10 Things You're Doing That Age You After 40 (And What I Do Instead)

There's a difference between looking younger and trying too hard. Here are 10 things that age you after 40 — and what I do instead.

By Liz · October 14, 2026 · 7 min read

There's a difference between looking younger and trying to look young. I don't want to be 25 again. I want to look my best at whatever age I am: current, healthy and energetic.

These 10 tips aren't cosmetic tricks. They're choices almost anyone can make, and most aren't expensive. If you feel like you haven't had time to put into yourself, I'm sure you'll find something here.

Watch: 10 Things That Age You After 40 (And What I Do Instead) on YouTube

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1. Update your hair

When I first turned 40, I kind of let my hair go. Grays, brittleness and breakage all started happening, and you can see it in my videos from three years ago. Then I decided I wasn't giving up on my hair. I use bonding products, I color and bleach, and yes, I wear hair extensions.

Aging doesn't mean you have to hack it all off, especially if you have great hair, and it doesn't mean you have to dye it either. I've seen women with beautiful, healthy short hair. It's your choice. Just don't give up on your hair.

2. Don't forget your eyebrows

Brows turn gray, get sparse and stop framing your face. I over-plucked in the '90s and had barely any eyebrows. With my long-term use of castor oil they've actually come back, which shocked me (see my castor oil results), but I still fill them in every single day with one easy product, the Brow Wiz. Filled-in brows frame your face and brighten your eyes. Without them I feel washed out.

3. Prioritize healthy skin over perfect skin

Sunspots, crepey skin and wrinkles are normal, and I have them too. Honestly, a face that doesn't move at all looks odd to me in real life. No hate if you use Botox. I'm not against it. (Why I'm done wasting money on anti-aging treatments)

What matters most to me:

Hydration. I went years without a quality moisturizer. When you're aging, you need a highly hydrating one, and one with retinol is even better.
Exfoliation. It's a must.
Working on damage. I never wore sunscreen and I love the sun, so I've used prescription-strength hydroquinone for my sun damage.

I've done a lot with good lotions, castor oil, a good retinol and HQ pads, without lasers (though I'm considering one next year). Hydration and exfoliation alone will make your skin look fresher, brighter and smoother. (My easy skincare that actually works)

4. Lighten up your makeup

I used to want every product: concealer, eye primer, all of it. Now I find the less I use, the better it looks, the longer it lasts, and the less it settles into creases.

The lightest way I've found to apply foundation is a damp beauty blender. (Watch my everyday makeup routine) Fingers make it thick, and a brush can agitate skin that's using retinol. Aim for a skin-like finish, then powder only where you need it (I set under my eyes). A BB cream or tinted foundation gives a glowy look instead of a cakey one that settles into fine lines.

5. Put some color back into your face

Brows, a little flush on the cheeks and some color on the lips brighten your whole look. I don't look awake until I do those things. I keep a lip stain and gloss with me. For blush that lasts all day, I layer a cream blush with powder over it. If you have dryness or crepiness, cream blushes and colored glosses give a more moisturized look than layers of powder.

6. Take care of your smile

This doesn't mean giant, bright-white veneers. I'm actually against veneers, at least the way I've seen them done. It means good dental care. I never miss my cleanings, and since switching to an electric toothbrush years ago, I haven't had a cavity. For heavy staining, professional whitening from your dentist is far stronger than over-the-counter options. For a shade or two, Crest Whitestrips work. I use them once or twice a year.

The dental care products I actually use are in my healthy smile list on Amazon.

And use your smile, even if your teeth aren't perfect. When you smile, your whole face lights up. It conveys vitality, health and confidence. The dental care products I personally use are in my healthy smile list on Amazon.

7. Dress for the body you have now

I've been many sizes through my 20s, 30s and 40s, and I was overweight at times. But I always dressed nicely and learned to style for the body I had then. Friends are often surprised to hear my highest weights.

Get dressed every day. Even a casual piece can be more fun: if you're going to wear a zip hoodie, why not light pink or light blue instead of plain gray? Adding color and interesting pieces shows you care and makes you look put-together. (My tummy-minimizing style tips · 10 easy ways to get out of a style rut)

8. Update the small things

You don't need a whole new wardrobe. A few strategic updates can liven up your look:

Eyeglasses. Outdated frames can age you.
Your purse. Swap a tattered or too-casual bag for something modern, a fun color or an interesting texture.
Your shoes. If you're always in sneakers, try other comfortable, stylish options. Orthotics come in almost any style now, and you can add support and cushioning to boots so they still look modern. You'll find bags and shoes I love in my Amazon storefront and on LTK.

9. Build muscle and keep moving

I'll be honest: I don't do all of this yet. I'm okay-active and plan to start lifting in 2027. But I have friends from 25 to 85, and the women who stay active (the gym, aqua classes, trips, hikes, dancing, lifting) have so much more energy in their 70s and 80s. Some of my friends in their 40s to 60s act older than my friends in their 70s and 80s.

You don't need a gym to start. Begin at home with light weights and work up. Strength helps your bones, muscles and circulation, keeps you mobile, and gives you more vitality in later years than any beauty or medical treatment. (How I lost 30 pounds after 45)

10. Don't let your spirit get old

This is my favorite. My younger friends motivate me, and my older friends inspire me. One friend had a hip replacement this year and still insisted on taking the stairs on our girls' trip.

Keep moving, learning, laughing and traveling. Do things for your body, your mind and your spiritual well-being. Give to others and have a purpose. When I was unhealthy and overweight at 45, I was the one with the least energy in a group of women older than me. It doesn't matter what age you start at. I've seen miraculous reinventions at any age.

(Confirm with Liz: is this the PDF linked under the video?)

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