The Beauty of Letting Go: How Downsizing After 40 Can Actually Set You Free!

Hey Beautiful! 

As women over 40, we're constantly balancing so much—careers, families, hormones, health, aging skin, and the endless noise telling us we need more.

More products. More outfits. More energy. More perfection.

But what if the real secret to feeling better isn't more—it's less?

In a recent podcast episode filmed at The Frenchie Boutique Hotel in Round Top, I sat down with my sister for a raw, honest conversation about what it means to downsize and simplify our routines after 40—not just in beauty, but in life. We also opened up about managing ADHD, OCD, and the quiet stress of decision fatigue that so many of us carry but rarely talk about.

Here’s what we discovered—and how you can start making small changes that bring big relief.

1. Simplifying Your Beauty Routine Isn’t Lazy—It’s Liberating

Gone are the days of 12-step routines and drawers full of impulse buys. After 40, our skin changes, our time becomes more valuable, and honestly—we just want things to work.

Tip:
Choose multitasking products that hydrate, treat, and enhance in one step. For example, a caffeinated eye cream that also de-puffs and preps for concealer. Or a highlighter for mature skin that doubles as an instant eye lifting solution. Bonus: fewer steps = less clutter and less overwhelm. 

2. Your Wardrobe Might Be Stealing Your Energy

You know that moment when you're staring at your closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear”—but the closet is full? That’s decision fatigue at work.

Tip:
Create a capsule wardrobe of pieces you actually love and wear often. Stick to colors that flatter you, fabrics that feel good, and silhouettes you trust. Then mix, match, and move on with your day.

3. ADHD, OCD & The Invisible Weight of “Too Many Choices”

If you're neurodivergent or just mentally maxed out, every decision—big or small—can feel like a mountain. That’s where simplifying becomes self-care.

Tip:
Use the 3-Rule Method: only keep 3 versions of the same thing (3 lipsticks, 3 foundations, 3 jeans). More than that? It becomes noise. Give your brain a break by reducing the number of daily decisions it has to make.

4. Decluttering Isn’t Just About Stuff—It’s About Space to Breathe

When your environment feels chaotic, your mind follows. Downsizing what’s around you helps reduce anxiety and creates room for what matters.

Tip:
Start with one drawer. Just one. Sort, toss, donate. Then celebrate that tiny win. Progress builds momentum. And over time, those small spaces turn into a calmer, more supportive home.

5. Emotional Burnout Doesn’t Always Look Like Collapse—Sometimes It Looks Like Avoidance

You’re not lazy. You’re likely overstimulated. We talked about how sometimes we don’t do the thing (even the fun thing) because our brains are just trying to survive the noise.

Tip:
Give yourself permission to do nothing without guilt. Schedule buffer time between tasks. And if you're struggling to even start, pick one tiny thing: swipe on lip balm, tidy one item, text one friend. One step is enough.

Downsizing isn’t about shrinking your life—it’s about editing it to reflect what really supports you in this season. It’s not about doing less out of defeat—it’s about choosing less out of wisdom.

You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. But you don’t have to stay there.

Start small. Let go of what doesn’t serve you. And make space for the beauty that does.

Remember, the more you know, the more you glow. 

xoxo

Jentri 

ps. Want help simplifying your over-40 beauty routine? Shop my favorite multitasking bundles here! 

pps. Listen to the FULL beauty discussion on our Beauty Aside Podcast episode here!