How to put your best face forward after 50

We don't want to look good for our age. We want to look good, whatever our age.

Beauty is ageless. That's because beauty has more to do with the light coming from your heart, reflected in your eyes, that with young and flawless skin.

To make your face reflect that light, women *of a certain age* need more than the make-up routine they learned as teenagers or young adults and are still practising. That's because humans are creatures of habit. It's easy to fall into comfortable beauty routines. Your makeup needs to change as you do. 

If you haven't updated your beauty regime for a while you are unintentionally making yourself look out of date. Let go of what's no longer working and try new approaches to stay fresh and glowing.

Those minutes each morning in front of a mirror are about so much more than putting your face on - it's also about security and confidence. Maybe you haven't thought about your beauty routine as reflective of your inner self, reflective of your strength and security. Even if you're the type of woman who is perfectly comfortable with no makeup on, you can't deny that sometimes you'll feel like a more up-leveled version of yourself with it on. 

So, let's start to reveal your older but still radiant self.

Foundation

The problem with foundation is that is disappears within a few hours on older, thirstier skin. The solution is primer to help makeup stay put. If you haven't used it before, now is the time to start.

As bizarre as this analogy sounds, it holds true: You wouldn't paint a wall without priming it first. Same with your face. Primer prepares your skin for what's coming and helps foundation - aka the paint - stay put.

Eyeliner

It's a fact our eyes lose definition and look smaller as we get older. Yes, you can still use eyeliner. Not, it shouldn't be black.

To avoid a harsh look, try a smudged application with an eye crayon. It will always be more flattering than a thin defined line. You might try charcoal gray or deep navy if you are best in cool tones. Warm tones will wear muted brown or soft olive well.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow can be one of the trickiest pieces of make up in our day-to-day life because eyeshadows may crease on crepey lids.

It's not easy to master, since there are so many colours and options, but be aware that many of our favourite shades make our eyes look older than they actually are. Bold blues and garish greens in particular, as well as any shiny or shimmery shades can add years to your actual age. 

It's important to re-evaluate colours and shades from time-to-time. If there is one thing we've learned over the years, less is more and wearing muted shades will always look lovely.

Blush

Blush is essential on an older face to restore a glow. The days of wearing excessive rosy rouge looks very old school. A tiny bit of blush is a better option to make your face look healthy and sun-kissed.

This might be a good time to toss out your old powdered blush and switch to something dewier. Make sure you apply it right on the cheekbone, not higher because if you do it will draw attention to under your eyes.

Lipstick 

Every one of us has watched a woman put on lipstick and stand a little taller. Sometimes we feel like spicing things up and reach for an edgy or dark lipstick. Sadly, some darker shades could result in making you look older, especially if it's formulation is matte.

Lipstick may bleed and feather into the lines are the mouth. Over the years our lips might have become thinner and paler and a nude colour with a soft sheen will downplay the inevitable signs of ageing around the lips.

As we already know, beauty is ageless. Today the makeup of a confident woman is empowering. You don't need to pile on loads of cosmetics or spend a lot of time getting ready. Develop a simple routine that works for you and get ready to put your best face forward.

Copyright: Helene Oseen 2023