You know the drill: a beauty brand launches a new product and more often than not it’s photographed on a 20-something with impeccably flawless skin. But what about midlifers? While you don’t need to follow a strict set of rules on wearing make-up over the age of 40, the skin and facial structure does change, so making the most of make-up as we age might require a few more handy tips.
Whether it’s adapting products you already use or buying a few new ones to inject some fun into your make-up routine, we’ve spoken to some of the world’s leading make-up artists to find out the expert techniques they use on midlifers.
Skin
Apply moisturiser everywhere
by Bobbi Brown
Make sure you moisturise your neck and hands as well as your face. And don’t forget the eyes. If you are over a certain age, you have to use eye cream before applying any make-up to hydrate that area. Next, you want a concealer to even-out your skin, so focus on key areas to tackle redness and then any darkness under the eyes. Try The Face Pencil (£23, Jones Road).
Use a damp sponge to apply foundation
by Val Garland
As skin ages, it gets thinner and fine lines and wrinkles show up more under a heavy base. Also, the more product you put on, the more it cakes and settles into those lines. Avoid this by applying your foundation with a dampened sponge to ensure a lighter finish, or try using your fingertips for the most natural application. The warmth from your fingers helps to blend and melt the foundation seamlessly into your skin. Try True Match Foundation (£7.99, L’Oréal Paris at lookfantastic.com).
Avoid contouring
by Mary Greenwell
It is so important that women over 50 pay a lot of attention to the effect of make-up on their skin. Contouring can be very ageing, but do use a little bronzer around the sides of the face and up on the temples. Cheeks should be gently blushed with a soft colour that accentuates your cheekbones, adding warmth and giving structure to your face. Try LesBeiges Water-Fresh Blush (£42, Chanel).
Good application is everything
by Lisa Eldridge
Women of a certain age are often told to switch to a tinted moisturiser, and that’s fine if you have good skin, but what if you have pigmentation or rosacea? In which case there’s no substitute for a good, lightweight foundation. I don’t believe there are any shades or finishes you should completely avoid, but would recommend applying a small amount of product in thin, well-blended layers. This will avoid a cakey look, which is very ageing. TrySeamlessSkin Foundation (£44, Lisa Eldridge).
The power of blush
by Ruby Hammer
As I’ve got older, I’ve realised the importance of blusher. Applied correctly, it can boost your radiance, glow, and lift the face. For ease of application, I like a cream blush. You can apply and blend it with your fingers when you’re in a rush, or apply with a brush if you have more time. It’s hard to go wrong! TryCloud Paint (£17, Glossier).
Prep the skin properly
by Isamaya Ffrench
Youthful-looking skin is all about the prep. I like to use a serum before applying any make-up, so look for one with hyaluronic acid to create the perfect base, or you can mix it with your foundation to add a natural-looking luminosity. Try Skinlacq (£60, Isamaya).
Where to place blush
by Joy Adenuga
To achieve a soft face lift, skip applying blusher to the apples of the cheeks and aim for the cheekbones, sweeping inwards and outwards with a fluffy brush. The bulk of the colour should be on the cheekbones instead of the cheeks. I would also advise swapping intense highlighters for soft luminating powders, which give a blurring effect and natural seamless glow to the skin. TryAmbient Lighting Powder (£45, Hourglass).
What to look for in powder
by Gucci Westman
The most important thing when you get older is that you maintain a youthful glow to the skin. As a woman in her 50s, I am always trying to make my skin appear as healthy as possible, and that might require layering different products. Once you’ve applied foundation, a powder is still a good idea – just look for one that has been micro-milled into a formula that eliminates unwanted oil, and gives off radiance. Try Vital Pressed Skincare Face Powder (£69, Westman Atelier).
