Now that masks are coming off, more of us are getting back to wearing makeup again. As women with mature skin, the tendency is to cover up all our flaws, but too much makeup can make you look older rather than younger. It’s better to wear minimal makeup and instead focus on skincare.
It’s all about hydrating your skin
As a blogger, I get to try out various skincare brands that I have enjoyed such as AHAVA, Murad, Neostrata, and L’Oreal. But sometimes a drug store product like CeraVe hits it out of the park. Mature skin often gets dry so hydrated skin is the key to achieving a luminous and vibrant complexion.
Not all of us have the time or can afford to enjoy the services of an esthetician. However, I reviewed a handheld Nebulyft RFMEMS Beauty Device that can improve your skin at home.
Natural skincare or not?
Although herb-infused “all-natural” skincare brands are the “in” thing right now, I found that many organic brands have been disappointing. They also have the tendency to go rancid after a while. I prefer to use brands I trust that include botanicals but are also tested by science.
All you need is a minimal amount of makeup to look put together
Once your skin is well hydrated, all you need are a few touches of makeup to brighten up your face and help it look healthier. Elegant French women wear minimal makeup and embrace their age rather than try to cover up their wrinkles.
The best makeup products I’ve found for mature women
Foundation
Too much foundation and powder on an older woman reminds me of Marie Antoinette’s powdered face during the late 18th century. It works its way into your creases and makes your lines and wrinkles show up even more. A tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier’s or a light CC cream like It Cosmetics will subtly camouflage your facial flaws and give it a youthful glow.
Eye Makeup
Unless you get an invasive eyelift or you’ve lived like a mole all your life, you probably have wrinkles under your eyes. I wore contacts for 50 years until I have cataract surgery and it took a toll on the skin under my eyes. You could always 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. My brows are also kind of lopsided.
I have tried many eyebrow pencils as well as tinted powders and finally settled on Clinique’s Instant Lift for Brows. It has a soft and easy-to-apply pencil as well as a slightly sparkly highlighter on the other end that you can apply under your brows to highlight them. I’ll never have brows look like Brooke Sheilds but my pencil makes them show up softly without looking like they were painted on.
Eye shadow
Honestly, I’ve stopped wearing eye shadow altogether unless it is a special occasion. I don’t like powdered eye shadow because when I wore contacts it always got in my eyes. However, I don’t mind a skin-toned cream shadow with a slight shimmer to help my eyes stand out. Most of the time, I go bare-eyed because my naked lids look more natural. Strive for minimalism and leave your eyelids alone.
I absolutely never wear smokey eye colors. My eyes are small and deep-set, but I think most older women look like Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd when they wear too much eye makeup.
If you do wear eye shadow, chose a shade that is slightly lighter than your skin tone because it will highlight your eyes and help them stand out. If you are lucky enough to have HUGE Bambi eyes, you can get as dramatic as you want and look amazing.
Some cream eye shadows dry out or get stuck in your eye creases after a while. However, Clarins Ombre Velvet Cream to Powder eye shadow sets as a soft powder giving your lids a matte finish.
Mascara is a must
Mascara has always been my least favorite makeup product because I have sensitive eyes. However, it’s essential to give your eyes a finished look. I look for brands that are made for sensitive eyes and only apply a tiny amount. e.l.f. mascara is affordable and easy on the eyes. I also love L’oreal Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara which is ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive eyes.
Older women tend to develop eye problems like conjunctivitis or clogged tear ducts so you have to be extra careful wearing mascara and other eye products. Always remove your eye makeup completely 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 go for walks in the morning before the sun gets harsh so my cheeks naturally glow. However, when I need makeup, I prefer cream blush.
Clé de Peau Beauté cream blush is on the expensive side but is amazing. I also love my Saie cream bronzer from Sephora because it looks so natural. For a colored cream blush that is affordable, try e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush. It will give you a dewy and radiant look that is youthful.
Lips
When I’m not wearing a mask, I wear a subtle shade of lipstick. I know many older women love a bright red Marilyn Monroe shade 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. Their Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick and Nourishing Serum is specially formulated for mature lips.
Studio 10’s lipstick has also impressed me and is very moist. It’s a British makeup brand designed for mature women. Their Wake Up and Glow Lip and Cheek Tint will do double duty on your lips and cheeks.
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 which is available at Walmart. It’s made with organic cacao butter rounds, sesame, sunflower, and castor seeds. Bermuda is a shade that looks flattering on just about any woman whether they are fair or dark.
Keep it Simple Sweetie is my motto. KISS
Do you wear minimal makeup or do you go all out? Please leave a comment below.
I need to look into tinted moisturizers, sounds like a great way to do 2 things at once.
It is Karen. It’s light and usually has a sunscreen.
One thing I have noticed is that less is more when it comes to my skin care products. I agree with you on that one!
Glad you agree Janeane. Simple is good.