Sometimes, it’s the most simple beauty switch-ups that have the biggest impact. For proof, see Sheridan Smith who just showed us how two small details add up to a huge transformation, and one that works especially beautifully on women over 40.
The I Fought The Law actress, 44, debuted a gorgeous new look at a photocall at BBC's The Cage, which was immediately hailed as ‘unreal’ for its elegant simplicity.
The firepower lies in two key details: a statement lash and an updo that hits the right note between elegant and effortless.
False lashes are often ignored by women over 40, but as Sheridan proves, they can be a real eye opener and incredibly flattering. She’s opted for a style with the perfect length to make her eyes look wider and brighter, but not so much volume they look obviously fake or heavy.
Celebrity makeup artist Mira Parmar confirms that the right style of faux lashes can be hugely impactful for women over 40. ‘Lashes definitely work on mature women, you just have to find the right ones,’ she says. ‘You definitely don’t want them to be too heavy. Look out for feathery, natural-looking, pretty lashes instead.’ Tick, tick, tick to Sheridan.
Having that gorgeous upward sweep of long lashes has an instant ‘lifting’ effect on Sheridan’s face, cleverly complemented by those softly brushed-up eyebrows and delicate black eyeliner carefully focused on the outer corners.
The rest of her makeup is kept to a single tonal shade of rose, worn blurred-out and velvety on the cheeks, and plumping and glossy on the lips.
This monochromatic makeup trend has been everywhere this year, for good reason. ‘A tonal, ‘less is more’ approach always makes makeup look expensive,’ says celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin ‘I’m a huge fan of monochromatic makeup, using the same shade across eyes, lips and cheeks.’
Sheridan’s gorgeous makeup is framed perfectly by her hair, casually swept up and off her face, with softly waved tendrils to spotlight her cheekbones. It’s chic yet unfussy, and shows how an updo can be elegant with looking ‘cabin crew’.
The non-starchy bun leans into the ‘French pin’ trend which is all about updos that look polished and glamorous yet still modern.
Sheridan’s ageless beauty update was immediately leapt upon by her famous Instagram followers, with Gaby Roslin calling her ‘Gorgeous girl ❤️’ and Vicky Pattison adding ‘Stunning 😍’
Now, where did we put that lash glue?
