7 Life-Changing Makeup Hacks For Women Over 50
Imagine a morning that’s less hectic because you know instinctively how to do your makeup so that it looks fantastic every time. A few great makeup hacks can help — especially if you’re bewildered about how to give your skin and features that little extra “lift” and “oomph” you feel may be missing. You may think the answer is foundation and contour makeup galore (plenty of celebs and YouTube makeup tutorials will have you thinking this, too). But the solution to your beauty woes isn’t more is more, it’s less is more and technique is everything.
We rounded up seven of the best tried-and-true makeup hacks for women over 50, which are honestly applicable for all ages.
Apply metallic cream eye shadow on the eyelids’ center
One of the best – and timeless – eye makeup hacks that Beauty Expert Ana Roberts, co-founder and chief editor of Top Trends Guide swears by is putting metallic cream eye shadow right at the center of the eyelids. “I know that many busy working women under 40 worry about their eyes looking tired all the time, and this makeup hack will make your eyes look brighter and more awake,” Roberts says. “What’s more, this eye makeup trick transcends all yearly trends, so you can do this any season, any day, and any time. It’s also very easy to do. Just get a fingertip-sized amount of metallic cream eye shadow, then apply it at the center of your eyelids. You can choose a lighter shade for a daytime look and a darker one for evenings. Whenever light hits your lids, your eyes are sure to open up.”
One good rule of thumb, if you’re wondering which metallic shades to choose, is to go for silvers if you have cool-toned skin and golds and coppers if your skin is on the warmer side.
Use color correcting formulas
Concealer can only do so much. In order to cover up red spots, discoloration, or sallowness, color-correcting concealers and primers are your friend. “Color correcting is a technique that involves using a color opposite to the skin’s concern to neutralize it,” says Beauty Expert Sunica Du, an Asian fashion designer & illustrator at SunicaDesign.com. “For example, green can cover redness, orange can cover dark circles, and peach can cover blue/purple discoloration. Apply a small amount of color corrector to the targeted area and blend it out with a brush or sponge before applying foundation.”
Tightline
Tightlining is a technique that involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline of your eyes (note: not the bottom waterline, which can make eyes appear smaller). “That can make your lashes look fuller, and your eyes appear more open,” Du says. “Use a waterproof eyeliner and gently apply it to the upper waterline, pushing the color into the base of the lashes.”
Curl lashes
The fastest way to open up tired eyes? Grab your trusty eyelash curler. “Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes and open up your eye area,” Du says. “Hold the curler at the base of your lashes for a few seconds, then gently release. Repeat this process at the middle and tip of your lashes to create a natural-looking curl.” You can even get a heated curler or briefly (very briefly!) heat yours up with a hair dryer to add even more oomph to lashes.
Outline lips with lip liner
As we age our lips lose collagen and it can be more difficult to determine where your lipstick should begin and end. “To make your lips appear plumper, use a nude lip liner to outline your lips just outside your natural lip line,” Du suggests. “Then, fill in your lips with lipstick that is a similar shade to the liner. You'll have everyone thinking you got lip fillers!”
Swap powders for cream blush
Cream blush creates a more natural, youthful glow than powder blush, Du says. “Apply it to the apples of your cheeks with your fingers, blending it out towards your temples. That will create a natural-looking flush that mimics the look of youthful skin.”
Don’t skip primer and good skincare
Flawless makeup begins with a solid skincare routine. Aging skin requires more hydration and smooth skin will allow any makeup you apply over it to sit well and not settle into pores and fine lines. Apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, allowing it to dry, follow up with a hydrating sunscreen, and then wait for that to dry before beginning your makeup with a primer. A great primer prepares your skin for foundation, concealer by providing a barrier that blurs pores and discourages makeup from “settling.” Don’t jump straight into makeup without taking care of the basics first.
