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As we get older, our skin and features naturally change, and that includes how makeup sits on our face.
Fine lines, drier skin, and changes in texture are all part of the process, but that doesn’t mean we lose our beauty. It’s normal to feel like your old routine no longer delivers the same results. But that’s okay, it’s important to embrace these changes and find new ways to enhance what we’ve gained with time.
This article is written specifically for women over 50, over 60, and beyond. I’ve compiled makeup tips for older women that focus on enhancing your features, creating a youthful look, and boosting your confidence.
1. Start with a Hydrated Skincare routine
One of the most important makeup tips for older women over 50 and in general is ensuring your skin is properly hydrated before applying any makeup. As we age, our skin’s natural moisture levels tend to decrease, which can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a dull complexion.
So, before applying foundation, follow a hydrating skincare routine. Use primers that are hydrating and have a smoothing effect, as these will work best for mature skin.
2. Choose the Right Foundation for Mature Skin
This is one of the key makeup tips for women over 60 to achieve a youthful, radiant appearance.
Foundations with a dewy or satin finish work wonders for mature skin, giving you that healthy glow without settling into creases. Look for formulas that are packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or aloe vera to keep your skin moisturized and plump throughout the day.
Some excellent foundation options for women over 50 or over 60 include:
CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation: Known for its matte finish, hyaluronic complex and vitamin C for firmer and healthier-looking skin. Its anti-aging foundation instantly reduces the look of wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 32 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation: A Matte foundation ideal for oily skin, hydrating foundations ideal for dry skin and everything in between. This foundation resists sweat, water, and transfer; with SPF 25 to protect and a non-comedogenic vegan makeup that is suitable for all skin types
COVERGIRL+OLAY Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation: This anti-aging foundation diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful glow with SPF 28, to help protect skin from sun damage.
3. Concealing Without Caking
The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest and most delicate on the face, and as we age, it can become even more fragile. Dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines tend to be more pronounced, making it challenging to achieve a flawless under-eye area with makeup. One of the most important makeup tips for older women over 60 is choosing the right concealer and applying it in a way that enhances the eyes without accentuating imperfections.
The best concealers for mature skin and wrinkles are those with a thinner consistency because they’re more mobile and less likely to settle into creases and wrinkles. Thus, avoid heavy, thick formulas that are prone to settling into fine lines or looking cakey.
4. Embrace Soft, Natural Eye Makeup
As we age, our eyes can change in shape and size, making some traditional eye makeup techniques less effective or flattering.
Bold, heavy eye makeup might not work as well as it once did, so it’s time to experiment with more subtle techniques that bring out the beauty of your eyes.
For eyeshadow, opt for soft, neutral shades that complement your skin tone and bring light to your eyes.
When it comes to eyeliner, less is often more. Harsh, thick lines can make the eyes appear smaller or draw attention to sagging eyelids. Instead, try using a softer eyeliner formula, such as a gel pencil or a powder liner, to gently define the lash line.
5. Brows That Frame Your Face
As we age, our eyebrows naturally become thinner and more sparse, and their shape may change. This is why having well-defined brows is key—it can lift the face, define your features, and give you a youthful look.
Choose brow pencils or powders that are a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color. Use short, gentle strokes to mimic the look of natural hairs for a softer, more realistic finish and avoid harsh lines.
6. Blush and Highlighter
When done right, blush and highlighter can make a significant difference, giving you a refreshed, glowing appearance that looks natural and youthful.
When choosing blush for mature skin, it’s crucial to opt for cream or liquid formulas rather than powder blushes. Powder blushes can settle into fine lines and accentuate texture, making them less flattering for older skin. Cream or liquid blushes, on the other hand, offer a more natural, dewy finish and blend seamlessly into the skin, giving you a softer, youthful look.
7. Enhance your natural lip shape and color
When it comes to makeup tips for older women over 60, enhancing natural lip color is key to maintaining a vibrant look. As you move into your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, you may notice your lips appearing thinner and losing their natural pigment which can make your face appear less vibrant. This is because our body reduces the production of collagen. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can add that natural shape and colour to your skin to give you back that vibrancy.
Choose warm colours that compliments your skin and avoid overly-dark and nude shades as this can make your lips look smaller and emphasize fine lines. To keep your lips looking plump and defined, start with regular exfoliation and a hydrating lip mask. This helps to smooth and moisturize your lips then use a creamy or satin-finish lipstick for a youthful, radiant look. A touch of gloss at the center of your lips can also enhance fullness and create a plump, healthy appearance.
8. Avoid heavy contouring
Heavy contouring can often look harsh and unflattering on mature skin. For older women, less is more when it comes to defining facial features. Thick layers of product can weigh down the skin and create an unnatural or overly dramatic look.
Instead, try soft sculpting techniques using lightweight bronzers and highlighters. Use a warm, sheer bronzer to lightly define your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead for a subtle lift. Pair this with a creamy or liquid highlighter on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose. This approach adds dimension without looking overdone and is a great way to achieve a radiant, youthful finish.
9. Setting your make-up
One of the biggest challenges for mature skin is setting your makeup the right way to ensure it lasts all day and stays fresh. Heavy powders can often emphasize texture, so opt for lightweight setting powders designed for mature skin. Start by lightly setting your foundation and concealer with a translucent setting powder. Lightly dust the powder on areas prone to shine, like the T-zone, to control oil without dulling your natural glow.
Follow up with a hydrating setting spray to lock in your makeup and give your skin a natural, dewy finish. This combination ensures your makeup stays put while keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant all day.
10. The importance of makeup removal
Mature skin is more delicate and prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Properly removing makeup at the end of the day is essential to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and premature aging. It also helps keep skin healthy and hydrated, allowing it to regenerate and maintain its natural glow.
Use a hydrating, non-stripping cleanser that won’t irritate or dry out your skin. Avoid harsh cleansers that can damage the skin’s barrier and follow up with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin smooth and soft overnight.
11. Personalise your makeup routine
It is important to create a routine that reflects your individuality.When it comes to makeup, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt them to suit your unique features, skin type, and preferences. Whether it’s finding a signature lipstick shade or mastering a subtle eye look, the key is discovering what makes you feel your best.
Embrace your natural beauty and celebrate the features that make you unique. Try different techniques, play with colors that make you feel vibrant, and adjust products to suit your skin’s needs.
Conclusion
As we age, our skin goes through many changes, and adapting our makeup routines to suit these changes is key to achieving a youthful, radiant look. Using products and techniques that enhance your natural features rather than masking them can help you feel more confident and refreshed. The goal of makeup for older women is to highlight your unique beauty, embracing what makes you feel good about yourself at every age.
We encourage you to try these tips and experiment with what works best for you. Whether it’s enhancing your brows, opting for softer contouring, or simplifying your routine, these small changes can make a big difference.
At the same time, be mindful of habits that could unintentionally age your appearance. For more tips, check out our guide: 11 Makeup Mistakes That Secretly Make You Look Older. It’s a great resource to help refine your routine and avoid common mistakes.
And remember, makeup should be fun and empowering, so enjoy the process and make it your own!
Explore our MUA directory to find makeup artists who specialize in mature skin makeup for personalized assistance.