Pile on the peptides
by Huda Kattan
One of the most important things to me is to always enhance your natural beauty and to never mask your skin. Our skin quality changes quite a bit as we age, so it is vital to have a strong skincare regime, as your make-up is only as good as the base it’s on. Use a face cream rich in peptide, which will help to plump the skin, as well as reduce redness, and even out your complexion before you get to the foundation stage. Try Honey Whip Peptide Moisturiser (£37, Wishful at Cult Beauty).
Lips
Fake fuller lips
by Alex Babsky
There’s a consensus that as women age, they should wear less make-up. I’d agree with this in terms of skin, but I think wearing a little more on the eyes and lips can look great. Try recreating the fuller lip shape of your youth with a matte lip-coloured pencil. You need a lip liner that stays put and won’t migrate into fine lines. Complete with a velvety lipstick. Try Nudiversal Lip Duo (£22, CTZN Cosmetics).
Beware of brights
by Mary Greenwell
If your lips have become a little smaller, please avoid bright and vivid reds. Go for colours that enhance and for most people this means staying in the skin tones ranges, whether it be four tones lighter or four tones darker than your natural lip colour. I always go for lipsticks that are darker for myself, as giving your mouth a little pop helps define, but always in the neutral family. Try Contouring Lipstick (£26, Sensai).
Naturally enhance the lips
by Cher Webb
Define the lip shape with a soft lip liner pencil that mimics the lips’ natural shade. Apply all over the lips and follow with a lip tint to smooth and hydrate the lips. Try Bitten Lip Tint (£32, VictoriaBeckham Beauty).
Eyes
Soft definition is key
by Nikki Wolff
The key to creating the most flattering definition around the eyes is to work from the lash line outwards. Start by lining the eyes with a pencil and then use a brush or your ring finger to softly blend and diffuse the edges. Then using a small angled brush, take a little black shadow and press on to the outer corners of the lash line. This helps to create the illusion of a lifted eye and thicker lashes. Try Beauty Tattoo Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (£19, KVD at Boots).
The expert way to fill yourbrows
by Lisa Potter Dixon
Filling in your brows can make such a huge difference to your face. We tend to lose the tails of our brows as we age, so adding a few hair-like strokes can act like an instant eye lift. To know where to apply the pencil, hold a make-up brush from the corner of your nose, up to the outer corner of your eye. That’s the angle that your brow should end, so only lengthen to there. Try The Brow Perfector Pencil (£21, Nars at John Lewis).
Enhance your eyes by ‘tightlining’
byKenneth Soh
Take a long-lasting gel pencil and work it into and along the top lash line, getting it right in between your lashes. It doesn’t have to be neat. Then remove most of it above the lashes, leaving the pencil between the lashes, giving you a “tightline” that defines and brings out eyes naturally. Try Voyeur Gel Eyeliner (£27, Hourglass).
Blend two colours
by Lan Nguyen-Grealis
In my experience, it’s a balancing act between looking glam but not overdone. My advice is to graduate definition around the eyes by using two colours rather than blending one colour out – so you still have a strong impact, but the overall effect is softer. For example, a colour that suits most on the lash line is a black kohl liner and layered brown kohl liner on the edge of the black – and then blend where the colours overlap. Soften the brown as needed with a blending brush or cotton bud. Try Intense Gel Eyeliner (£22, Trish McEvoy at Liberty).
Texture is key
by Adam De Cruz
For people in their 50s and 60s, I always think it’s about choosing the texture of your products wisely. For the eyes, avoid metallics as this will emphasise lines. Eyelash curlers are an absolute must before mascara: they open up the eyes and make your lashes ready for it. Asfor mascara, choose one that has a glossy finish, to keep your eyes looking fresh. Try Hypnôse Mascara (£28.50, Lancôme at Boots).
Get the eyes right
byRubyHammer
My style is now less about eyeshadow and more on shaping my brows and adding definition close to my lash line to define the eyes with an eyeliner that has a micro tip. Also, think about your attitude: I just accept that products now might be different to what worked for me in my 20s. Finally, a magnifying mirror also comes in handy! Try Precision Eyeliner (£18,Ruby Hammer).
