Embracing the beauty that comes with age is a wonderful journey. However, certain makeup habits can inadvertently make women over 50 look older than they are. It’s time to shake up your routine and let your natural beauty shine through with expert-driven insights from the professionals.
1. **Avoid Heavy Eyeliner**: Dark, heavy eyeliner may have been a staple in your makeup bag for years, but it’s time to reconsider its place. According to makeup artist Saffron Hughes, heavy liner can “age the eyes in so many ways.” Not only do darker colors shrink the eyes, but they also create darker shadows around them, giving an illusion of tiredness. Instead, opt for a more understated look. A nude or pale eyeliner in the waterline can make the whites of your eyes pop, offering a fresh and awake appearance. Remember, “dark colors…can create darker shadows,” so embrace lighter hues to maintain a youthful glow.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Black, Vegan Formula
Brand: Visit the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Store
Price: 9.05 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 87272
Color: 01 Black
Item Form: Pencil
Finish Type: Matte
Special Feature: Waterproof
Top Review from US: “Just repurchased for the second time. No mess, smooth glide, love the pointed tip for perfect cat eye eyelining. It is a wet eyeliner but not too wet. It lasts all day for me but easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake. Bold black color with no streaking.”
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2. **Steer Clear of Matte Foundations**: As skin matures, it often becomes drier and can appear dull. A matte foundation, while popular in younger years, can emphasize fine lines and lead to a flat, lifeless complexion. Makeup artist Sandy Linter suggests embracing foundation with a dewy finish, which provides a “glowier look with a combination of moisturizer, primer and foundation.” This approach not only ensures a hydrated appearance but also helps in maintaining a youthful vibrance throughout your day.
Product on Amazon: bareMinerals Original Matte Loose Mineral Foundation SPF 15, Powder Foundation Makeup, Buildable Coverage, Reduces Shine, Talc Free Foundation, Vegan
Price: 39 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 10094
Item Form: Powder
Color: 23 Medium Dark
Skin Type: All
Finish Type: Matte
Recommended Uses For Product: Reduce shine, absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores
Top Review from US: “I’m 50 and I don’t wear foundation often. When I do, I was using L’Oréal Paris True Match Mineral Loose Powder Foundation. Sometime since I last purchased it, it disappeared. Discontinued, I don’t know. I’ve read a lot of reviews on this and had a general brand awareness so thought I’d give it a try. I kept the stiff brush from my L’Oréal and use that with this. It goes on nice, doesn’t cake at all, provides good coverage and a good base for my bronzer and blush.”
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3. **Resist Overplucking Eyebrows**: Over time, our brows naturally thin out. Overplucking them can make us look older and more severe. Celebrity makeup artist Patty Bell emphasizes the importance of enhancing brows to maintain facial balance. She suggests using a soft taupe color for those with gray or blonde hair to keep it natural yet defined. Remember, “Brows add balance to the whole face and definition to the eye area,” so maintain them moderately for a youthful visage.
Product on Amazon: LAVONE Eyebrow Stamp Pencil Kit for Eyebrows Makeup, with Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Pomade, and Dual-ended Eyebrow Brush – Dark Brown
Brand: Visit the LAVONE Store
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 3662
Item Form: Pencil
Color: Dark Brown
Finish Type: Natural
Special Feature: Smudge Proof, Long Lasting, Water Proof
Top Review from US: “tried others. but i think this trio is pretty great. i might actually enjoy doing my eyebrows now. and they are super important to fill in as we age and they get sparse this makes it easier.
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4. **Brightening Drops Dilemma**: While brightening eye drops can momentarily make your eyes look white and awake, overuse can lead to dependency and a natural dulling of the eye’s vibrancy. Saffron Hughes recommends opting for makeup tricks that naturally highlight and open the eyes instead. Using lighter shades on the eyelids and a touch of mascara can provide the lift and brightness needed without relying on artificial drops.
Product on Amazon: LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops, For Whiter & Brighter Looking Eyes, 0.17 Fl Oz (5 mL)
Price: $25.35
Rating: 4.7 with 9405 ratings
Brand: LUMIFY
Special Feature: clinically_proven
Item Weight: 0.01 Kilograms
Item dimensions L x W x H: 1.69 x 1.06 x 3.44 inches
Product Benefits: Redness Relief, Radiance
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5. **Neglecting Primer**: As you mature, your skin may require more preparation before applying foundation. Many women overlook the power of a good primer. Tricia Cusden, the founder of Look Fabulous Forever, hails primer as a “lifesaver” for keeping makeup in place throughout the day. She emphasizes that “thirstier skin” benefits greatly from the added layer of hydration that primer provides, preventing makeup from settling into lines and creases.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz (24 ml.)
