5 Genius Makeup Tips for Women with Gray Hair
Something that’s awesome: Gray hair is now widely accepted as chic. But if you’re letting your natural strands come through, it can also take some getting used to. That means you’ll probably want to rethink your beauty routine and adjust your makeup to your new 'do. Here, five simple tips to keep in mind.
RELATED: 13 Women, From Their 20s to Their 70s, On How They Handled Going Gray
1. Cocktail your foundation
It's normal to notice age-related changes in your skin like fine lines, enlarged pores or areas of discoloration. And though your first instinct might be to cover or camouflage things, it's actually better to use a light hand when it comes to foundation or concealer. Try mixing a few drops of liquid highlighter with a light-to-medium coverage foundation before buffing it into your skin with a soft, fluffy makeup brush. Thinning out your foundation this way gives you a dewy, brightening effect while still delivering coverage. It's also less likely to crease or settle into any areas of texture.
Shop complexion products: Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation ($20); Sephora Collection PRO Foundation Brush #56 ($30); Iconic London Illuminator Liquid Highlight ($40)
2. Focus on your brows
Eyebrows frame any face—regardless of hair color—but this becomes especially important with gray hair, which can make you look washed out more easily. To keep your arches looking sharp, use a brow pencil to define the ends, as they tend to thin the most with age. Ideally, you'll want to use a shade that's most similar to the color of your natural roots (before they turned gray). And if you're still stumped, a dark taupe is usually a safe bet. Tip: Finish by brushing them out with a spoolie so they look soft and feathered.
Shop brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($23)
3. Highlight your cheeks
Now is not the time to shy away from blush. Skipping color here can, again, make you look washed out, so brighten things up with a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending upward to give a lifted effect. On that note: Peachy tones are the most universally flattering because they make your skin glow, and creamier formulas tend to be more compatible with fine lines.
Shop blush: Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick ($28)
4. Define your eyes
When you have gray hair, one of the most important things you can do, makeup-wise, is to make your features pop. That means eyeliner and/or eyeshadow is definitely a “do”—especially if it’s in a warm brown or navy; black eyeliner may contrast with your hair too aggressively and look severe. For eyeshadows, opt for warm, matte shades over cool, shimmery ones.
Shop eye makeup: Urban Decay 24-7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($22); Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette ($29)
5. Embrace a bold lip
Neutral colors (like rose or nude) have a tendency to fall flat against gray hair. Instead, go for bolder hues like a bright berry or a pink-y peach; shinier or satin finishes also tend to be more flattering than matte lipsticks.
Shop lipstick: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Color ($58)