FAQs
What is the best makeup for 60 year old woman? ›
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup. ...
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup. ...
- Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation. ...
- Exa High Fidelity Foundation. ...
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. ...
- Make Up for Ever Water Blend Foundation. ...
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint. ...
- Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer.
In fact, try and stick to creams, gels and liquids for all makeup products, including blush and eyeshadow. Repeat after me: One of the best makeup tips for older women is that anything which adds hydration, dewiness and luminescence to your skin is good.
How do you hide sagging jowls with makeup? ›How to Do Makeup to Hide Sagging Jowls : Makeup & Beauty Tips
What kind of foundation should an older woman wear? ›“Choose a water-based formula that has hydrating ingredients," like moisturizing glycerin or hyaluronic acid, Whelan advises. "Foundations that have sheer coverage and a dewy luminous finish work best with women who are concerned about lines and wrinkles." ✔️ Dewy foundations are better than matte.
What makeup looks best on mature skin? ›Opt for Liquid Foundations
"I recommend a creamy foundation formula for mature skin and to avoid powders," says Follert. This is because powder foundations tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more apparent.
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
It has been formulated specifically not to settle into lines, its lightweight blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe hydrates as it helps skin look more even.
- Fancy up your flats. Just because a shoe is flat, doesn't mean it can't be dressy. ...
- Try new collar shapes. Blazers and structured jackets will never go out of style. ...
- Make an understatement. ...
- Carry the newest trends. ...
- Embrace the eclectic.
Opt for a lighter eyeshadow rather than a dark, smoky shade on your eyelids and around the eyes, like Jenna Dewan Tatum. "Highlighting the corners makes eyes look brighter and fresh," says Ahnert. "Use a light color shadow in matte or shimmer to inner corner, lower lash line in outer corner, and the inner lid."
Should you wear less makeup as you get older? ›"You need wear more color as you age, but in sheer formulas and applied strategically," she said. Watson added that long-wear and waterproof makeup becomes very important as women age because body temperature fluctuates, due to hormones. Other factors include eye sensitivity, and skin texture and surface changes.
What kind of foundation makes you look younger? ›Powder foundations are great, but not for those with aging skin, since they usually settle into wrinkles. Really thick, full-coverage foundations can do the same. “A liquid foundation that's on the thinner side is usually preferable,” says celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner.
What foundation do most makeup artists use? ›
- Pat McGrath Labs. ...
- It Cosmetics. ...
- Shiseido. ...
- Giorgio Armani. ...
- Fenty Beauty. Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. ...
- Maybelline. Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup. ...
- Physicians Formula. The Healthy Foundation With SPF 20. ...
- Neutrogena. Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation.
- Plump Up With Moisturizer. With age, skin becomes drier, making wrinkles stand out more. ...
- Use Retinoids. ...
- Don't Overdo Anti-Aging Creams. ...
- Makeup: Start With a Silicone Primer. ...
- Use a Light, Moisture-Rich Foundation. ...
- Lighten Up on Powder. ...
- Play Up Your Eyes. ...
- Smudge-Proof Your Lips.
"Lightweight makeup, such as BB creams, tinted moisturizers or airbrush makeup is great for giving coverage without accentuating fine lines and wrinkles," says Kiralee Hubbard, a makeup artist and founder of Aeroblend Airbrush Makeup.
How do you hide wrinkles around your mouth with makeup? ›Squirt a dot of liquid primer or foundation onto a concealer brush and spread it on the skin. Then, take the tip of your finger and gently pat it evenly across the skin so it fills in fine lines. The primer or foundation also plumps the skin so the pores and wrinkles aren't as visible.
Why do my wrinkles look worse with foundation? ›If you've ever thought your makeup makes you look more wrinkled, it might be by virtue of dehydrated skin. Makeup has a way of leaching the moisture from the skin, accentuating pores, and highlighting fine lines and wrinkles. So if your skin looks worse with foundation, this could be a major culprit.