Price: $8.06
Rating: 4.6 with 27388 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
Product Benefits: Hydrating
Coverage: Translucent
Item Form: Gel
Skin Type: All
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6. **Using Too Much Powder**: Powder can settle into fine lines and accentuate wrinkles, making them more noticeable. Makeup artist Susan Zeytuntsyan advises using powder sparingly and opting for a “very finely milled loose powder” that helps maintain a glow while setting the makeup. Apply it only where necessary, like the T-zone, to avoid the appearance of a cakey finish.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder Makeup & Setting Powder, Translucent, 1 Count
Price: $8.64
Rating: 4.6 with 77604 ratings
Brand: MAYBELLINE
Item Form: Powder
Color: 100 TRANSLUCENT
Finish Type: Matte
Skin Type: Normal; Oily
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7. **Skipping Blush**: Blush can be a powerful tool for bringing life back into a mature complexion. Tricia Cusden advocates for the “essential” use of blush to “restore a lovely healthy glow.” Choosing a cream-to-powder blush formulation offers an ease of application with a natural finish that powders may not provide. It’s an easy way to add a youthful flush without overdoing it.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick, Luxuriously Creamy & Blendable Color, For Eyes, Lips & Cheeks, Dazzling Peony, 0.17 Oz
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 73905
Item Form: Stick
Finish Type: Shimmery
Coverage: Full
Color: Dazzling Peony
Top Review from US: “Just what I was looking for, consistency, color and price. After watching a video by a makeup artist I follow on FB, I wanted to try this type of blush. My skin is dryer now than it used to be when I was young and the powder blush doesn’t work as well as it did back then. I researched the brand the makeup artist used in her video, and well let’s just say, it was more expensive than I wanted to spend, (and could spend) ☺️ especially for just trying it. I found this one by ELF and liked the color, so I bought it. I will say, I love it! After prepping my face with primer then foundation, it glided on so smoothly and was easy to blend with a beauty sponge. I’ll be buying more! It’s small so don’t know it how long it will last but I also apply it around my forehead and jawline. So we’ll see. 💕🌸”
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8. **Ignoring Lip Liner**: As we age, fine lines around the lips can cause lipstick to bleed and feather, making lip liner an essential part of your makeup routine. A creamy lip liner, like the ones from NYX, can help define the lips and prevent your lipstick from straying, keeping your lips looking full and youthful all day long.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner, Highly-Pigmented Pencil For Shaping & Sculpting Lips, Semi-Matte Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Spill The Tea
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 2 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 2989
Color: Spill the Tea
Skin Type: All
Item Form: Pencil
Finish Type: Semi-Matte
Top Review from US: “I have no words to describe how much I love this product! The lipliner is the perfect amount of creaminess and lasts so long on my lips for a great price compared to the high end products that cost way more. I have put many family and friends onto this product because of how beautiful it glides on and the shades are true as advertised. ELF has done their big one with these and I plan on purchasing many more times!”
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9. **Reinvent Your Eyeshadow Technique**: As our skin texture changes with age, so should our application techniques. Instead of packing on heavy shadows, use a light hand to apply creamy eyeshadows that blend seamlessly into the skin, offering a more youthful appearance. Makeup artist Ariane Poole suggests using soft, neutral tones that complement your natural skin tone rather than stark, bold colors that may accentuate wrinkles. Blending is key – use a soft brush to diffuse any harsh lines, creating a smooth transition that lifts and brightens the eyes.
Embrace the beauty of shimmer, but use it wisely. Adding a subtle shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes or just under the brow bone can draw light to the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. Avoid shimmers with large glitter particles, as they can settle into fine lines, instead opting for finely milled powders that offer a gentle glow.
Product on Amazon: UCANBE Baked Eyeshadow Makeup Palette with Hidden Gems, 16 Colors Nude Eye Shadow with Matte Glitter Metallic Shimmer, Highly Pigmented Long Lasting Make Up Pallet
Brand: Visit the UCANBE Store
Price: 12.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 90
Color: Black
Item Form: Powder
Finish Type: Matte,shimmery
Special Feature: Baked eyeshdow
Top Review from US: “These colors are gorgeous and glide on like velvet. They last all day, and are not cakey. The price point cannot be beat either! The packaging is beautiful and this set will make a lovely gift for anyone, especially nice for travel. I’m buying several to gift to friends for Valentine’s, Easter, Graduation, and Birthdays. Excellent product and excellent purchase.”
