Older women tend to want to cover their flaws, but too much makeup makes you look older rather than younger. It’s better to wear a minimal amount and instead focus on skincare.
Watch my video about wearing less makeup when you are older
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
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.
Not all of us have the time or can afford to enjoy the services of an esthetician. I reviewed a fabulous handheld beauty device by Nebylyft that you can use at home to improve your skin. Read my review here.
All you need is a minimal amount of makeup to look put together
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 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 will make you look like Marie Antoinette. Both will work their way into your creases and make your lines and wrinkles show up more. A tinted moisturizer like Drmtlgy SPF 46 or a light CC cream like It Cosmetics will subtly camouflage your facial flaws and give you 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 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 absolutely 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 just 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 unless it is a special occasion because it looks powdery and gets in my eyes. I don’t mind a skin-toned cream shadow in a matte finish once in a while 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 never wear smokey eye colors. My eyes are small and deep-set and dark colors make my eyes look smaller. Older women often look like Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd when they wear too much dark-colored eye makeup.
If I wear eye shadow, I choose a shade slightly lighter than my skin tone because it highlights my eyes and helps them stand out. However, if you have HUGE Bambi eyes you probably look good in any color.
Some cream eye shadows dry out or get stuck in my eye creases. Julep Eye Shadow 101 Creme to Powder sets as a soft powder and sets with a soft matte finish. I bought it in desert matte and LOVE it!
Watch me try on Julep creme to powder eye shadow stick in the video below
Mascara is a must
Mascara has always been my least favorite makeup product because I have sensitive eyes. However, it’s essential for a finished look. I look for brands made for sensitive eyes and only apply a tiny amount. e.l.f. mascara is affordable and easy on the eyes. I also like Prometics Primelash mascara which is specially formulated for older women.
Older women tend to develop eye problems like conjunctivitis or clogged tear ducts so be extra careful wearing mascara and other eye products. 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.
Saie cream bronzer from Sephora is an amazing bronzer and looks natural. For a colored cream blush that is affordable, I love e.l.f’s Monochromatic multi stick. You can use it on your cheeks, lips, and eyes. I bought one in Dazzling Peony.
Lips
When I’m not wearing a mask, I 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.
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. It’s made with organic cacao butter rounds, sesame, sunflower, and castor seeds.
Keep it Simple Sweetie is my motto. KISS
Do you wear minimal makeup or do you go all out? Please leave a comment below.
Karen BakingInATornado says
I need to look into tinted moisturizers, sounds like a great way to do 2 things at once.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
It is Karen. It’s light and usually has a sunscreen.
Janeane M Davis says
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!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Glad you agree Janeane. Simple is good.
Diane Mitchell says
Hi,
As I have gotten older I find that I look better with less makeup, never worn eyeshadow or plucked my eyebrows guess I’m fortunate to have nice shaped ones but back to makeup less is better natural is nicer I do agree loads of moisture and drink water a lot I’d say.
Dolly
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I’m glad you agree Diane. It’s all about reasonable skincare and plenty of hydration.
Becca Porter says
👋 Hi!
62 here. Recently lost 60+ pounds. Feeling really good. I’ve lost most my hair from thyroid issues, and have recently started wearing wigs which has also boosted my confidence. And now I need to find my balance with make up. It’s been awhile since I gave myself time for me. I don’t want to be over the top. Yet I’m wearing nicer, much smaller clothes, having hair makes me feel pretty, and I add make up. I enjoyed your post very much. I’m trying to find a good foundation right now. But i think I’m doing OK. Similar to your routine, and that’s reassuring! Sorry up babble! It’s late and I probably should be in bed 🛌 😴 😆. ~Becca ❤️
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
Hi Becca. Congratulations on your weight loss. And, I hope you find the foundation you are looking for. Simplicity is best as you age. I truly believe that. I wrote another post about hair loss and many times it is due to a lack of protein in your diet. I thought that was an interesting fact. Thanks for stopping by.
Carol Jacobs says
I just watched your Minimal skincare and Makeup UTube, and really enjoyed your honest approach. Could you please tell me the name of the color for the L’Oreal lipstick you showed I would love to try it
Thank=You,
Carol Jacobs
Carol Jacobs says
I just watched your Minimal skincare and Makeup UTube, and really enjoyed your honest approach. Could you please tell me the name of the color for the L’Oreal lipstick you showed I would love to try it
Thank=You,
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I am guessing it is Montmartre as the color has worn off my tube. https://amzn.to/4637G9S
Michele says
Thank You for this video. As I’ve gotten older, I am trying to figure out how to get away from wearing all of the makeup that I used to wear. Every video I am finding seems to try to teach me how to wear makeup without looking like it. No, I really DON’T want to wear a lot of make up anymore. Your video was exactly what I needed. It’s truly showing me how I can wear less. I have thought about getting microblading on my eyebrows, but am also afraid. I don’t know if I want to commit to a look that may look too exaggerated, especially as my hair is turning white now. I’m also not sure they ever fade back to your natural skin color once you’ve done it. Do you have any thoughts on microblading?
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
I’m so glad you enjoyed my video. I haven’t tried microblading. My daughter had her brows tattooed to make them darker. But I would be careful not to make them too dark.
Kathy says
Love it