Is there a primer that fills in wrinkles? ›StriVectin's skin care infused LINEblurFECTOR Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer instantly fills and blurs the look of deep wrinkles while prolonging makeup wear.
Do you put foundation under eyes? ›Foundations are meant to make skin even and either luminous or matte, depending on skin type, and both of these formulas will do nothing to help you under your eyes. While it doesn't hurt to put foundation under your eyes, it certainly doesn't help. Skip this move and only add concealer and/or corrector under the eyes.
What makes a face look older? ›With age, that fat loses volume, clumps up, and shifts downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was smooth and tight gets loose and sags. Meanwhile other parts of the face gain fat, particularly the lower half, so we tend to get baggy around the chin and jowly in the neck.
How do you stay attractive as you age? ›- Stay out of the sun. While it's true that the sun isn't the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Get some ZZZs. ...
- Rub it in. ...
- Eat a diet rich in plants. ...
- Get moving. ...
- Establish a good routine. ...
- Limit alcohol and caffeine.
- 7 Anti-Aging Tricks that Every Woman Over 60 Should Know. ...
- Wear a Genuine Smile. ...
- Spend Time with Young People. ...
- Burn Fat the Old Fashion Way – By Walking! ...
- Embrace Your Passions. ...
- Stop Helping the Clock by Smoking and Spending Time in the Sun. ...
- Give Your Skin What it Really Needs – Water and Nutritious Food.
What color eyeshadow makes you look younger? ›
Neutral and pink colored eye shadows also make you look younger. Neutrals will also complement your everyday look without making you feel that you have over done your makeup, whether you are in the office or college.
What color eyeshadow goes with gray hair? ›Stick to light, neutral colors like white, beige, light browns, or grey when applying eyeshadow. These colors will work to bring your eyes forward. When you have grey hair, using silver and grey eyeshadow can help tie your whole look together. Try pairing that with brown or black for a flattering smokey eyeshadow look.
Should older ladies wear eyeliner? ›Adding a sweep of eyeliner is an absolute must when doing eye makeup for mature skin over 60. It adds a beautiful structure to the face and can frame your eyes as the standout features they are. A pencil eyeliner is good for aging eyes because it softens the lash line and makes your fringe look fuller.
How do you wear eyeliner at 60? ›Gently place one finger in the center of the eyelid and gently pull up. Then take your waterproof eyeliner and apply it under the lashes as close to the lashes as possible. Then hold the eye open for a few seconds so there's less chance that the eyeliner will transfer down to the lower lid.
Does eyeliner make you look older or younger? ›A makeup artist once told us that harsh, thick eyeliner will age you like no other, especially if you only apply it to your bottom lash line.
What is the spray from Germany that makes you look younger? ›The Hyaluron Spray makes the skin appear even and radiant after the first applications. Wrinkles can be permanently reduced and the imminent formation of wrinkles can be inhibited. The spray has a skin tightening and revitalizing effect and supports the skin's moisture-binding capacity.
What makeup tricks make you look younger? ›- 1 / 12. Forget About the Contour. ...
- 2 / 12. Stick to Matte Formulas. ...
- 3 / 12. Go Easy On The Setting Powder. ...
- 4 / 12. Don't Use Too Much Foundation. ...
- 5 / 12. Use Cream Blush Strategically. ...
- 6 / 12. Avoid Using Dark Eyeshadows. ...
- 7 / 12. Overdraw Your Lips With A Lip Pencil. ...
- 8 / 12.
- Use a moisturizer, then foundation. Veronique BerangerGetty Images. ...
- Try a collagen-based face cream. ...
- Use a concealer for dark circles. ...
- Keep your eye makeup simple. ...
- Curl those lashes. ...
- Apply SPF daily. ...
