the eyes are the best part

20 BEST 40TH-BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO RING IN THE NEXT DECADE

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and the perfect gift can make it even more special. The best 40th-birthday gifts reflect the recipient’s personality and interests, ensuring they feel truly appreciated on their big day. Whether you’re shopping for a best friend, a hard-to-please family member, or a partner who seems to have everything, we’ve got something to impress them.

For a hassle-free option, a curated gift set is always a winner—especially if it includes indulgent beauty finds. Prefer a more personal touch? Create a themed gift box tailored to their interests, whether it’s a spa-inspired self-care kit, travel must-haves, or cozy home essentials. Personalized gifts, like a custom book or monogrammed accessories, show thoughtfulness and effort, making them extra meaningful. If you’re looking to go big—perhaps with a group gift or a luxurious splurge—an upscale item will leave a lasting impression.

Our golden rule for gifting? Choose something they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves but would be absolutely thrilled to receive. From thoughtful presents for women to fun finds for men and sentimental treasures for loved ones, our gift guide takes the guesswork out of shopping. Just don’t forget to top it off with a heartfelt, handwritten card they’ll cherish forever.

INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C TONER – $12.55 (AMAZON), $20.00

Give her skincare routine a refresh with this brightening toner. Infused with witch hazel, lavender, and botanical extracts, it helps cleanse and hydrate while combating signs of aging. One reviewer raved, “My skin looks hydrated and smoother instantly—so glad I tried this product!”

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSER – $20.00 (AMAZON, SEPHORA, MOROCCANOIL)

Treat her to a little luxury in the shower with this ultra-hydrating body wash. Former Shop TODAY editor Ellen Abraham describes it as “an affordable luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth.” Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this cleanser is a must-have.

AOA STUDIO PAW PAW COLLECTION GIFT SET – $25.55 (MISS A), $31.60

For the homebody who loves a little pampering, this set is a beauty lover’s dream. It includes cozy slippers, a highlighter set, a handheld mirror, and more for the ultimate self-care experience.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MINI SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE – $29.00 (ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS, ULTA, SEPHORA)

A makeup essential for everyday looks or glamorous nights out. Featuring warm and shimmery tones, this palette is a favorite among beauty lovers. Ellen Abraham says, “This timeless eyeshadow palette has everything you need for both natural and bold styles.”

DEARFOAMS EZ FEET SCUFF SLIPPER – $37.99 (WALMART)

After a long day, her feet will thank her for these ultra-cozy slippers. Made with 100% Australian sheepskin lining and plush cushioning, they provide ultimate comfort and warmth.

THE COMFY ORIGINAL OVERSIZED MICROFIBER & SHERPA WEARABLE BLANKET – $41.99 (AMAZON), $49.99 (QVC), $54.99

For someone who’s always cold, this wearable blanket is a game-changer. It’s oversized, ultra-soft, and perfect for lounging around the house—or even staying cozy outdoors.

BALA BANGLES – $55.00 (AMAZON, TARGET)

These stylish, adjustable weights add extra resistance to workouts, whether worn on wrists or ankles. A favorite among fitness enthusiasts, Bala Bangles are perfect for elevating her cardio sessions.

SAHIRA JEWELRY DESIGN DARIA HOOPS – $58.00 (SAHIRA)

A timeless jewelry piece, these tarnish-free gold hoops are a perfect addition to her accessory collection. Simple yet stylish, they’ll complement any outfit effortlessly.

ARTIS FINI COSMETIC BRUSH – $65.00 (HSN)

If she’s looking to upgrade her makeup tools, this premium blending brush is a must-have. Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown says, “I’d heard so much about Artis brushes—I tried it, and it’s hands down the best blending tool I own.”

SWEEJAR STORE PORCELAIN TEA SET – BRITISH ROYAL SERIES – $69.99 (AMAZON), $75.99

For lovers of historical dramas and elegant tea parties, this stunning tea set includes a teapot, teacups, saucers, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, and a stainless-steel strainer. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and conversation.

STILOSA ESPRESSO MACHINE BY DE’LONGHI – $75.99 (TARGET), $83.99, $99.95 (QVC)

A coffee lover’s dream! This compact yet powerful espresso machine makes barista-quality coffee at home. Senior Partnership Editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”

RENÉE ROULEAU TRIPLE BERRY SMOOTHING PEEL – $88.50 (RENÉE ROULEAU)

This antioxidant-rich peel helps brighten and even skin tone, making it a skincare essential. “I use this peel weekly, and it has transformed my skin,” says Ellen Abraham.

VERA BRADLEY WEEKENDER TRAVEL BAG – $101.25 (VERA BRADLEY), $135.00

Spacious, stylish, and durable, this quilted weekender bag is perfect for quick getaways. Made of nylon, it’s lightweight yet sturdy—ideal for frequent travelers.

AERANGIS DISCOVERY JOURNEY GIFT SET – $110.00 (AERANGIS, ETSY)

If one candle isn’t enough, this set offers three signature scents, a wick trimmer, and a scent story card for a luxurious aromatherapy experience.

NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM BIRTHDAY BOOK – $125.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

A thoughtful keepsake, this book compiles The New York Times front pages from every year since her birth—perfect for history buffs and nostalgic moments.

HATCH RESTORE SMART SLEEP ASSISTANT – $169.99 (HATCH)

For the woman who needs better sleep, this all-in-one device combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, and meditation app to create the ultimate nighttime routine.

LILYSILK TRIMMED SILK WOMEN’S LONG-SLEEVE PAJAMA SET – $185.00 (LILYSILK)

Made from 100% grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk, this ultra-luxurious pajama set is perfect for beauty sleep in style.

