In a world where filters and fillers are becoming increasingly common, even something as simple as posting a profile picture on your social media channels can feel intimidating! And perhaps there's no more intimidating photo than the one a single woman posts to her online dating profile (and if that's you - keep reading for more online dating advice for women over 40). 

But online dating or not, when it comes to putting yourself out there online, authenticity always wins. Consistency builds trust - which is why it's so important to show up in real life similar to how you portray yourself in photos. 

Here are some essential dos and don'ts to help you look beautiful, authentic and youthful in your profile pictures - wherever you post them. 

Use a Natural Makeup Look for Your Profile Picture

Go for a natural makeup look that focuses on your features without looking overdone. Think of it as the "no makeup" makeup look, a fresh face that radiates confidence and authenticity.

• Start with a Flawless Base: Apply a lightweight foundation or BB cream that evens out your skin tone. If you're dealing with dark circles, dark spots, or redness, our Luxury Concealer paired with our Concealer Brush is the perfect duo to cover imperfections seamlessly. The concealer's creamy texture blends effortlessly, making your skin look flawless.

• Set Your Makeup for the Day: Once your base is complete, use our HD Matte Finishing Powder along with the Powder Brush to set your makeup. Finishing powder ensures that your makeup stays in place all day, giving you that coveted matte finish that photographs beautifully.

• Highlight Your Eyes: A little mascara and a soft brown or taupe eyeshadow can go a long way in making your eyes pop. Avoid heavy eyeliner or bold colors, which can overpower your photo features.

• Choose a Soft Lip Color: A nude or soft pink lipstick is ideal for a profile picture. It adds just enough color to your lips without distracting from the rest of your face.

Creating a natural makeup look for your profile picture can make you seem warm and approachable, and will allow you to show up in real life the way you portray yourself online. Get it all with our Beauty Basics Set, and save 22%!

Don't Use Filters or Overly Edited Photos

While it might be tempting to use filters or heavily edit your photos, doing so can be misleading and imply that you lack confidence. A little touch-up is fine, but avoid altering your appearance to the point where you're unrecognizable in person.

Use Lighting & Angles to Your Advantage

Good lighting is everything. Ring lights that clip to your phone are a great way to light up your face head on, and allow you to play with different tones (cool, warm and neutral) that show of your beautiful face best. If you don't have a ring light, natural light from a window works just as well! The key is making sure that you aren't taking your photos in light cast from above - it will make your under eye area look dark and sunken, and can make your face appear more droopy. 

Find the angle that makes you look best - usually that means holding your phone's camera straight in front of your face or even up higher. The closer the phone is to an area of your face, the larger that area will seem - and can really throw of the proportions of your face. 

Online Dating? Keep Reading

If you are over 40 and diving into online dating, your online dating profile picture is extremely important. You want to attract people who will appreciate your beauty for what it is; so filtering photos or setting unrealistic expectations by selecting photos from years prior will only make the process harder. But aside from the profile picture, honesty is key in the information you include with it. Be upfront about your interests, lifestyle, and what you want in a partner. If you're a foodie who loves trying new restaurants, say so. If you're passionate about your career, let it be known. Authenticity is attractive, and it's the foundation of any strong relationship.

Additionally, be honest about your age and appearance. There's no need to shave off a few years or post outdated photos. Embrace where you are in life and the wisdom that comes with it. Remember, the right person will appreciate you for who you are, not who you were 10 years ago.

Don't Share Too Much Too Soon

While it's important to be honest, it's equally important to maintain some level of mystery. Avoid oversharing personal details, especially in the early stages of communication. This includes your home address, workplace, and financial information. Online dating is about getting to know someone gradually, so take your time and let the relationship develop naturally.

Do: Prioritize Your Safety

Safety should always be your top priority in online dating, especially after age 40. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep communication on the Platform: Until you feel comfortable, keep your conversations within the dating platform. Most platforms have built-in safety features that protect your identity and personal information.

• Avoid Giving Out Personal Information: As mentioned earlier, wait to share your home address, phone number, or other personal details. If someone pressures you for this information, consider it a red flag.

• Meet in Public Places: When you're ready to meet anyone, choose a public place like a coffee shop or restaurant. Inform your friends or family members about your plans, including where you're going and who you're meeting.

• Trust Your Gut: Our gut is the second brain in our body. If your gut is telling you something feels off, trust your gut. Don't hesitate to remove yourself from the situation, whether it's a weird vibe in your conversations or something unusual during your date.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Red flags can be subtle, but they're essential to recognize. If someone seems overly eager to meet in person, asks for money, or becomes too personal too quickly, it's best to proceed cautiously. Additionally, consider it a warning sign if someone needs to be more specific about their background or avoid answering direct questions.

Remember, online dating should be a positive experience, not a stressful one. By paying attention to red flags, you can protect yourself from potential harm and focus on finding someone who aligns with your values and goals.

Do: Show Confidence on Your First Date

Your first date is your chance to make a great impression in person. Confidence is vital, so choose an outfit that makes you feel good and wear your favorite makeup look to boost your self-esteem. This is where our Beauty Basics comes into play once again - it has everything you need for the perfect, flawless base. 

• Conceal Imperfections: Use the Luxury Concealer and Concealer Brush to hide any last-minute blemishes or dark circles. You'll feel more confident knowing your skin looks smooth and even.

• Set Your Look: Apply a light dusting of our HD Matte Finishing Powder to keep your makeup in place throughout the date. This step enhances your appearance and gives you the peace of mind to focus on your conversation rather than worrying about touch-ups.

• Finish with a Smile: A swipe of lipstick and a touch of blush can add the finishing touch to your date-night look. Remember, a genuine smile is your best accessory, so wear it proudly!

Don't Stress Over Perfection

It's natural to want everything to go perfectly on a first date, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Dating after 40 is about enjoying the experience and being open to new possibilities. If the conversation flows and you feel a connection, that's a win. If not, keep going. Every new date opportunity is a step closer to finding the right person.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're preparing for your profile picture or getting ready for a first date, our Beauty Basics are here to help you look and feel your best. From the perfect concealer to a flawless finish, our products are designed to encourage natural beauty, giving you the confidence to shine online and offline.

So go ahead, take that leap into the online world with confidence!