeliner for brown or taupe and smudge it slightly for a soft, flattering look.
• Tightline your upper waterline instead of drawing a thick line on your lid—it makes lashes look fuller without weighing down the eyes.
• Embrace fuller, softer brows by using a brow pencil or tinted gel in a shade close to your natural color.

6. Say Yes to Cream Blush & Highlighter

Powder products can make dry skin look even drier, emphasizing fine lines. The fix? Cream formulas.

• Cream blush gives a youthful, fresh flush—apply it high on the cheeks and blend upwards for a natural lift.
• Liquid or cream highlighter adds a subtle glow without emphasizing texture. Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose for a radiant, healthy finish.

7. Swap Heavy Foundation for Sheer, Glowy Coverage

Matte, full-coverage foundations can settle into fine lines and create a flat, mask-like effect. Instead, opt for:

• Lightweight, hydrating foundations with a natural, dewy finish.
• Tinted moisturizers or skin tints for breathable, youthful coverage.
• Concealer only where needed instead of covering the entire face.

Flawless Application Tip: The blendSMART Rotating Makeup Brush makes blending effortless, giving you a smooth, even finish without tugging at your skin. Its rotating technology ensures makeup diffuses seamlessly, preventing that heavy, cakey look. Plus, it blends faster and more efficiently, so you use less product while still getting flawless coverage.

Hair Tweaks That Instantly Lift Your Look

Your hair frames your face, and the right cut, color, and care can take years off your appearance. Lifeless, heavy, or outdated styles can drag your features down, while a few strategic tweaks can instantly create a more youthful, fresh, and vibrant look.

8. Get a Haircut That Lifts Your Features

Aging hair tends to lose volume and elasticity, which is why the right cut is everything. The goal is movement, shape, and soft framing.

• Go for layers: Long, one-length hair can pull your face down. Layers add volume and bounce, making your hair (and you) look more youthful.
• Try soft side bangs: A side-swept fringe or light curtain bangs can soften forehead lines and frame your face beautifully.
• Consider a fresh length: If your hair feels heavy or thin at the ends, a shoulder-length cut or long bob can give your style a natural lift.

9. Lighten Up Your Hair Color (Strategically)

A flat, monotone hair color can dull your complexion. You need dimension and warmth.

• Subtle highlights: Soft balayage or face-framing highlights can brighten your skin tone without high maintenance.
• Warm tones over ashy ones: Too much ash or platinum can make skin look washed out, while caramel, golden, or honey tones add warmth.
• Gloss treatments: A hair gloss adds shine and smoothness, making hair look healthier and more vibrant.

10. Prioritize Scalp & Hair Health

Just like your skin, your scalp and hair need extra nourishment as you age. Weak, thinning hair can make you look older, but with the right routine, you can keep your strands thick and healthy.

• Scalp care: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or massager to increase circulation and promote hair growth.
• Hydration: A weekly deep-conditioning treatment keeps hair shiny and smooth.
• Trimming regularly: Split ends make hair look unkempt—regular trims keep it fresh.
  

Diet Shifts That Keep You Glowing

What you put on your skin is important, but what you put in your body is just as crucial. By your 40s, your metabolism slows, collagen production declines, and your body requires more intentional nutrition to maintain firm, glowing skin and overall vitality. A few smart diet tweaks can make a huge difference in how youthful you look and feel.

11. Eat Collagen-Boosting Foods

Collagen is the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and bouncy—but after 30, your body produces less of it. By 40, boosting collagen through diet becomes essential.

• Bone broth – Packed with collagen peptides to support skin elasticity.
• Salmon & fatty fish – Rich in omega-3s, which keep skin hydrated and plump.
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – Contain chlorophyll, which increases collagen production.
• Citrus fruits & berries – Loaded with vitamin C, which is crucial for collagen synthesis.

12. Cut Back on Sugar & Processed Foods

Too much sugar doesn’t just affect your waistline—it literally ages your skin through a process called glycation, which breaks down collagen and elastin. The result? Wrinkles, sagging, and dullness.

• Swap refined sugars for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit.
• Avoid highly processed snacks that are loaded with preservatives.
• Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to keep skin firm and glowing.

13. Prioritize Healthy Fats for a Radiant Complexion

Healthy fats act as a natural moisturizer from the inside out, keeping skin plump, smooth, and glowing. They also help reduce inflammation, which is a major culprit in premature aging.

• Avocados – High in monounsaturated fats that keep skin hydrated.
• Nuts & seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds) – Rich in omega-3s and vitamin E for cell repair.
• Olive oil – A powerhouse for anti-aging, loaded with antioxidants.

