Editor’s note: We would like to thank Tammy Gibson, author of A Mom in Red High Heels, for providing us the answer to our question: What is the biggest beauty mistake the over-40-year-old woman makes?

Someone once told me that a woman’s signature style comes with age and getting to know her true self. And with that age and experience, comes wisdom — the wisdom to know when to change her signature style! Tossing out the makeup that emphasizes "experience" is a very wise thing to do! Forty can be a hard age to accept for many women. It’s a turning point in life, a time to reflect, a time to finally accept who we are and a time to dump all that glitters!

For a woman over 40, makeup changes are absolutely necessary. The skin is changing to become more wrinkled, more textured and more spotted. Even with carefully executed skin-care routines in earlier years, you can’t stop the process of aging skin. Because of the altered state of the skin surface, makeup needs to be rethought.

It’s time to:

• Dump the glitter and heavy shimmer shadows. It just settles into your softly forming lines to create deeper appearing grooves! Instead, opt for neutral shadows and a sparkle in your eye!
• Replace the matte lipstick — it’s too harsh and often bleeds into the fine lines surrounding your mouth. Instead, wear soft pink or peach lip gloss that offers shine.
• Lose the thick, black eyeliner, opting for gray, brown, beige or soft plum liners.
• Brush away the powder blush and smooth on the cream blush. The effect is luminous!
• Foundation needs rethinking as well. Anything matte is going to age you. Go for light and natural over a good primer!

Click here for more common beauty mistakes.