Mature skin needs a bit more attention as the passing of time triggers cell damage. This means that extra care should be given to our facial skin, finding the right products to help regenerate our skin cells and keep it soft and supple for longer.
Mature skin tends to dry quickly, so looking for makeup products that hydrate and keep skin moisturized throughout the day makes sense. Protection from the damaging ultraviolet sun rays is a must when you are over 50. This means that choosing products with a higher SPF factor is highly recommended. Also, you might want to use facial sunscreen before applying your makeup.
Makeup products should be selected carefully, and spending a bit more for better products is better to have the best results. Also, good brands have products designed for mature skin, with added benefits such as antioxidants.
Read here: Makeup trends to try this season.
How is facial skin affected by aging?
As we age, our skin thins out and becomes more fragile, and our complexion looks pale and translucent due to depigmentation. The sun has a massive effect on the skin, and dark spots can appear under sunlight.
Our skin wrinkles and sages due to the loss of its elasticity and the gravitational effect. People who spend more time in direct sunlight will notice that their skin will age quickly. Great care should then be given to the amount of time spent outside unprotected.
Makeup application for mature skin
Before applying makeup, use a good moisturizer suitable for 50+, keeping your complexion well-hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer with an SPF over 15 or follow up with a suitable facial sunscreen. This will plump your skin, cover fine lines, and make makeup easier to apply.
The good idea is to choose a moisturizer containing antioxidants to revitalize your skin and slow down the aging.
Sunscreen application
In terms of how to choose a facial sunscreen, plenty of products are on the market. Choose one that complements your skin, offers hydration, excellent protection, and doesn’t need reapplying too often. Remember that this sunscreen will be under your makeup, so it needs to blend well into the skin.
Primer for aging skin
Using a primer is our next recommended step if you want your makeup to last longer, especially during adverse weather conditions. A primer is a translucent cream that helps smooth lines and skin imperfections, giving your skin a soft, healthy glow. This step can be skipped if you find that you don’t like to spend so much time getting ready.
Concealer for mature skin
Now it’s time for your concealer. Use this to cover aging spots, red skin, and, most importantly, under your eyes. A good concealer should be weightless and easy to apply.
Foundation
We recommend looking into buying a liquid one rather than stick or powder when choosing your foundation.
As aging skin is dryer, a stick or powder formula isn’t your best choice as these tend to dry the complexion.
Your foundation should have a good SPF factor to protect you against UVA/UVB. Look for a foundation that gives you a healthy, natural look. You might need to change your color from time to time as you advance in age due to skin discoloration.
If you want a lighter makeup option, you can choose to wear a tinted moisturizer, especially on days when you spend your time closer to home with family and friends.
Eye shadow for over 50’s
In terms of eye shadow, after 50, it is better to avoid striking colors and choose natural shades that give your eyes luminosity and optically widen the eyelid.
Avoid using cream or stick eye makeup, as these tend to run with time and get into creases, making wrinkles more visible.
Invest in a good-quality brand, as this will go a long way and offer you the best ingredients.
Powder for mature skin
Using the setting powder could dry your skin; however, if you followed the first two steps and your skin is well hydrated, a loose translucent setting powder suitable for dry skin could make your makeup stay longer. Use this step when you want to look your best for special occasions.
Using blush for aging skin
Applying a good blush or bronzing powder is essential to achieve a healthy look on paler skin.
As the eye makeup, choose a good brand, a brand with added minerals if possible. Apply carefully to achieve a natural look, and don’t use too much or a too dark color.
Applying your blush before adding eye makeup is better as it will be more natural-looking.
Mascara for dry eyes
Most people notice thinning eyelashes with aging. Some discoloration can also appear; just like greying hair, eyelashes can become lighter in color.
It’s important to choose a mascara that doesn’t dry out, clump, or give volume and is waterproof to avoid the so-called Panda eyes later in the day.
Eyebrow pencil with brush
You may also find that you need to define your eyebrows. Aging affects the eyebrows by thinning and greying. Choose a good eyebrow pencil, preferably with a brush or another eyebrow makeup product such as tinted pomade, gel, or tattoo dye kit.
Lip balm for cracked lips
Don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF. Using this before applying lipstick will give moisture to your lips, and the lip color will be easier to apply.
Lipstick for older women
Choose a lipstick with vitamin E or other antioxidants, if at all possible.
Avoid using liquid formulas as they tend to run straight into the creases, giving your mouth a cracked look.
Bear in mind that long-lasting lip colors can dry your lips, so look for formulas that moisturize as well. Finishing with these steps, your makeup is ready.
Let’s look at what is on offer regarding products for over 50’s.
Best makeup for older women
After discussions with makeup artists, having looked at other people’s recommendations, and through our own research, we compiled a list of the most suitable makeup products for aging skin over 50.
Follow the product links to read about product specifications such as ingredients and shades, more about the brand, and of course, read other users’ opinions and reviews. You will see images of the product and its packaging, and if you like what you see, click to buy your chosen item.
Here are our recommendations based on honest customer reviews, beauticians’ advice, and on our trials:
Best makeup primers for older skin:
- Monica Ann Beauty Dual Action Primer
- Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer
- Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Face Primer
- Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer Spf 30
- Algenist Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Primer
- Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
- Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer
Our choice is Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start instant perfecting Primer. Elizabeth Arden products are made to prolong a woman’s natural beauty, making them the perfect choice for mature skin.
