When it comes to turning 50 (and beyond), we realize that all the techniques we previously used up until now just seem so dull and lackluster upon our skin. And it is no fault of our own either – it is just the nature of what happens!
Skin changes over time, and maybe what suited us in our 20s – hey, even our 40s – might not suit us now we have hit the 50s, and you know what, that is okay. Why? Because it is just a great excuse for us to practice doing our makeup again, even if we have nowhere to go.
As you are probably aware, applying makeup can become frustrating as we get older. The skin changes and the way we once applied eyeliner, for example, becomes a chore in itself.
In this article we shall discuss the tips and tricks to make applying makeup easy peasy so it becomes enjoyable again – plus, if you want to start wearing makeup, perhaps for the first time, we have some tips and tricks to suit you too!
Where To Begin
Cleanser
When it comes to applying makeup, the skin really matters. If you want to achieve a flawless look, you need your skin to be prepped and ready. Stick to the basic routine of cleansing the face and moisturizing it, followed by a couple of exfoliations during the week to get rid of any dry skin and bumps.
Something like the InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser is great for mature skin. Vitamin C will brighten up the skin overtime for a glowing complexion, and can help to reduce any blemishes we might be suffering with.
Exfoliate
Out with the physical exfoliants and in with the chemical – trust us, they are better. Not only do they not scratch delicate skin, but they also feel great to use and are generally less harsh than a physical scrub.
For gentle exfoliation, try Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. What it does is gently slough away dead skin cells off the face, helping to get rid of blemishes, blackheads, enlarged pores and deal with wrinkles.
Moisturize
To follow it is best to use a moisturizer that will lock in all the powerful ingredients you have just used, as well as set a base for the next step. Something like the E.L.F Holy Hydration! face cream is a great example.
It is not only lightweight and fragrance free, but it gives you a burst of hydration due to hyaluronic acid, as well as a peptide complex – a great combination for healthy skin.
Setting The Base
Once you stick to a good face cleansing routine you’re ready to go. Whether you want to add in different products or change them up, that’s up to you, but work out what gives you that smooth and makeup-ready skin – oh, and that skin that looks amazing without makeup.
Sunblock
Now that you know that the cleansing routine is just as important to prep the skin as the makeup itself, it is time to move on to the next step – sunblock.
Because you will be using the likes of vitamin C and/or exfoliants, you will need to add sunblock to protect your face – and anyway, you should be wearing one already. Though, most of us do not, so start today!
Depending on your skin type, look for one that will be high in factor but lightweight. Supergoop SPF40 has become a cult favorite in makeup circles. It is oil free, broad-spectrum, invisible and has no fragrance. Also, a sunblock can act as a primer pre-makeup.
Primer
If you are looking to add a primer, then something like the NYX Professional Marshmallow Primer helps to smooth lines and create a wonderful canvas to begin the makeup routine. It also hydrates, evens the skin tone and minimizes any texture. That’s why some people wear primer on its own.
The Face
When it comes to wrinkles, it is best to embrace them, rather than trying to cover them up because this will only accentuate them. What you will be achieving in this step is to even out the skin tone, but you do not want to lose the glow you have created over time.
Foundation
The foundation needs to be lightweight and hydrating, without making you look washed out, so opt for something in a slightly warmer shade if you normally have a really pale complexion. Also, this is where a skin tint foundation will be appropriate.
It helps to give a more sheer coverage, as opposed to something that is full coverage that may look too heavy. Something like the Glossier Skin Tint or the more affordable L’Oreal Paris True Match Tinted Serum will be a good starting point.
Apply the liquid foundation with a moist makeup sponge or a foundation brush. After this, go in with a concealer to cover any areas that you want to disguise, such as dark under-circles or blemishes. Glossier also does a great concealer that can be applied with a small brush or the fingers.
Make sure to blend the makeup well as to not have a sharp edge to the hairline or jaw.
