BEST MAKEUP FOR OLDER WOMEN: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE THAT WORKS

Makeup for middle-aged individuals serves as a way to “cheat” one’s real age, aiding women in appearing younger than their actual years. With simple makeup tricks, women can effectively conceal dark spots and freckles. Each age group benefits from a distinct makeup style, requiring the makeup artist to possess good taste and an understanding of the preferences within that age bracket. Continue reading to discover the best makeup for hydrating and improving mature skin, ranging from crease-free liquid foundations to anti-wrinkle lipsticks and dark circle concealers designed to brighten the under-eye area.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR MAKEUP FOR WOMEN OVER 50

SKIN CARE PREP

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon emphasizes hydration as the key to flawless makeup for women over 50.  ‘The secret is healthy, glowing skin,’ she says.  Before applying makeup, she recommends using a sheet mask or hydrating serum to deeply nourish the skin.  A luxurious cream, oil, or leave-on mask completes the process,  promoting a radiant, youthful complexion.

For brightening the eyes, opt for lightweight brightening creams. It’s important to avoid anything too heavy, as heavy makeup may slide and settle into fine lines. When applying skincare products, you can use your fingers or hands for a gentle touch, ensuring even distribution. Alternatively, using a brush can also achieve effective application. Whether using your hands or a brush, the key is to maintain a light touch to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.

Masks:

  • Hydrating Sheet Masks: Look for sheet masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Hydrogel Masks: These masks are similar to sheet masks but have a jelly-like consistency that adheres closely to the skin, allowing for deeper hydration.

Serum:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making it a great choice for hydration.
  • Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and promotes collagen production, which can help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Cream:

  • Rose Tea Eye Cream: This eye cream provides a light and airy texture, effectively plumping, hydrating, and brightening the skin around the eyes.

PRIMER

Selecting the appropriate primer can significantly diminish the appearance of fine lines and pores while prolonging the longevity of your makeup. It is suggested to gently brush on a thin layer of primer once your skincare products have absorbed. Allow it to settle for a minute before applying foundation.

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer: This lightweight, oil-free formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to plump and smooth the skin, providing a perfect canvas for makeup application. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving a radiant, youthful finish.

Tula Skincare Prime of Your Life Smoothing and Firming Treatment Primer: This primer is a multi-tasker that combines skincare benefits with makeup prep. It contains peptides and antioxidants to help firm and brighten the skin, while blurring imperfections and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. The creamy formula also hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple.

FOUNDATION

Foundation cream designed specifically for older women addresses the unique skincare needs that come with aging. Formulated with a focus on hydration, anti-aging properties, and skin elasticity, these foundations cater to mature skin to provide a radiant and youthful appearance. Many foundations for older women incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to moisturize and protect the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, these foundations often offer buildable coverage, allowing women to achieve a natural and even complexion while taking into consideration the changing texture and tone of aging skin. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation:

Experience the perfect blend of hydration and sun protection with this weightless foundation featuring SPF 50. Achieve a flawless finish with buildable coverage that effortlessly conceals imperfections. Embrace the popularity of this product, hailed as one of the best full-coverage foundations.

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Perfector 4-in-1 Makeup: This multi-tasking product is a foundation, concealer, brightener, and moisturizer all in one. The hydrating formula is also comfortable to wear all day long.

EYES & BROWS

Specialized eye makeup and brow techniques can enhance and accentuate features, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance. Eye shadows with softer, neutral tones can bring out the eyes without emphasizing fine lines, while mascara and eyeliner applied with a subtle touch provide definition without appearing harsh. 

For brows, shaping and filling them with precision can frame the face and lend a more polished look. As the eyebrows may naturally thin with age, using products that mimic the appearance of hair, such as pencils or brow gels, helps achieve a fuller and well-groomed result. 

Victoria Beckham Beauty: The velvety stick shadow, offering eight hours of wear, contains collagen infusion to promote a smooth and firm texture on the eyelids.

Anastasia Beverly Hills: An iconic favorite for achieving natural-looking hair strokes, Anastasia’s ultra-sleek pencil effortlessly glides on, ensuring a smudge-resistant finish.

COLOR & SHIMMER

In the next step of the beauty routine, adding color becomes crucial, providing a significant impact. Particularly for mature skin, cream blush is recommended for its hydrating properties, contributing to a more youthful look. Application involves tapping it onto the apples of the cheeks and blending it out cautiously with fingertips or a brush, avoiding contouring-like placement to prevent an aging effect. The expert advises against using bronzers for contouring, proposing a horizontal application on the forehead, cheeks, and nose bridge, with a light touch along the jawline.

For women over 50, shimmer is discouraged, as it tends to highlight skin issues and aging. Instead, the expert advocates for products with subtle luminosity, which attract light and give the skin a dewy, moist, and, most importantly, youthful appearance.

