Makeup over 50 isn’t a downgrade, it’s a reset.
Do you remember being 30? I do (just). Makeup back then was about looking flawless or irresistible for a lot of us. Or if, like me, you were busy being a full-time working mum at that age, it was mostly about not looking like a zombie so you could go to work without scaring anyone. That’s if I had the time and energy to even bother. Although I always did if I was going out out, of course.
For us women in our 50s and beyond, it’s now more about looking alive and radiant, and feeling confident. Actually, I don’t think, I know because my audience tells me all the time that they want to look fresh without pretending they are 30 again. And although many would like makeup to make them appear younger, too, that’s not always the main driving force.
Me? I’m not ashamed to say that I want it to help me look younger AND alive. Going for the double – greedy. How about you?
This blog is a power-era makeup reset, so if you’re over 50, listen in.
I want to be bold and make a statement here. Makeup over 50 is about creating a presence. It’s about radiance, health, and showing up as the woman you are today. Confident and vibrant. Or working your way towards feeling confident and vibrant, which is what I’m all about. Are we ever the finished article? I hope not, I’m looking forward to many more years of evolving.
Anyway, today I’m sharing the new makeup mindset every woman over 50 needs to hear because the old rules were never designed for us.
1 Makeup should enhance, not hide
When we were much, much younger (think teenager), makeup was about transformation. Trying to look different. I certainly remember the blue lipstick that made me look like Morticia. And the blue mascara to go with it. The bright yellow eyeshadow. Lashes tipped with gold. Actually, I still really like blue mascara.
At 50+, for many women, makeup is more about enhancing who they already are. Their goal isn’t to erase lines or hide their age; it’s to bring life and dimension back to the skin. No masks. They want to look like themselves, but fresher. Enhancing, not disguising.
One way we can achieve this is to add a glow to the skin. Glow says health, which also reads as youthful. This means choosing products that work better for your changing skin.
I do want to say here, though, that I’m a big believer in doing things your way. If you want to dig out that blue lipstick, do it. Or try gold eyeliner, do it – I love mine. Enhancing doesn’t mean hiding or not experimenting. I am certainly a lover of experimenting.
Enhancing means choosing products that work better for your changing skin.
2 Matte skin is out
Unlike when we were teenagers, matte, flat skin can make us look tired and dull. Glow, light reflection and hydration signal health, and healthy skin always looks more youthful than perfectly matte skin. It’s a fact.
You can achieve this with the right skincare products, and there are so many now in all price ranges, so there’s no need to miss this step. Choosing the correct makeup is also key. For instance, a glowy or hydrating foundation rather than a true matte. And a hydrating concealer.
However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that a glowy or hydrating foundation means only opting for light coverage. No. Technology now allows us to still have cover without looking like we’re wearing a mask. And even some foundations labelled matte are modern formulations. Benefit Porefessional, for instance. Although labelled as matte, it actually offers a blurring, smoothing finish and is laced with Niacinamide. I have this, and it’s lovely.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation offers undetectable full coverage with minimum product. It’s beautiful and hides imperfections like a treat.
Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation can be built up to full coverage while still looking natural. Gorgeous.
So it’s about choosing the right products, not following old rules. Luckily, that’s what I’m here to help you with.
3 Strategic placement beats layering more product on
More product doesn’t necessarily mean better results. It’s not about how much you use, but where you use it. A touch of brightness in the right place lifts the face far more effectively than layers of coverage. A subtle cream highlighter across the top of the cheeks, for instance. Or you can go less subtle if you like – I go both ways depending on how I’m feeling. Don’t be scared to get creative. Blusher that’s applied higher than feels comfortable offers a lifting effect. Be brave!
Tactical use of concealer can help to lift and brighten your face. Find out more HERE.
4 Skin that looks alive is the goal
Makeup shouldn’t smother the skin. Skin that looks alive, hydrated, and lit from within is what makes a woman look vibrant, not a blank canvas covered in enough makeup to put wallpaper up with.
When we stop thinking of makeup as just a way to rewind the clock, everything changes.
This is your power era, and your makeup should reflect that.