6 Best Everyday Makeup Tips for Over 30s
Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Amy
Looking for the best everyday makeup tips for over 30s? As we age, our skin changes, and so do our makeup needs. Gone are the days of copious glittery blue eyeliner—was anyone else obsessed with those Urban Decay Heavy Metal glitter liners? I must have had one in every colour! Heavy foundations, thick concealers, and bold eye looks that worked in our 20s may no longer flatter our skin.
Instead, it’s all about enhancing our features with hydrating formulas, strategic application, and flattering shades. After years of trial and error, I’ve streamlined my routine to quick, easy, and effective makeup tricks that deliver a natural, fresh-faced glow. If you’re after effortless beauty with minimal effort, you’re in the right place!
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1. Prep Your Skin for a Smooth Base
One of the biggest makeup lessons I’ve learned in my 30s? Great makeup starts with great skincare. In my 20s, I relied on heavy foundations to cover imperfections, but now I find that layering too much makeup only highlights dry patches, fine lines, and texture. If you want a flawless finish, target skin concerns first before applying makeup.
Here’s my essential pre-makeup skincare routine:
- Hydrating Cleanser – Removes dirt without stripping moisture.
- Exfoliation (2-3 times a week) – Helps smooth out dry patches.
- Lightweight Moisturiser – Keeps skin hydrated and plump.
- SPF – A must-have to prevent sun damage and premature ageing.
👉 Check out my Morning Skincare Routine for a step-by-step guide!
2. Choose Hydrating Bases Over Full-Coverage Foundations
Full-coverage foundations don’t sit as well on my skin as they once did. They can emphasise dryness and make my complexion look dull. Instead, I swear by hydrating, lightweight base products that provide a natural, radiant finish.
Top Picks for Everyday Wear:
- Sculpted by Aimee Tint & Glow (£23) – A sheer, dewy base with SPF and skincare benefits.
- Oskia Nutri-Bronze (£64) – Adds a warm glow for no-makeup days.
- Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£46) – Perfect for when I want a polished look without heaviness.
These formulas let your real skin shine through while evening out the complexion.
👉 For more skin tints I love, check out my Lightweight Skin Tints Guide.
3. Apply Concealer Strategically
Even though I get fewer breakouts at 35, I actually use concealer more often—just differently! Instead of layering it all over, I apply it only where needed to brighten and correct without looking cakey.
Best Application Tips:
✔ Dab a small amount under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes.
✔ Use a damp sponge or fingertips for a seamless blend.
✔ Choose a hydrating formula to prevent creasing and dryness.
My Must-Have Concealers:
- Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-eye Genius (£12) – A hydrating color corrector that neutralizes dark circles.
- Sculpted By Aimee Brighten Up Concealer (£15) – Infused with niacinamide for hydration and a natural finish.
👉 Looking for the best eye creams to prep your under-eye area? Read my Brightening Eye Creams for Tired Eyes guide.
4. Switch to liquid or cream blush
Powder blushes can emphasise dryness and settle into fine lines. Switching to cream and liquid blushes has been a game-changer! They melt into the skin, creating a fresh, dewy flush.
Favourites for a Natural Look:
- Sculpted by Aimee Cream Luxe Blush (£17) in Peachy Pink – Also doubles as a lip tint!
- e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush (£7) in Peach Perfect – Super pigmented; a little goes a long way.
- Chantecaille Cheek Gelee (£43) – Read my full review here!
Tip: Layer a light dusting of powder blush on top to lock in the colour for all-day wear.
5. Swap Lipstick for Hydrating Tinted Balms
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed my lips losing volume, making traditional lipsticks feel less flattering. Tinted lip balms are my go-to for hydration and natural-looking color.
My Holy Grail Lip Balm:
- Dior Addict Lip Glow (£32) in 001 Pink & 012 Rosewood – A custom colour that enhances your natural lip tone.
👉 For more options, check out my Best Tinted Lip Balms guide.
6. Switch to Brown Mascara & Eyeliner for a Softer Look
Black mascara and eyeliner will always be classics, but as I get older, I find that brown tones are softer and more flattering.
Current Favourites:
- Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara (£12) in Superglossy Brown – I wore it to a spa a few days ago and it didn’t budge in saunas or pools but came off easily with micellar water!
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (£12.99) in Brown – Affordable and lengthening.
- Maybelline Tattoo Liner Smokey Gel Pencil (£6.99) in Brown – Ideal for an everyday soft smoky eye.
Brown eyeliner and mascara enhance the eyes subtly, making them look bigger and more awake without the harshness of black.
Finding the right products for your skin and lifestyle takes trial and error. These small makeup tweaks have made a huge difference in how fresh and effortless my everyday look feels!
Quick Recap:
✔ Hydrate your skin before applying makeup.
✔ Choose lightweight bases instead of heavy foundations.
✔ Apply concealer strategically for a natural finish.
✔ Use cream blush for a youthful glow.
✔ Tinted lip balms keep lips hydrated and fresh.
✔ Opt for brown mascara & eyeliner for a softer look.
What changes have you made to your makeup routine as you’ve gotten older? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!
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