14. Stay Hydrated for Youthful Skin

Dehydration leads to dull skin, fine lines, and puffiness. But it’s not just about drinking water—it’s about eating water-rich foods too.

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily (or more if you drink coffee or alcohol).
• Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and celery.
• Swap dehydrating drinks (like soda and too much caffeine) for herbal teas.
  

Lifestyle Habits That Keep You Looking & Feeling Your Best

Looking younger isn’t just about skincare and makeup—it’s about how you move, think, and live. Your 40s can be a decade of thriving, not just surviving. The right lifestyle habits can keep you feeling energized, confident, and vibrant, which naturally translates to a youthful glow.

15. Move Your Body Every Day

Regular movement isn’t just good for your health—it’s a secret weapon for looking younger. Exercise boosts circulation, delivers oxygen to your skin, and promotes collagen production.

• Low-impact workouts like Pilates and yoga help tone muscles and improve posture.
• Brisk walks increase blood flow, giving your skin a natural glow.
• Strength training maintains muscle tone, preventing the loss of firmness in your face and body.

Regular exercise reduces stress, which means fewer frown lines and a happier, more radiant appearance.

16. Prioritize Sleep Like Your Skin Depends on It (Because It Does)

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. While you sleep, your body repairs itself—boosting collagen production, cell renewal, and hydration levels.

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
• Establish a nighttime routine—dim the lights, read, and avoid screens before bed.
• Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent sleep wrinkles.

17. Manage Stress Like a Pro

Chronic stress speeds up aging—it triggers inflammation, weakens collagen, and even leads to breakouts and dull skin. Keeping stress in check isn’t just for your mental health—it directly affects how youthful you look.

• Try meditation or deep breathing to reset your nervous system.
• Journal or read to unwind before bed.
• Set boundaries with work—your inbox can wait.

Smiling and laughter literally make you look younger. A happy face is an ageless face.

Fashion Tweaks That Effortlessly Refresh Your Look

Your wardrobe isn’t just about what’s trendy—it’s about what flatters you, enhances your natural beauty, and makes you feel confident and youthful. Wearing the right colors, silhouettes, and accessories can brighten your complexion, lift your overall look, and make you feel effortlessly put-together.

19. Say Goodbye to Outdated Silhouettes

Clothes that are too boxy, shapeless, or overly tight can add years by either hiding your shape or emphasizing areas you don’t want to highlight. Instead, opt for:

• Tailored blazers with a structured yet relaxed fit to create a polished, youthful look.
• Well-fitted jeans—high-waisted or straight-leg styles elongate the legs and define the waist.
• Wrap dresses and tops—universally flattering and naturally slimming.

A slight V-neck or scoop neckline opens up the face and draws attention upwards.

20. Stick to Fresh, Vibrant Colors

While black is classic, head-to-toe dark tones can drain your complexion. Bright, fresh colors bring instant vibrancy and warmth.

Best shades for a youthful glow:

• Soft pastels (blush pink, lavender, light blue) for a fresh, airy feel.
• Jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, deep red) for an elegant, bold touch.
• Neutrals with warmth (cream, taupe, caramel) instead of stark black and white.

If you love dark colors, pair them with a colorful scarf, jewelry, or lipstick to add warmth to your face.

21. Accessories Matter—But Keep It Modern

Accessories can make or break a look. Too many statement pieces can feel overwhelming, while dated accessories can make an outfit look older than it should.

• Swap bulky, outdated handbags for sleek, structured styles.
• Minimal yet modern jewelry—small gold hoops, dainty layering necklaces, and elegant rings keep it fresh.
• Chic sunglasses in timeless shapes like cat-eye or aviators add instant polish.

22. Elevate Your Shoe Game

Shoes impact posture, style, and the overall vibe of an outfit. Instead of overly chunky or outdated footwear, opt for:

• Sleek ankle boots that elongate the legs.
• Pointed-toe flats or heels for a refined touch.
• Fashion sneakers that are both comfortable and stylish.
  

Conclusion

Looking younger in your 40s isn’t about trying to turn back time—it’s about embracing aging with confidence and grace. Small, intentional changes in skincare, makeup, lifestyle, and fashion can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Beyond products and routines, the most powerful way to maintain a youthful glow is taking care of yourself—inside and out.

Prioritizing movement, rest, hydration, and self-care will help you age gracefully, while embracing your confidence will ensure you look and feel your absolute best. Because at the end of the day, youthfulness is about mindset, energy, and the way you carry yourself.

So whether it’s a great haircut, the right skincare routine, or simply feeling good in your own skin, the best way to look younger is to own your beauty, be healthy and wear your confidence proudly.