Turning 50 is a milestone worth celebrating. Along with the wisdom and experience gained, it’s an opportunity to revamp your personal style—including your makeup routine.
Our skin changes as we age, and so should our approach to makeup. The days of heavy powders and bold hues may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean our makeup kit should just gather dust. Choose the right products and techniques to create a look that’s fresh, modern, and elegant.
Here are some helpful tips to refresh and enhance your makeup routine.
1. Choose a Hydrating Foundation
Finding the perfect foundation can feel like embarking on a quest for the Holy Grail, especially when you’re over 50. However, the secret is to choose formulas that provide hydration and coverage without settling into the fine lines of the face.
A liquid foundation with a dewy finish can bring a youthful glow to your complexion, while a lightweight texture ensures your skin doesn’t feel weighed down.
2. Go Easy on the Powder
Powder is great for setting makeup, but too much can settle into creases, making them more pronounced. The trick is to use it sparingly, focusing only on areas prone to shine, like the forehead, nose, and chin.
Opt for a translucent powder to avoid adding extra color to your foundation. If you have dry skin, consider skipping powder altogether or using a setting spray instead.
3. Always Use a Primer
While primer might feel like an extra step, it can really boost your makeup routine, especially if you have mature skin. A good primer smooths out your skin’s texture, minimizes the look of pores, and sets up a perfect canvas for applying foundation.
Choose a primer with hydrating properties to combat dryness and enhance radiance. For the best results, apply it after your moisturizer and before your foundation.
4. Anti-Aging Concealer
A good concealer is a game-changer for tired under-eyes and blemishes. Look for formulas specifically designed for mature skin, often labeled as “anti-aging” or “hydrating.”
These are enriched with ingredients that nourish the skin while offering coverage. Apply concealer sparingly, focusing on areas that need brightening or smoothing. Use your fingers to help smooth the concealer in the specific areas you want it.
5. Use a Cream Blush
Say goodbye to powder blushes and hello to cream formulas. Cream blushes provide a dewy, natural flush that mimics the skin’s natural texture, making them ideal for mature skin.
Choose shades that complement your skin tone, like soft pinks or peaches. For a lifted effect, use a stippling brush, starting at the apples of your cheeks and blending upwards towards your temples.
6. Wear Lip Gloss or Nude Lipstick
Matte lipsticks can accentuate fine lines and dryness, so it’s time to swap them for moisturizing formulas. Glosses and nude lipsticks add a youthful sheen to your lips, keeping them hydrated and plump.
Select shades that enhance your natural lip color, and consider a lip liner to define your lips and prevent feathering. A touch of gloss in the center of your lips can create an illusion of fullness, perfect for a fresh look.
7. Fill in the Eyebrows
Full, well-groomed, higher-arched brows frame your face and can take years off your appearance. As we age, our brows can become sparse, so filling them in is a must. Use a brow pencil or powder that’s a shade lighter than your natural brow color for a softer look.
Apply in light, feathery strokes to mimic the appearance of natural hairs. Focus on the shape, filling in sparse areas and maintaining a gentle arch.
8. Give Yourself the Smoky Eye
Don’t be afraid of a smoky eye—it can be just as fabulous at 50 as it was at 20 for a night out. The trick is to use softer shades like taupes and browns instead of harsh blacks. This way, you can add definition without overwhelming your lovely features.
Start with a neutral base shade across your lid, then layer darker shades in the crease and outer corners. Blend well to avoid harsh lines, and finish with a touch of shimmer on the inner corner to brighten your eyes.
9. Use a Water-Resistant Mascara
Mascara is essential for opening up the eyes, and a water-resistant formula ensures it stays put all day. Look for mascaras that add volume and length without clumping or flaking.
Focus on the roots of your lashes, wiggling the wand upwards to separate and define each lash. To prevent smudging, avoid applying too much to the lower lashes.
10. Use Whitening Eye Drops
Bright eyes can instantly enhance your appearance, making you look more awake and refreshed. They also beautifully showcase your true eye color. Use whitening eye drops to reduce redness and make your eyes sparkle.
Use them sparingly and not too frequently, as overuse can cause irritation. Just a drop in each eye before applying makeup can make a noticeable difference.
11. Use Light, Neutral Eyeshadow
Light, neutral eyeshadow shades are your best friends for creating a versatile and flattering look that beautifully complements mature skin. These shades, like soft beiges, taupes, and light browns, can help brighten out the natural beauty of your eyes without overwhelming them.
They serve as a great base, allowing you to effortlessly build your eye makeup from a subtle daytime look to a more dramatic evening appearance.
12. Always Moisturize Your Face and Neck
Moisture is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and your face and neck will benefit greatly from it. Keeping your skin hydrated helps to maintain elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Look for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which draw moisture into the skin and create a protective barrier.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.