Has make-up started looking ‘heavy and patchy’ in your 40s? Experts reveal the little-known perimenopause symptom which could be the culprit – and how you can fix it

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If you’re in your 40s and feeling like your makeup isn’t wearing as well as you’d like, it could be because of a little-known side effect of perimenopause.

Experts have revealed that eyebrow thinning, which can occur due to the body’s fluctuating hormones during the transition to menopause, can leave a “bad” feeling on your entire face, causing products to look “heavy and uneven”.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, beauty brand director Claire Such explained that this common problem can be solved with a few simple cosmetic adjustments.

“For some women in their 40s, their usual makeup can suddenly feel ‘off’, even if they haven’t changed their techniques,” she shared.

‘Most often the real cause is slight eyebrow thinning. Eyebrows serve as the frame of the face; Provides structure and balance to eyes, cheeks and lips.

‘When the frame becomes lighter or more uneven, eye makeup can look heavier, blush can appear in the wrong place, and the overall look can look unbalanced.’

Non-surgical cosmetic doctor Dr. Ed Robinson said this is due to biological changes occurring in the body.

‘During perimenopause, fluctuating and then falling estrogen and often relatively high androgens can shorten the hair growth phase and reduce follicle viability,’ he said.

‘Thus, eyebrow hairs become thinner, grow slower and fall out more easily. On top of this, common midlife factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies such as Iron, vitamin D, B12 and zinc, thyroid dysfunction, skin inflammation and excessive tweezing can also worsen the problem.’

Here, cosmetologists reveal their best tips for combating thinning eyebrows – from toning down blush to investing in a serum (or even looking into fillers).

Women in their forties take to TikTok to share how their eyebrows are thinning

USE LESS MAKE-UP IN OTHER AREAS

Sometimes the key to accounting for gaps and sparseness in some areas is to understate other parts of your appearance as well.

‘Re-defining the eyebrows often brings harmony back to the whole face,’ advises Claire.

‘Sometimes it actually means you need less makeup elsewhere.’

HIGHLIGHT YOUR BEL

‘A well-shaped brow with a gentle lift along the arch can visually eliminate any natural downward pull in the eye area,’ he added.

‘Using a precise product allows you to define and shape areas that need more structure, especially the tail of the brow.

‘To finish, brush the shape into place and add a light, flexible hold, adding balance, lift and polish to your overall makeup look.’

CHOOSE SOFT LINES OVER HARD LINES

Claire, who works with the Oriflame brand, suggested ‘focusing on adding soft color and volume rather than drawing harsh lines’ to create an immediate and very natural-looking difference.

For example, choosing eyebrow powder instead of pencil can achieve a messy look that mimics real hair.

Color gels can also ‘add, lift and hold a subtle hint of color by brushing the hair upwards to create the illusion of fullness and structure’.

Eyelash and brow expert Emmy Clayton agrees that “less is more when it comes to makeup.”

‘Light brow gels and soft pencils help restore balance without weighing them down,’ she said. ‘Products like Glossier’s Boy Brow gel and pencil are easy to use, flexible and buildable; Ideal for gently filling in gaps and adding lift while keeping brows in harmony with the face.’

USE THE SERUM

There are countless serums on the market for those looking to invest in a less temporary boost.

Emmy says, ‘Peptide-based conditioning serum can help support hair follicles and strengthen the brows you have; “Consistency is very important,” he said.

‘A good brow cream like Glow For It will keep brows looking hydrated, supple and healthier over time.’

Elsewhere, Dr. Ed recommended:Look for peptides, panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and conditioning ingredients to improve hair caliber and reduce breakage.

‘These need to be applied consistently for 8-12 weeks,’ he emphasized. ‘If appropriate under medical guidance, a clinician may also consider minoxidil with caution (off-label for eyebrows) and provide clear advice on preventing irritation and spread to unwanted areas.’

CONSIDER EYEBROW TINTING

It is more permanent than makeup but not as time consuming as serum; eyebrow tinting offers a great solution in between.

Emmy advised: ‘Look for gentle, PPD-free shades that won’t tarnish the skin and provide a soft, natural finish; A common concern for women who worry that eyebrows may damage the face.

‘Tinting even the fine vellus hair around the brow can instantly create the appearance of fuller brows.

‘See a specialist who focuses on natural brow restoration rather than trends, and avoid waxing or waxing, as preserving these fine hairs helps maintain fullness.’

IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS

‘Clinical treatments such as PRP/PRF (platelet-rich plasma/fibrin) and polynucleotides can be used to support follicle function in the eyebrow area and improve density and quality throughout sessions,’ Dr Ed said.

‘In cases where there are visible “dimples” around the brow and upper eyelid that contribute to a sparse appearance, fine restorative injectable products such as dermal filler carefully placed in suitable patients can improve the brow contour and overall appearance, although they may not create new hairs.

‘Professional brow mapping, gentle, growth-friendly grooming, tinting and, for suitable candidates, microblading or PMU can assist aesthetically while medical reasons are addressed.’

PROTEIN PACK IN YOUR DIET

They always say you are what you eat; The situation is no different for your eyebrows.

‘Protein is the basic building block of keratin, which forms eyebrow hairs, so adequate protein intake is essential for healthy growth,’ Emmy said.

‘A diet rich in protein can help support stronger, more durable eyebrows, as well as providing essential nutrients such as zinc, which plays a role in hair follicle function.

‘Foods such as eggs, broccoli sprouts and pumpkin seeds can be particularly supportive as part of a balanced, nutritious diet.

‘Tattooing or microblading should be considered as a last resort; ‘Nourishing and beautifying natural eyebrows is always worth putting first.’

WHEN TO SEE YOUR GP…

Dr. Ed said the problem may be some conditions that you bring to your doctor.

‘If symptoms and history are appropriate,’ he explained, ‘optimising overall perimenopause management (including HRT, often through a GP or menopause specialist) may improve hair quality in some women by stabilizing hormonal releases and supporting follicles.’