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10. **The Magic of Mascara**: Let’s talk lashes—our secret weapon for achieving youthful, wide-eyed wonder! But as lashes thin and lose pigment with age, it’s essential to adapt our mascara approach. Brett Freedman, a celebrity makeup artist, advises choosing a volumizing mascara to plump up the lashes and a curling wand to lift them. The lift from curling not only opens the eyes but also enhances the natural shape of your eyelashes, making them appear fuller and more vibrant.
Achieve a natural look by applying mascara to the base of your lashes and gently wiggling the wand upwards. This technique helps to coat each lash without clumping, giving the illusion of more lashes. Steer clear of heavy formulas that weigh down the lashes; aim for a lightweight, buildable formula that allows for touch-ups throughout the day.
Product on Amazon: PrimeLash Mascara for Older Women – Volumizing, Incredible Length in 2 Coats – Long-Stay, Zero Clumps, Hypoallergenic (Black)
Brand: Visit the PRIME PROMETICS Store
Price: 28 USD
Rating: 3.8 Total reviews: 10452
Color: Black
Product Benefits: Hypoallergenic, Volumizing, Thickening, Lengthening
Special Feature: Smudge-Proof, Sweatproof, Non-Clumping, Non-Flaking, Water Resistant
Item Form: Cream
Top Review from US: “The one thing that impresses me the most about this mascara is that I can wear it for many hours without any smudging or flaking! Only in extreme weather conditions will it flake. It washes off very easily with no special makeup remover needed. I will say that I have to be very careful when I apply it. For me it seems to dry very quickly and will start to get clumpy. A second coat must be applied quickly. I have to make sure I use long strokes from the base of my lashes to the tips.”
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11. **Strategic Highlighting**: Let’s get glowing! Strategic highlighting can bring a youthful radiance to your face. Makeup artist Susan Zeytuntsyan suggests placing highlighter on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Use a liquid or cream highlighter for a dewy finish that blends effortlessly into the skin.
Avoid highlighters with chunky glitter and instead, look for products that offer a soft, natural glow. Highlighting enhances the natural structure of your face and can detract from areas of concern, focusing instead on your best features.
Product on Amazon: Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Bronzer, Highlighting, Contour Powder, Light Bronzer/Bronzer, Dermatologist Tested, Clinicially Tested
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 with 2848 ratings
Item Form: Pressed
Finish Type: Natural
Coverage: Light
Brand: Physicians Formula
Color: Light Bronzer/Bronzer
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12. **Lip Care Love**: Lips can lose volume and definition over time, making lip care crucial. Begin with a hydrating lip balm to keep lips smooth and plump. Garrison emphasizes the importance of using a lip primer to prevent feathering and bleeding of lipstick. Opt for moisturizing lipsticks or tinted balms that nourish while providing color.
Lip liner is your friend in creating a fuller lip look. Use it to define the edges of your lips and prevent lipstick from feathering. Choose a shade that matches your natural lip color for a subtle, defined look. For an extra pop, a dab of gloss on the center of the lips can create the illusion of fuller lips.
Product on Amazon: 2PCS Lip Mask Overnight, Honey&Sakura Day and Night Repair Sleeping Lip Balm, Fade Lip Lines Bee Balm, Hydrating &Prevention Dry and Crack Lip Scrubs Exfoliator
Brand: Brand: SHE LOVES
Price: 8.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 5390
Item Form: Pot
Finish Type: Natural
Skin Type: Dry
Color: Honey + Cherry Blossom
Top Review from US: “Drop what you’re doing and buy this set now. I have severe chapped lips year round and struggled for years trying to find one that works. I have had this two days! That’s right two days and my lips have never ever been better!!!! I have all the big brand name stuff from department stores and this works just as good if not better and you see the price! I’ll be a lifer with this stuff!”
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In the grand tapestry of beauty, age is but a thread woven into the fabric of our lives. Embrace it with grace and confidence, allowing your makeup to be a tool of empowerment and individuality. With these expert tips, you can celebrate every facet of your unique beauty, radiating the timeless elegance that comes with age.
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