Jones Road: This versatile balm effortlessly adds color to both lips and cheeks, enriched with hydrating jojoba seed oil to impart a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow to the skin.

Westman Atelier: Infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid-boosting properties, the creamy blush stick not only imparts a natural flush of color to lips and cheeks but also stimulates the production of essential skin components.

FINISHING TOUCH

A touch of powder can provide a flawless finishing touch if applied with discretion. A light dusting through the center of the face can result in a beautiful finish, although it’s advised to use it sparingly and skip it if your skin tends to be dry.

When setting the look, the expert expresses a preference for mist over setting spray, especially when aiming for a fresh and dewy appearance. Opting for a soothing rosewater mist to seal the look provides an extra touch of dewy freshness at the end.

Mally Beauty: Mally Beauty is a cosmetics brand known for its innovative and high-performance beauty products. Renowned for its long-lasting formulations and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal’s expertise, the brand offers a diverse range of makeup essentials that cater to various beauty needs and preferences.

Mario Badescu: Mario Badescu is a skincare brand celebrated for its effective and affordable skincare solutions. Founded by a Romanian-born dermatologist, the brand focuses on creating accessible products that address a variety of skin concerns, gaining popularity for its simple yet powerful approach to achieving healthy and radiant skin.

CONCLUSION

From skincare to choosing the right products, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and feeling confident at every stage of life. Remember, a little goes a long way, and embracing a simple routine can bring out the best in your timeless beauty.

FASHION TRENDS THAT YOU DIDN’T REALIZE MIGHT BE AGING YOU

Dressing to feel youthful is a powerful tonic to banish the blues and remain visible, but there are pitfalls to avoid. No one wants to look like mutton dressed as lamb, but sticking to an antiquated rule will also make us look older than we are. Below you’ll find what I consider to be unnecessarily aging:

FORGETTING TO BELT

No matter your age or body shape, showcasing your figure is always in style. By making smart choices and selecting pieces that highlight your waistline and accentuate your shape, you can enhance your natural beauty. Opting for well-fitted, flattering garments that celebrate your figure is rarely a mistake and can help you maintain a confident, stylish look.

BIG HAIRDOS ARE A DO NOT

You might ask, “But isn’t volume trendy?” Yes, it is, but with a caveat. Adding volume to your hair can indeed look beautiful and youthful, but there’s a fine line between trendy and overdone. Hairdressers worldwide note that many mature clients believe they need a heavy, elaborate hairstyle to stay fashionable. However, this approach often backfires.

LONG, FLOOR LENGTH SKIRTS

It’s true that overly long clothing or hair often doesn’t flatter as much as we hope. While some women opt for longer hemlines as they age, it’s important to choose carefully. Floor-length skirts, for example, can obscure your figure and may not highlight your natural curves. A shorter skirt often offers a more flattering silhouette and helps showcase your shape beautifully.

SUPER LONG HAIR

This one might not be surprising. Many women choose to cut their hair shorter as they age, and there’s a solid reason for it. Long hair can sometimes make a woman look older than she is. Hairstylists often suggest trimming your hair every few months to maintain its health and vitality.

WEARING THE SAME HAIRSTYLE FOR YEARS

While some women love changing their hairstyles frequently, others find a hairstyle they love and stick with it for years or even decades. If you’ve found a look that works well for you and makes you feel great, there’s no need to constantly change it—sometimes, sticking with what works is the best choice.

MATCHING LIPSTICK TO YOUR OUTFIT

This one is a bit debatable, but it’s important to consider carefully. While the makeup community often advises matching lipstick to your outfit, there are specific tricks to keep in mind—and some combinations to avoid. For instance, pairing a bright red sweater with matching bright red lipstick might seem like a good idea, but it often doesn’t work as well as it seems.

HEAD-TO-TOE PASTELS

It’s tempting to embrace the pastel trend from head to toe, and it has been popular for a while. However, wearing an entire outfit in monochromatic pastels might not always be the best choice, especially if you’re looking to avoid a more aged appearance. Monochrome pastel outfits can sometimes make lighter-skinned individuals appear washed out and may not be the most flattering.

JEGGINGS ARE A NO-NO

Jeggings are fantastic—they’re comfortable, versatile, and can be quite trendy. However, despite their comfort compared to jeans, it’s important to remember that they’re not quite the same. Jeans are typically crafted to enhance body shape in specific ways, whereas jeggings might not always offer the most flattering fit.

REALLY DARK LIPSTICK

There are times when an edgy, dark lipstick is perfect—whether it’s for the cold season or just a mood for something bold. However, darker shades can sometimes make you look unintentionally older. If you love the dramatic look, consider balancing it with lighter or brighter makeup elements to keep a youthful appearance.

