How Minimal Makeup Can Make You Look Younger Over 60

Older women tend to want to cover their flaws, but too much makeup can make them look older rather than younger. I’m a big fan of minimalism when it comes to wearing makeup. I believe it is better to wear only what you need and instead focus on skincare. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your wrinkles and the wisdom that came with earning them.

Less is more!

Watch my video about wearing less makeup when you are older

If you have the funds to afford regenerative skincare treatments more power to you. However, most of us would rather spend our retirement money doing other things that are more practical and meaningful. Minimal makeup is sustainable. Less product means less waste. How many of you have jars you have never or barely used sitting on your shelf gathering dust?

What does minimalism in skincare and cosmetics mean?

If you want to spend money on beauty products start with skincare. You can plaster yourself with makeup but if your skin is in bad shape it will only make you look worse. Skincare is not only creams and cleaners. It also includes what you put in your body and how you treat it.

If you sit around smoking or drinking all day don’t expect beautiful skin. The same goes for eating junk food. Your face needs nourishment. Stick to real food rather than processed. And most of all, stay hydrated.

Start with your skin

I get to try out skincare brands to review on this blog. Some that I have enjoyed include Murad, Neostrata, and L’Oreal. They are more high end but sometimes drug store products like CeraVe hit it out of the park. Mature skin often gets dry so hydration is the key to achieving a luminous and vibrant complexion. Drink water throughout the day. You don’t have to drown yourself. Dehydration not only affects your skin but your overall health as well.

You may want to give yourself an occasional treatment using an in-home beauty device. I reviewed a fabulous handheld beauty device by Nebylyft. Please read my review here.

The only makeup products you need to enhance your natural beauty

Once your skin is well hydrated, you can brighten up your face and help it look healthier with a tiny amount of makeup. Stylish French women wear minimal makeup. They are not afraid to embrace their age and they look amazing!

Minimal makeup routine

Foundation

Foundation is not necessary for older women but many like to use it for various reasons such as a special occasion. However, heavy foundation or powder may make you look like Marie Antoinette. Both work their way into creases making lines and wrinkles show up more.

A tinted moisturizer like Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer or a light CC cream like It Cosmetics will subtly camouflage your facial flaws and give you a youthful glow. I absolutely love it!

Eye Makeup

Unless you get an invasive eyelift or you’ve lived like a mole all your life, you probably have wrinkles around your eyes. I wore contacts for 50 years until I had cataract surgery and it took a toll on my eye area. You could wear a pair of chic sunglasses but otherwise, it’s hard to cover up.

Start with your eyebrows as they frame your face.

I get jealous when I see older women who still have strong eyebrows because mine are almost non-existent. I’m sure part of the reason is that I plucked them in the ’70s. They also look kind of lopsided.

I had a favorite Clinique eyebrow pencil I loved but it is no longer available. Now I’m using e.l.f. instant lift brow pencil. It has a soft easy-to-apply pencil that does not need sharpening and a spoolie to back comb my brows after defining them. I find I need to pencil to FIND my brows. Once I have outlined them, I fill them in with light strokes. I also use a brow powder.

I tried using eyebrow stencils but couldn’t see up close where to place them without using reading glasses and they never fit my brows.

Eye shadow

I’ve stopped wearing eye shadow except for special occasions because it looks powdery and gets in my eyes. I often use skin-toned cream shadow with a matte finish like Julep eyeshadow stick in desert matte as a highlighter under my brows or on my lids to help my eyes stand out. Many times, I go bare-eyed because my naked lids look the most natural. Strive for minimal makeup and leave your eyelids alone.

Watch me try on Julep creme to powder eye shadow stick in the video below

I never wear dark eyeshadow. My eyes are small and deep-set and dark colors make them look smaller. Older women can look like Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd when they wear too much dark-colored eye makeup.

However, if you have HUGE Bambi eyes, you can do just about anything with your eyes.

I AM ANTI MASCARA!

Yes, you heard me right. Mascara has always been my least favorite makeup product because I have sensitive eyes. If I wear it, which is next to never, I look for brands made for sensitive eyes and only apply a tiny amount. My go-to mascara is Prime Prometics Primelash mascara. It is specially formulated for mature women, is nourishing, and stays on for hours, but is easy to wash off.

Did you know that some mascaras contain tar? Some use coal tar dye. It’s yucky to think about.

Watch my video about mascara here. (It went viral)

Eyeliner

Many eyeliners are too heavy and can make your eyes look smaller. Sometimes I will use a dark eyeshadow like Revlon Colorstay in chocolate instead. I brush it on the outside edge of my top lid. I have also found eyeliners by Prime Prometics called PrimeEye Glide Eyeliner made especially for older women. It comes in several colors. My favorite is Wood.

Older women tend to develop eye problems like conjunctivitis or clogged tear ducts so be extra careful wearing mascara and other eye products. Completely remove your makeup before you go to bed. Neutrogena Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover works well. Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is also excellent if you have a rep in your area.

Cheeks

The best blush, in my opinion, is a touch of sunshine. I like to walk in the morning before the sun gets harsh so my cheeks naturally glow. However, when I need makeup, I prefer cream blush.

My favorite bronzer is Saie Sun Melt Bronzer because it is creamy and looks natural. For blush, I love e.l.f’s Monochromatic multi stick. It is also creamy and you can use it on your cheeks, lips, and eyes. I bought one in Dazzling Peony. Creamy is always good because it gives older women a more hydrated and dewy look.

Lips

I prefer to wear a subtle shade of lipstick.  I know many older women love bright red like Marilyn Monroe but if you plan to eat, it’s not always practical, gets stuck in lip creases, and can look harsh.

Rose, blush, apricot, or nude are flattering shades for older women. I look for brands that give my lips moisture. Long-lasting formulas are notoriously drying. My go-to is L’Oreal.

If you are concerned about the ingredients in your lipstick, especially as it is applied directly to your mouth, try a tube of Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Lipstick. It’s made with organic cacao butter rounds, sesame, sunflower, and castor seeds.

Keep it Simple Sweetie is my motto. KISS

If you want to enhance your natural beauty, save money, and practice sustainability wear minimal makeup.

What do you think? Do you wear minimal makeup or do you go all out? Please leave a comment below.