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A Pro MUA Shares 3 Tips For Preventing Makeup From ‘Gathering Into Fine Lines’ Over 40 This Winter: ‘Warming Up Your Products’ And More

November 12, 2025 by Mariam Qayum

 
Rosegallagherbeauty / Shutterstock

As we age, our skin naturally develops fine lines and wrinkles, which can make applying makeup—especially concealer—trickier than it used to be. If you’ve noticed your foundation or concealer settling into those tiny lines, don’t panic. Rose Gallagher, a professional makeup artist with years of experience, shares three surprising tips that can help your makeup look smooth and flawless all day long, even in dry winter months.

1. Warm Up Your Products

One of the simplest yet most effective tips Rose shares is to warm up your foundation or concealer before applying it to your face. By swirling a small amount of product on the back of your hand, you slightly raise its temperature, making it easier to spread. “Less product often gives the same amount of coverage, but it sits better on your skin and is less likely to gather in lines,” Rose explains. This trick ensures that your makeup applies more evenly while keeping the finish natural and lightweight—no cakey layers required.

2. Set Strategically

Once your makeup is applied, the next step is setting it so it stays put. Rose recommends using a translucent setting powder to lock your makeup in place, but she also emphasizes that powders aren’t the only solution. Hydrating setting sprays are a fantastic alternative, especially during winter when skin tends to be drier. They help your makeup adhere without emphasizing texture, giving your face a soft, radiant finish. “It’s all about finding what works for your skin type,” she notes.

3. Touch Up, Don’t Stress

Perhaps the most liberating tip Rose shares is simply to accept that makeup will naturally move throughout the day. “Everything will gather eventually, and that’s normal. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong,” she says. Instead of panicking when your concealer shifts, carry a small hand mirror for quick touch-ups. A few gentle dabs and blending can refresh your makeup in seconds, keeping it looking polished without overloading your skin with product.

Less Is More

Underlying all of Rose’s advice is a key principle: less product often equals better results. Heavy layers of foundation or concealer increase the risk of settling into lines, while using just enough product, warmed up and set properly, can give a smoother, more youthful appearance.

With these three pro-approved tips, winter makeup doesn’t have to be a battle. By warming your products, setting them wisely, and embracing simple touch-ups, you can keep your complexion looking fresh, radiant, and flawless all day long—even over 40.

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