OSTRICHPILLOW GO NECK PILLOW – $69.00 (OSTRICHPILLOW, AMAZON)

Ideal for frequent travelers, this memory foam neck pillow offers 360-degree support for restful sleep—even on the most turbulent flights.

PERSONALIZED BOURBON BARREL FLIGHT WITH GLASSES – $85.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

For whiskey lovers and entertainers, this handcrafted bourbon barrel flight comes with four tasting glasses—perfect for a refined home bar setup.

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG² – $121.99 (AMAZON), $127.99 (TARGET), $149.95 (QVC)

No more cold coffee! This smart mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. One happy customer shared, “It truly keeps my beverage at the same set temperature long enough for me to enjoy every last drop at my own pace!”

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MAKEUP TIPS FOR BROWN EYES

Makeup tips for brown eyes are simple to apply and create a stunning look, no matter your eye shape. While brown eyes naturally complement earthy tones, the right techniques and color combinations can enhance their beauty even more.

Although makeup tips for brown eyes differ slightly from those for green or blue eyes, the overall style and impact remain just as striking. A gorgeous look can be effortlessly achieved with a few well-applied makeup tips for brown eyes.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT BROWN EYES?

Brown eyes are the most common eye color worldwide, but their prevalence varies by region. However, just because brown eyes are common doesn’t mean they all look the same.

There is a wide range of variations in shade and depth from person to person, making each pair of brown eyes unique. Beyond their beauty, brown eyes also come with certain health advantages.

Studies suggest that the higher melanin content in brown eyes is linked to several health benefits. For instance, people with brown eyes may have a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration compared to those with lighter-colored eyes.

Having brown eyes is common, meaning you share this trait with the majority of people worldwide. This widespread characteristic can make it easier to feel connected to others.

With the insights from this article, you’ll be able to confidently distinguish brown eyes from other eye colors. Additionally, you may find it easier to recognize certain traits often associated with people who have brown eyes.

MAKEUP TIPS FOR BROWN EYES

Brown eyes have a naturally warm and inviting look, ranging from light chestnut to deep chocolate. The best part? Almost any eyeshadow color complements brown eyes, giving you endless makeup possibilities.

To enhance your eyes, choose shades that highlight their depth and sparkle. Deep browns, plums, purples, dark blues, golds, greens, and soft peaches work beautifully. Darker shades create a bold, dramatic effect, while lighter tones offer a soft, natural look for everyday wear.

For deeper brown eyes, rich hues like gray, navy, and dark purple add intensity. Be sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines. Medium brown eyes are the most versatile, pairing well with both soft neutrals like taupe and vanilla, as well as bold metallics like gold, copper, and bronze.

A great trick is to identify the lighter flecks in your eyes and use them as a base color, building into a sultry smoky eye with deeper shades. However, avoid overly harsh shades that overpower your eye’s natural glow. Instead of white, use a beige pencil on the waterline to brighten and enlarge your eyes naturally.

Experiment with different colors and techniques to find what suits your eyes best, and enjoy creating stunning looks for any occasion!

STUNNING MAKEUP LOOKS FOR BROWN EYES

Brown eyes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with almost any eyeshadow color. Whether you prefer a bold, dramatic look or something more subtle, these makeup ideas will enhance your eye color and make them stand out.

SILVER AND BLACK CUT CREASE

For a high-drama effect, try a silver and black cut crease. The rich black shade adds timeless elegance, while the shimmering silver creates a glamorous, festive finish. This look requires blending skills and practice, but the result is absolutely stunning.

GOLD SMOKEY EYE

Gold eyeshadow is a perfect match for brown eyes, bringing out their natural warmth and depth. This shade works especially well for hazel brown eyes, enhancing any golden or yellow flecks. Instead of using a full-gold lid, blend in copper or bronze for a balanced, radiant look.

SEDUCTIVE BLACK SMOKEY EYE

A classic black smokey eye is always a showstopper. To create a smooth, blended effect, start with an eyeshadow base before applying black shadow. Adding a touch of gold in the inner corners will brighten the eyes and add a touch of sophistication.

GREEN GLITTER EYE LOOK

Green eyeshadow beautifully complements brown eyes and enhances hazel tones, making them appear more vibrant. While green may not be the most common choice, it creates a striking and unique effect. If you’re hesitant, try adding just a hint of green shimmer for a subtle yet bold statement.

PURPLE EYESHADOW WITH A BLUE WATERLINE

Purple is an excellent choice for brown eyes, adding depth and richness. Pairing it with a blue waterline creates a striking contrast that makes the eyes look larger and more defined. Finish the look with a shimmery highlight in the inner corners for extra brightness.

BOLD DARK BLUE EYESHADOW

Dark blue eyeshadow provides a stunning contrast against warm brown eyes, making them pop. Adding a touch of turquoise glitter to the inner corners gives the look a unique, eye-catching finish. Since blue is a cool tone and brown is warm, this pairing creates a beautifully balanced effect.

BROWN EYESHADOW WITH BROWN LIPS

Enhance the warmth of brown eyes by coordinating your eyeshadow with brown-toned lips. Matte lipstick is a top beauty trend, offering a sophisticated and elegant finish. Be sure to keep your lips moisturized before applying for a flawless look.

BLACK AND GREEN EYE MAKEUP

For a bold, eye-catching effect, apply green or teal eyeshadow along the lower lash line. A pencil brush makes blending easy, ensuring a smooth and seamless application. This subtle pop of color adds dimension and makes brown eyes stand out.

CONCLUSION

Experiment with these looks to find what suits you best, and have fun creating gorgeous makeup styles for your brown eyes!