As we age, makeup can quickly go from enhancing to aging if it’s not applied with the right technique — and according to Erica Taylor, a professional makeup artist with over two decades of experience, the biggest culprit is often the foundation you choose and how you layer it. In a TikTok tutorial, Taylor, 46 and completely filter-free, shares her step-by-step approach to achieving a natural, youthful glow without looking “washed out.”
Taylor emphasizes starting with prep: exfoliating dead skin is non-negotiable. “If your skin looks crusty, your makeup is gonna be crusty,” she says, recommending pads from First Aid Beauty or similar products. Next, she applies a hydrating, glowy serum or lightweight moisturizer — think Charlotte Tilbury Magic or Pacifica — to give skin a dewy base that allows foundation to sit smoothly.
@ericataylor2347 Makeup Express #makeupinminutes #easymakeup #makeupover40 #over40makeuptip #professionalmua #simplemakeup #simplemakeuptutorial #fyp original sound – Erica Taylor
The pro tip? Skip ultra-light foundations. Taylor uses a hydrating stick foundation with a touch of color, which she notes is essential for women in their 40s and up. “I always go with something that has a little bit more color because I like to give myself some color. I could always blend it out. I don’t want to look like a cadaver,” she explains. She also blends the foundation using a stippling technique rather than rubbing, which ensures it melds naturally into the skin without streaks.
Taylor layers contour and blush strategically, placing contour just above the cheekbone and blush slightly higher to lift the face. She finishes by using leftover foundation on her brush to marry the colors together seamlessly. For concealer, it’s all about a targeted approach — a touch in the inner eye corners or around the mouth where subtle brightening is needed.
“Easy shadow, a little bronzer on the lid, shimmer on top, brush your brows up, line under the lash line, a bit of blush on the lip, and spritz,” Taylor says, summing up her quick yet effective 10-minute routine. By focusing on hydration, the right shade, and careful layering, women over 40 can avoid looking washed out while still enhancing their natural beauty.
Bottom line: The foundation isn’t the enemy — it’s how you prep, choose your shade, and blend. With Taylor’s tips, your makeup can look professional, radiant, and age-appropriate in just minutes.