- Gently remove your eye makeup. ...
- Find a "happy medium" hair length.
Use a white or light pencil – Rimmel makes a good one – to line your lower waterline to make your eyes look bigger. Be leery of black eyeliner after 40; it can look really harsh on our complexions. Navy or brown are much more flattering.
How can I make my eyes look bigger without mascara? ›Curling your eye lashes makes your eyes stand out without any makeup. To get the best results, close the curler on all the lashes, turn the curler upwards and squeeze lightly for 20 seconds. This way you will get a nice and natural curl that helps opening up your eyes.
What makeup do professional artists use? ›
When it comes to the world of professional makeup for theater and film, Ben Nye is basically the gold standard. Even if an artist doesn't primarily work with the brand, they're sure to have at least a few Ben Nye products in their arsenal.
What is the best professional makeup? ›- The SHANY Beauty Cliche – Makeup Palette.
- SHANY The Masterpiece 7 Layers All In One Makeup Set.
- Art of Air Professional Airbrush Cosmetic Makeup System.
- Graftobian Creme Foundation Super Palette.
- SHANY 4-Layer Foundation, Contour, and Highlight Makeup Kit.
- All In One Makeup Kit 180 Ultimate Colors.
Mature skin or dry skin types should reach for a liquid foundation, as powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Is cream eyeshadow better for mature skin? ›Like we mentioned, the best eyeshadow for mature eyes tends to be cream formulas, since they won't settle into fine lines. That said, it's a good idea to set cream products with powder formulas to avoid any transfer. You can do this for both your eyeshadow and eyeliner, by using a matte eyeshadow.
Is matte makeup good for older skin? ›While coverage level is a matter of personal preference, those with mature skin will want to blur texture and blend discoloration with a formula that doesn't settle into fine lines or dry patches—meaning it's best to avoid matte makeup, as it's more prone to creasing.
What kind of foundation makes you look younger? ›Powder foundations are great, but not for those with aging skin, since they usually settle into wrinkles. Really thick, full-coverage foundations can do the same. “A liquid foundation that's on the thinner side is usually preferable,” says celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner.
Is there a primer that fills in wrinkles? ›StriVectin's skin care infused LINEblurFECTOR Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer instantly fills and blurs the look of deep wrinkles while prolonging makeup wear.
Is BB cream or CC cream better for aging skin? ›CC cream generally is better for aging skin than BB creams. CC creams have anti-aging ingredients and benefits, and they also have SPF protection that blur wrinkles and age spots.
What goes on first foundation or concealer? ›Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
What can I wear instead of foundation? ›If you want to wear makeup without foundation, there are many different ways to do so. You can use a primer, tinted moisturizer, BB, or CC Cream. The important thing is finding what works for your skin type and needs.
Should you put powder over foundation? ›
Proper Application Is Key
It's best to apply powder after your other beauty products such as concealer and foundation. It works to set the makeup.
Neutral and pink colored eye shadows also make you look younger. Neutrals will also complement your everyday look without making you feel that you have over done your makeup, whether you are in the office or college.
Should older woman wear eyeliner? ›Adding a sweep of eyeliner is an absolute must when doing eye makeup for mature skin over 60. It adds a beautiful structure to the face and can frame your eyes as the standout features they are. A pencil eyeliner is good for aging eyes because it softens the lash line and makes your fringe look fuller.
What color eyeshadow is best for over 60? ›Because our eyes become deeper set as we age, matte eyeshadow in pale colours looks best. Use a beige and smoky grey or brown palette, plus a matte white highlighter. Don't apply any moisturiser or makeup to the eye area between lashes and brows.
Do you put foundation under eyes? ›Foundations are meant to make skin even and either luminous or matte, depending on skin type, and both of these formulas will do nothing to help you under your eyes. While it doesn't hurt to put foundation under your eyes, it certainly doesn't help. Skip this move and only add concealer and/or corrector under the eyes.