Need A New Makeup Routine?
As skin matures, elasticity, texture, and hydration levels change. As a result, the makeup routine you used in your 20s might not be doing you any favors anymore, as matte finishes and heavy formulations settle into your newly formed fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is, all you need is a few strategic shifts, and you can ensure your natural beauty is enhanced—not hindered—by your makeup. Here are 20 adaptations you can make.
1. Start With Moisturizer
When you're young, you might opt for less moisturizer to avoid oil and acne, but when you're older, you have different problems. Mature skin often lacks natural oils, and without hydration, makeup clings to dry patches and fine lines, emphasising them.
2. Use Hydrating Primer
No matter your age, you should never skip primer because it improves adhesion and creates a smooth, even surface. However, it becomes even more important as you age because it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and allows your skin to retain moisture better.
3. Prioritize SPF
Wearing SPF is a great idea at all stages of life. However, with sun damage being the number one reason for premature signs of aging, it's even more crucial as you grow older.
National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
4. Ditch Heavy Foundations
Go for lighter formulations like tinted moisturizer, BB, or CC creams, instead of heavy foundation. They provide sheer coverage while allowing your skin’s natural texture and glow to show through.
5. Avoid Matte
When you're young and struggling with overly oily skin, it may make sense to opt for matte products, but when you're older, your skin lacks that natural oil. Go for products labelled "dewy" or "satin" instead of a mattifying formula, which absorbs light and makes your skin look dry.
6. Choose Makeup With Antioxidants
Makeup doesn't have to be bad for your skin. You can opt for ones that contain anti-aging antioxidants like vitamin C, E, retinol, and niacinamide, boosting your collagen and nourishing your skin.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
7. Use Concealer Sparingly
Concealer is great for covering "imperfections," but it's extremely easy to overdo it. Use creamy, hydrating concealer sparingly—only a thin layer on the darkest part of the under-eye area to prevent creasing.
8. Reserve Powder For The T-Zone
Don't cover your whole face with foundation—apply it only where you need it. Reserve it for the T-zone and around the nose to avoid it settling into wrinkles.
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞- 𝐮𝐩 & 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞 on Pexels
9. Use Eyelid Primer
As you age and your eyelids become more droopy, it's more important than ever to prep them. Use an eyelid primer to avoid eyeshadow from settling into creases, making the area look heavy.
10. Opt For Neutral Eye Shadows
Avoid eyeshadows that are overly bright or glittery—it won't make you look younger. Using soft, matte neutrals will soften your mature features and bring out your natural complexion.
11. Use Cream Blushes & Bronzers
Transition to cream or liquid blush and bronzers to make your complexion look more glowy and youthful. Powder formulations can sit too heavily on the cheeks and dry out your skin.
12. Use Subtle Highlighters
While you want your skin to look radiant, you don't want it to look metallic. Highlighters are perfect for giving your skin a little glow, but opt for subtle hues and don't over-apply.
13. Try A Dewy Setting Spray
Opt for a dewy setting spray with ingredients like rosewater, instead of a powder. This leaves a fresher and more youthful finish while allowing makeup to meld nicely into the skin.
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞- 𝐮𝐩 & 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞 on Pexels
14. Curl Your Lashes
As anyone over the age of 40 knows, your eyes seem to shrink exponentially in your more advanced years. Eyelash curlers open the eye area instantly and are a total game-changer for making your eyes look bigger and brighter.
15. Ditch Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner can look messy on more mature eyelids because they've become more textured. Switch to a soft brown or grey pencil and gently smudge the line. Focus on applying eyeliner only to the top lid to make your eyes look larger.
16. Use A Brow Pencil
As we age, our eyebrows naturally become sparser. Use a fine-tipped pencil or brow pomade to draw in hair-like strokes to frame the face.
17. Apply Blush Higher
As we lose collagen in our skin, our skin sags. Applying blush higher on the cheeks can create a lifting effect and accentuate your facial structure.
18. Opt For Creamy Or Satin Lipstick
When choosing lipstick, it's best to go for satin or creamy shades instead of glossy, metallic, or frosted finishes. These can make your lips look drier or more textured.
19. Use Lip Liner
Lips are another point of contention for many older women as they seem to shrink with age. Lip liner can help give the appearance of fuller lips and prevent lipstick from feathering into fine lines.
20. Avoid Harsh Contouring
Maybe you could get away with it when you were younger, but when you're more mature, dark, sharp contour lines can end up looking far too harsh and emphasize sagging. Use a soft bronzer only on the temples and cheekbones instead.
