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 find that your make-up isn’t sitting quite as you want it to, the culprit may be a little-known side effect of perimenopause.

Experts have revealed that thinning eyebrows, which can occur thanks to the body’s fluctuating hormones as it transitions to menopause, could be making your whole face feel ‘off’ – causing products to appear ‘heavy and patchy’.

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

‘In our 40s, for some women their usual makeup can suddenly feel “off” even though they haven’t changed their technique,’ she shared.

‘Often, the real reason is subtle brow thinning. Brows act as the frame of the face, they provide structure and balance to the eyes, cheeks and lips.

‘When that frame becomes lighter or patchier, eye makeup can appear heavier, blush can look misplaced, and the overall look may feel unbalanced.’

This happens due to biological changes going on in the body, Dr Ed Robinson, a non-surgical cosmetic doctor, shared.

‘During perimenopause, fluctuating and then falling oestrogen, and often relatively higher androgens, can shorten the hair growth phase and reduce follicle vitality,’ he said.

‘So brow hairs become finer, grow more slowly and shed more easily. On top of that, common midlife contributors like stress, nutritional deficiency such as Iron, vitamin D, B12 and zinc, thyroid dysfunction, skin inflammation and over-tweezing can all compound the issue.’

Here, cosmetic experts have revealed their top hacks for combatting thinning brows – from easing up on the blush to investing in a serum (or even looking at filler)…

USE LESS MAKE-UP IN OTHER AREAS 

Sometimes, to account for gaps and sparsity in some areas, the key is to understate other parts of your look too. 

‘Restoring definition to the brows frequently brings harmony back to the entire face,’ Claire advised.

‘Sometimes meaning you actually need less makeup elsewhere.’

ACCENTUATE YOUR ARCH 

‘A well-shaped brow with a soft lift through the arch can visually counteract any natural downward pull in the eye area,’ she added.

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

‘To finish, brushing through to set the shape in place while adding a light, flexible hold bringing balance, lift and polish back to your overall makeup look.’

GO FOR SOFT LINES OVER HARSH ONES

Claire, who works with the brand Oriflame, recommended to ‘focus on adding soft colour and volume rather than drawing harsh lines’ for an immediate and very natural-looking difference.

Opting for a brow powder over a pencil, for example, can achieve a diffused finish that mimics real hair.

Tinted gels can also ‘add subtle tint, lift and hold, brushing the hairs upwards to create the illusion of fullness and structure’.

Elsewhere, lash and brow expert Emmy Clayton agreed that ‘when it comes to make-up, less is more’.

‘Lightweight brow gels and soft pencils help restore balance without heaviness,’ she said. ‘Products like Glossier’s Boy Brow gel and pencil are easy to use, flexible and buildable – ideal for gently filling gaps and adding lift while keeping brows harmonious with the face.’

USE A SERUM

For those wanting to invest into a less temporary boost, there are a myriad of serums on the market. 

‘A peptide-based conditioning serum can help support the hair follicles and strengthen the brows you do have – consistency is key,’ Emmy remarked.

‘A good brow conditioner, such as Glow For It, helps keep brows hydrated, flexible and healthier-looking over time.’

Elsewhere, Dr Ed advised to ‘look for peptides, panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and conditioning ingredients to improve hair calibre and reduce breakage’.

‘These need to be applied consistently for 8–12 weeks,’ he stressed. ‘If appropriate under medical guidance, a clinician may also consider minoxidil carefully (off-label for brows) with clear counselling around irritation and avoiding spread to unintended areas.’

CONSIDER BROW TINTING 

More permanent than make-up but not quite as time-consuming as a serum – brow tinting offers a great in-between. 

Emmy advised: ‘Look for sensitive, PPD-free tints that don’t stain the skin, allowing for a soft, natural result – a common concern for women who worry brows may overpower the face.

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

‘Seek out a specialist focused on natural brow restoration rather than trends and avoid waxing or threading, as preserving these finer hairs helps maintain fullness.’

IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS

‘In clinic treatments such as PRP/PRF (platelet-rich plasma/fibrin) and polynucleotides can be used in the brow area to support follicle function and improve density and quality over a course of sessions,’ Dr Ed shared.

‘Where there’s visible “hollowing” around the brow and upper eyelid contributing to a sparse look, subtle restorative injectables such as carefully placed dermal filler in suitable patients can improve the brow frame and overall appearance, although this doesn’t create new hairs.

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

PROTEIN-PACK YOUR DIET 

They always say you are what you eat – and it’s no different with your eyebrows. 

‘Protein is the primary building block of keratin, which makes up brow hair, so adequate protein intake is essential for healthy growth,’ Emmy said.

‘A protein-rich diet can help support stronger, more resilient brows, alongside key nutrients like 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, nourishing diet.

‘Tattooing or microblading should be considered a last resort; nourishing and enhancing natural brows is always worth prioritising first.’

WHEN TO GO TO YOUR GP… 

Dr Ed said that there are some instances where the issue can be one you bring to your doctor. 

‘If symptoms and history fit,’ he explained, ‘optimising overall perimenopause management (often including HRT via a GP or menopause specialist) can improve hair quality for some women by stabilising hormonal swings and supporting follicles.’