When it comes to beauty, confidence is the real secret weapon—and no one knows this better than Mia Hawkswell.
With more than three decades in the makeup industry and a client list that reads like a who’s who of Australian celebrities (Delta Goodrem and Rachel Finch, to name just a couple), Mia has seen firsthand how our relationship with makeup evolves as we age.
Now, at 48, she’s on a mission to help women over 40 rediscover the joy of makeup—and to ditch the outdated rules that no longer serve us.
‘I just want to look like I’ve slept, eaten all my veggies, and had my litres of water—even if I haven’t!’ Mia laughs.
‘I want to look like life isn’t affecting me as much as it actually is.’
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of us find that the techniques and products we swore by in our 20s and 30s suddenly stop working their magic as we hit our 40s and beyond.
Skin texture changes, features soften, and what once looked fresh can now feel a bit… well, tired.
Mia admits she didn’t think much about age and makeup until she noticed her own face changing.
‘Some of my old tricks just didn’t work anymore,’ she says.
That realisation sparked a lightbulb moment: why not share her journey—and her solutions—with other women facing the same challenges?
So, in a moment of 3am inspiration, Mia launched the Over 40s Club, a website and online community dedicated to helping women embrace their beauty at every age.
Her first video, a simple ‘dos and don’ts’ for makeup after 40, went viral. Clearly, she’d struck a nerve.
So, what are Mia’s top tips for looking and feeling fabulous after 40?
We’ve rounded up her best advice—and added a few extra insights to help you put your best face forward.
1. Find your holy grail products—and stick with them
Forget the pressure to chase every new trend.
Mia’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: ‘Once you know what works for you, you don’t have to venture too far off that to create a daytime or nighttime look.’
The key is to find products that suit your skin’s current needs—think hydration, blurring imperfections, and sun protection—and use them in multiple ways.
Multi-use products are a time-saving godsend, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule.
Pro tip: Look for creamy formulas that add radiance without settling into fine lines.
Tinted moisturisers, cream blushes, and hydrating concealers are your new best friends.
2. Don’t cling to that old eyelash curler
If you’re still using the same eyelash curler you bought in the ‘90s, it’s time for an upgrade.
‘You often get two rubbers—the one in the curler and a replacement,’ Mia explains.
‘Once those are done, you need a new lash curler.’
A fresh curler can make a world of difference, opening up your eyes and making you look instantly more awake.
You don’t have to spend a fortune, either—there are great options from $7, though Mia swears by the cult-favourite Shu Uemura curler.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others
Social media is a double-edged sword.
While it’s great for inspiration, it can also leave us feeling like we don’t measure up.
Mia’s advice? ‘Concentrate on developing your own skills, rather than being swept up in the scroll thinking, “I should look like that”.’
The endless stream of filtered faces can be overwhelming and disheartening.
Remember: your face is uniquely yours, and that’s something to celebrate.
4. Be wary of AI makeup apps
It’s tempting to let technology do the work, but Mia warns that AI-powered makeup apps can be a slippery slope.
‘If you don’t have any knowledge or experience to compare it to, the advice might be way off the mark.’
Instead, invest a little time in learning what works for your features and lifestyle.
5. Practice makes perfect—when there’s no pressure
The best time to try a new technique? When you’re not rushing out the door to a big event.
‘Practice when there’s no pressure, so you’re perfect when there is,’ Mia says.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to do your makeup in 15-20 minutes flat—and actually enjoy the process.
The bottom line
As beauty standards continue to evolve, it’s refreshing to see voices like Mia Hawkswell offering practical, age-inclusive advice that empowers women to feel more confident in their own skin.
Whether you’re just starting to explore new makeup techniques or have already made some adjustments over time, there’s always value in learning from someone with experience and a grounded approach.
Have you noticed your go-to makeup products or routines changing as you’ve gotten older? What techniques or tools have made the biggest difference for you lately? Do you think age-specific beauty advice is helpful, or do you prefer a more general approach to makeup? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Are your favourite cosmetics hiding these chemicals?