Warming The Face
Bronzer
During the summer, you really want to add that summer glow, and to do this, all you need is to slightly sweep a bronzer on the points of the face that would naturally hit the sun. These are the cheekbone, down the nose, the chin and the forehead.
When looking at colors, do not go too dark. You are aiming to add a touch of glow to the complexion without it looking like a patchy tan. The Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing powder comes with a brush to make applying it much easier.
Blush
If blush used to be your thing, it still can be, just opt for a creamier formula. Instead of pouting the lips and applying it, apply it above the cheekbone and blend it inwards instead of outwards.
Also, choose a rosy color and nothing too harsh. The more natural it looks, the better. The Honest Beauty Creme Cheek and Lip Color is a perfect example of an easy go-to blush, plus, it also doubles up as a light lipstick.
The Eyes
When it comes to the eyes, the aim is to make them bigger because it will come across as more youthful. You also want to keep it simple, though. You don’t want to overdo it when you’re over 50!
Eyelashes
Now is the time to invest in a really good eyelash curler. As we get older, our lashes change and become thinner. A curler will help to give the eyelashes some character before the mascara is added.
Speaking of mascara, remember the old thickening formulas that you used to use? Well, get rid of them! Not only do they age an older woman, but they do not apply as well and are more likely to clump on brittle eyelashes.
Look for a mascara that gives definition rather than volume in thickness. Something that lengthens without looking black and bulky. The Maybelline Sky High mascara is all about adding length to those lashes without it looking over the top.
Eyeliner
There is no rule about only using brown eyeliner as you get older. Black is still a fine color to use, no matter what your age is. Apply it as you normally would, though avoid anything too heavy – you want to widen the eye, not make it appear smaller.
Eyeshadow
When it comes to eyeshadow, a lot of us start from the inner corner and work our way out, adding lots of color as we go along for full impact. As much as this looked good a few years back, these days you might want to step it back a little bit – and we do not mean the color choice, have at it with that.
When applying the eyeshadow, using a brush, start at the outer corners and work your way to the inner corner. This way it creates a wider eye as it will be darker on the outer corner and become gradually lighter as it reaches the inner corner.
The Brows
Before you even begin on the brows, you will want to make sure that they are as full as possible. As you probably already know, they become thinner and sparse as you get older.
Adding a brow serum (like the Rapidbrow) into your daily routine could be a good option if you want to keep them healthy and more full-looking.
Instead of tweezing the hair because you want to keep them, trim to shape them instead. To fill out any sparse areas, use a brow pencil like the Maybelline Total Temptation Definer that matches the shade of the hair. With light strokes, fill in gaps for a natural finish.
Avoid anything heavy and on-trend such as full-looking statement brows and anything too sculpted. Natural is most certainly the way to go!
The Lips
As we get older, the lips change in size and can become asymmetrical. Using a lip pencil can help to restore shape, and is a good way of creating an outline for the lipstick if you plan to go for a bold color.
Use four different strokes when outlining the lips to make it easier, and always start from the outer corner going in towards the cupid’s bow and the center of the bottom lip.
A good lipstick will glide on like butter, instead of dragging your lips along with it. If you prefer, use a lip brush and diffuse the edges so it becomes less defined.
The last touch is whether to add a lip gloss on top or not, but that is up to you whether you want to keep it matte or add some shine.
Conclusion
When it comes to makeup the methods will change as your skin does. Think back to when you were a teenager – you are not exactly using the same products or applying it in the same haphazard fashion, right?
Now that we are in our 50s and 60s (70s?), makeup can become exciting again. Think about the ways you can add definition without ‘caking’ it on, and instead embrace lighter layers that will look amazing on mature skin.
Do I go through all of these steps every day? Not on your life! I save this routine for special occasions. But I have friends who LOVE makeup and enjoy looking their best each and every day. So whatever floats your boat, it’s all good:)
So, now that you have read our tips and tricks, enjoy putting together your next makeup look!
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