LARGE AND GAUDY JEWELRY IS TOO MUCH

While a beautiful, delicate statement necklace can be flattering, there’s a fine line to walk in the fashion world. Oversized, chunky necklaces might not always be as trendy as we’d like to think, especially when they dominate an entire outfit. They can easily tip an outfit from stylish to tacky. So, before adding a big necklace, it’s worth reconsidering how it will fit with the rest of your look.

TOO MUCH FAKE TAN

We understand that a tan can give a carefree, youthful appearance, but it’s important to remember that tanning accelerates skin aging. Sun exposure can worsen wrinkles and fine lines. Many people turn to fake tans as an alternative, but even they come with their own set of issues. It’s worth considering healthier ways to achieve a radiant look without compromising skin health.

POWDERY MAKEUP THAT GETS ALL CAKED UP

Makeup can be fantastic—it’s fun, often affordable, and great for enhancing our features. However, as we age, some women may find it challenging to go without makeup, leading to the use of heavy or cakey products. It’s important to find a balance with makeup that enhances rather than masks, focusing on lighter formulas and techniques that complement your natural beauty.

OVERLY-DONE EYEBROWS

One key lesson from the past is that over-plucked eyebrows should remain a ’90s and early 2000s trend. Back then, thin, oddly shaped brows were popular, but today’s fashion embraces a more natural look. It’s best to aim for slightly fuller brows that blend naturally with your face and allow your eyebrow hair to grow out.

OVER-COVERING YOUR NECK

The neck can become a tricky area as we age, often making us self-conscious and leading us to cover it up frequently. However, covering it too much might sometimes draw more attention to it or make the issue more noticeable. Instead, consider styles that flatter and complement the neck area without drawing excessive attention

MATCHY-MATCHY JEWELRY

Fashion is incredibly versatile, which can sometimes make it hard to discern what’s still in style and what might be overdone. As Coco Chanel famously advised, before heading out, it’s wise to pause, look in the mirror, and remove one accessory or element. This helps ensure your look remains stylish and refined without being overwhelming.

THE JERSEY DRESS TREND

Another outdated trend is the jersey dress. While its comfort is understandable, it’s a style that can quickly age your look. The typical cotton fabric tends to cling to every body part, including those you might prefer to keep under wraps. Choosing alternatives that offer both comfort and a more flattering fit can help maintain a youthful appearance.

FLORAL PATTERNS ARE OUT

Floral patterns can certainly create a dreamy and romantic style, but it’s important to be mindful of how you wear them. For example, floral outfits found at many department stores can sometimes look outdated and may inadvertently age you. Opting for modern floral designs or incorporating floral patterns in a more contemporary way can keep your look fresh and stylish.

SMALL, STIFF HANDBAGS

Selecting the right bag can beautifully complement an outfit, but it’s crucial to understand the various types and know which ones to avoid. Some bags might not suit your style or body type and could detract from your overall look. Knowing which styles enhance your outfit and which might not be as flattering can make a big difference in achieving a polished, fashionable appearance.

HUGE AND BAGGY OUTFITS

Aging can indeed come with changes in how we dress, often leading to a preference for baggier outfits. While oversized clothing can be fashionable, choosing extremely large garments might sometimes make you appear older than you are. Opting for well-fitted, tailored pieces that offer comfort without excessive volume can help maintain a youthful and stylish appearance.

CONSTANTLY WEARING LONG SLEEVES

As we age, various parts of our body, including the underarm area, may become a bit floppier, which can understandably make us self-conscious. While this is a natural part of aging, it’s common for people to start covering these areas more. Instead of focusing solely on covering up, consider styles that offer comfort and confidence while also highlighting your best features.

WATER PANTS AND CAPRIS

High water pants have always been a bit of a fashion enigma. While they offer comfort and convenience, their style often leaves much to be desired. However, as the weather warms up and beach outings become more frequent, many people still opt for capris or high water pants. If you choose to wear them, pairing them with more stylish or well-fitted pieces can help balance the look and keep it fresh.

TAN, SHINY PANTYHOSE

Tights can be a hit or miss with an outfit. While they used to be seen as a way to give the skin a younger appearance, today, they might not always have the same effect. Choosing the right pair of tights, in terms of color, texture, and fit, can either complement or detract from your overall look, so it’s important to select them thoughtfully.

DARK, HEAVY EYELINER

Eyeliner trends have evolved significantly over the years. While dark eyeliner was once popular, it can sometimes appear heavy and age your look. Opting for lighter, more subtle eyeliner techniques can create a fresher, more youthful appearance.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, many fashion trends that are popular today might unintentionally age you more than you realize. From oversized garments and heavy makeup to outdated hairstyles and ill-fitting accessories, these choices can often have the opposite effect of what we intend. To maintain a youthful and stylish appearance, it’s crucial to stay informed about how different trends impact your look. Opt for modern, well-fitted pieces and subtle enhancements that complement your natural features, and don’t be afraid to adapt trends to suit your personal style.