Choosing the right foundation is important for all women, especially those over 50. The foundation for mature skin should be hydrating and should not be too heavy, or it may pack into lines and wrinkles.
Packaged in a sleek, minimalist box with various sizes and shades available, Origins Stay Tuned Balancing Face Makeup has glowing customer reviews. Though the foundation itself doesn’t provide SPF, it’s perfect for use after applying a primer that offers SPF protection. This foundation was found to be within the top 82% of allergen-free products – it does not contain gluten, parabens, or harmful dyes.
Benefits include:
- Buildable coverage
- Light, airy feel
- Natural finish
- Long-lasting
- Premium quality with an affordable price
- Prevents skin from looking greasy or shiny throughout the day
- Smooth, seamless application
Choosing this foundation is important in creating a full-face look that will give all women, including those with aging skin, a healthy, confident glow!
Best concealers for older skin:
- Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Natural-Looking Concealer
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
- Yves Saint Laurent – Highlighter Touche éclat Yves Saint Laurent
- bareMinerals BarePro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer
- Mary Kay Concealer
- Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer is recommended for aging skin over 50 by most of the users.
Best foundation for women over 50:
- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15
- Lancome Renergie Lift Makeup Foundation SPF 20
- Origins Stay Tuned Balancing Face Makeup
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 for All Skin Types
- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
- Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 30
- Lancome Teint Visionnaire Duo perfecting Foundation
- Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
- Zelens Age Control Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place has very positive reviews from customers over 50. It offers professional coverage with a smoothing effect leading to a flawless look. Just what you need for aging skin. The only downside we could find is the low SPF factor. We think that Lancome Teint Visionnaire 2in1 Perfecting Foundation is the best foundation for women over 50, and this is why we think so:
This makeup duo produced by the best makeup brand for over 50 is a fantastic choice for all ages, especially for older skin due to its formula that smoothes wrinkles, covers aging spots, dark spots, redness, and reduces the pore size. When investing in this beauty product, you will get, in the same packaging, a corrector and a liquid foundation in the shade you have chosen. This clever packaging also has an inserted round mirror so that you can reapply your makeup anywhere anytime.
Among the specified benefits you also get:
- excellent professional coverage
- lightweight feeling
- easy application
- 7 shades to choose from
- SPF20
- vitamin-enriched formula
- Suitability for all skin types
- non-comedogenic
Eye makeup over 50 (eyeshadow):
- Clinique All About Crease and Fade Resistant Eye Shadow Duo
- Clarins Ombre Minerale Smoothing And Long Lasting Mineral Eyeshadow
- Lancome Auda[City] in Paris Eye Shadow
- Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Limited-Edition Eyeshadow Palette
- IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette
- The Balm Cosmetics Meet Trimony Matte Eyeshadow Palette
For a neutral and natural look, we chose Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Palette. It contains minerals that benefit mature skin, doesn’t get into the fine lines, and comes in attractive packaging.
Blush for older skin:
- Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Color
- Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour
- Clinique Soft Pressed Powder Blusher
- MAC Mineralize Blush
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow
- Smashbox L.A Lights blendable lip and cheek color
- Honest Beauty Luminizing Glow Powder
We’ve chosen Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Color as this will give your skin a healthy glow. Clarins uses innovative ingredients in all its products, making the brand to go especially if you have mature skin. It’s an affordable luxury and lasts for a very long time.
Mascara:
- Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara for Women
- Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
- Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara
- Clarins Supra Volume Mascara
- Christian Dior Diorshow Lash Extension Effect Volume Mascara
- Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara does what it says: everything. It gives strength to soft lashes, defines and lengthens them. This is what you look for when you are over 50’s and need that extra bit of care and attention.
Endlessly Beautiful Natural Organic Mascara
Did you know that you can still accomplish that lengthy, curled look with that total ‘wow’ factor with the right organic mascara? The organic beauty industry puts a lot of time, effort, and research into developing their products, so you don’t even need to pursue the synthetic route. Natural ingredients will let the beauty you’re given shine without additives that add extra oomph boosted by chemicals. While conventional beauty products and false lashes might work well and look great on the surface, their lasting damaging effects are evident. With over 1800 reviews on Amazon, Endlessly Beautiful’s Organic Mascara is the best choice for women looking for an all-natural, non-toxic, nourishing solution that promotes lash growth and won’t harm your eyelashes.
The best lipstick for mature skin:
- Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
- Christian Dior Addict Lipstick
- Clinique Long Last Lipstick
- Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipstick
- NARS Sheer Lipstick
- YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Volupté Shine
- Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick
Mature users recommend Clinique Long Last Lipstick due to its prolonged wear without drying or cracking the lips. Of course, plenty of products are on the market, and it’s worth trying and testing more brands before deciding which suits you best.
Don’t be afraid to make bold choices or invest more in quality products. You can find them in shops, and we recommend asking for testers or makeup in-store trials or looking online on Amazon or other shopping websites.
Enjoy your shopping, and come back to read through our other articles related to skincare, antioxidant advice, and reviews!
We want to know your opinion. Which one is your favorite makeup for aging skin over 50?
Please send us a message.