Do you need to change your makeup as you get older? It’s completely up to you, but it’s certainly worth assessing your products and seeing if they’re still right for you, right now. As a beauty editor in my 50s, I have some “forever” favourites that have been in my makeup bag for years (you can bury me in Benefit Bad Gal Bang mascara), but in many cases, I’ve found new and improved formulas that are far more flattering on my midlife skin, not to mention easier to apply.
The experts agree, too. “I think you do have to change and adapt,” says makeup artist Ruby Hammer. “My skin isn’t the same as it was in my 20s, so I don’t try to hang on to certain makeup just because it looked perfect in the past. There’s no point thinking, ‘Oh, I used to be able to…’ Always address what works for you now.”
These are the most flattering makeup changes to make over 50, according to the experts.
Choose a foundation with skincare benefits
A good foundation tip for older skin is to choose the sheerest one that suits your skin’s coverage needs, and apply the least amount possible. (Think the difference between blotchy bare legs and 10-denier tights.) Base doesn’t have to be applied all over, either – try patting it onto the centre of your face and feathering it out.
Mature skin is more prone to dehydration, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and dark spots. To keep skin looking fresh, swap out full-coverage foundations for lighter bases with skincare benefits. Ruby says: “Even if you have pigmentation or rosacea, choose a buildable base and apply in thin layers. You can always add more on areas of concern.”
A great bargain buy with an expensive-looking finish – and that's just half the story. Not only does it make skin look immediately fresh and healthy, it's proven to leave your actual skin more even in tone with repeated daily wear.
Controlling shine and blurring imperfections for hours at time has never been easier, thanks to this ultra-sheer (and buildable) liquid foundation. It's infused with hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts to lock in hydration.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and boosted with SPF 30, this makeup-skincare hybrid delivers a gorgeous soft matte finish whilst increasing moisture and protecting against UV. A win-win.
Try a skin brightener
For a “can’t put your finger on it” boost, try swapping traditional base for a brightener. “These subtle products enhance skin without looking makeup-y at all,” says makeup artist and author Hannah Martin. The coverage is lighter than even a traditional tinted moisturiser, so you might need a separate product to address issues such as pigmentation (more on that in a minute), but for a quick injection of glow, these new formulas can be incredibly flattering.
Jones Road Miracle Balm All-Over Glow
For healthy skin in a pot, we adore this multi-tasker. It's particularly beautiful in place of base on low-key days, with extra patted onto cheeks and lips. A gorgeous light-reflecting, soft-focus veil, it's available in a range of shades to suit all complexions.
Place concealer strategically
When you’re leaning into lighter bases, think of concealer like a discolouration drone you can use to target the areas that need it. Use a slightly thicker formula for rosacea or pigmentation, and one of the new skincare-first products for brightening your under-eyes. For dark circles, Hannah explains that “there’s a shift towards strategic placement of concealer to brighten and lift.”
Instead of covering the entire under-eye area, Ruby advises: “Blend a touch in the inner corners and the edge of dark circles, then a dab at the outer corners – sweep it upwards and outwards. You can’t defy gravity, but you can give it a little tilt.” You can also sweep concealer lightly beneath cheekbones and your brow bone, for extra lift.
“Using a brush will help you target your area with more precision and it will look less obvious,” adds makeup artist Amalie Russell.
This is a highly pigmented pencil with a precise 3mm tip for disguising age spots and blemishes. The buildable gel formula is based on a blend of waxes and silicones, ensuring it glides on easily and balances coverage with a believable, long-lasting finish.
Nobody has done more for modernising the way we apply concealer than Gucci Westman, the iconic makeup artist who pioneered the pared-back 'dot it, don't swipe it' approach. Combine that sparing approach with this sophisticated formula that blends like a dream.
As the name suggests, NYX's formula is skincare-led and our beauty editors were impressed by how well it brightens the under-eye area without creasing or emphasising fine lines. It's well priced, too.
This easy-to-blend product was a worthy winner in GHI's Hall of Fame awards, scooping the 'best concealer' crown. In fact, it received the highest score EVER for a makeup product, with our reader panel wowed by its light-reflective finish, and long-wearing yet creamy formula.
Use a setting powder
You might feel nervous about using even the best setting powder on mature skin, but don’t be. “The technology has advanced so much, it’s not like those old, heavy talc formulas,” reassures Ruby. “A lovely loose translucent powder doesn’t just set your makeup without drying skin, it enhances your complexion with a line-blurring, illuminating finish.”
“Opt for using a powder with a fluffy brush, rather than a powder puff, as this will keep the effect airy and radiant,” Amalie says.
This breathable and comfortable powder is really worth the hype. With makeup artists and journalists alike having sung its praises since its launch, expect a gorgeous modern matte complexion.
This translucent, mineral loose powder uses hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deliver skin-first goodness whilst creating a soft blur.
Tailored to your skin tone, this ultra-fine powder is ideal for setting foundation and minimising any shine. Apply with a small fluffy brush to anywhere you experience oil.
The definition of 'matte not flat', this powder seamlessly sets makeup and reduces the appearance of pores, while keeping dimension to the face.
Never skip the blush
Most makeup artists will tell you older skin comes to life with a sheer wash of cream blush. “It instantly makes you look bright and happy,” says Bobbi. A pinky blush is her favourite shade, while Ruby calls out red as a surprisingly soft, suits-all shade. “It’s the colour of the blood that runs in all our veins, so red gives the most natural effect. Smile, put a little where the cheek pops, then blend it upwards and outwards. Blush gives you a bloom, so never skip it. Even if you have rosacea, you still need a tiny bit of something.”
With a handy applicator, this liquid blush is so blendable and has recently had a shade extension. Easily build up or sheer out pigment depending on desired look.
This multipurpose colour stick is great for applying to cheeks, lips and eyes, too. With six vibrant shades, the hydrating formula delivers the perfect hue.
This formula is as blendable as it is beautifully pigmented, so a little goes a long way. We love the handy stick formula, and the suits-all red shade is great for lips as well.
Ditch contouring
Avoid contouring. “It never looks natural,” says Bobbi. Instead, aim for a gentle glow, using a cream bronzer that's “a shade or two darker than you – no more, or you’ll look muddy – and blend it on the high points of your face that catches the sun,” advises Ruby.
No7 Pro Artist Soft Glow Cream Bronzer Medium Glow
Part of No7's premium range, created by top makeup artist Nicola Chapman, this luxurious formula melts into the skin to give a seamless, sun-kissed effect.
Swap liquid for pencil
Swap harsh black liquid liner for a butter-soft deep-brown pencil on the upper lashline. “Use a brush to soften the line and work it into the lash roots,” says Ruby. Focus on the outer corners for a subtle lifting effect and apply less, if any, on the lower lashline to avoid pulling the eye downwards.
“I love kajals as they’re so blendable,” says Hannah. “There’s no dragging like you get with some eye pencils.” The Victoria Beckham kajal is loved by every makeup artist we know, and for flattering softness plus longevity, head to our Jones Road Gel Liner review.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner
Go matte on the eyes
Faithful to your smokey eye? Fantastic! But if you’re open to a few eye makeup tweaks, MAC senior artist Debbie Finnegan is here to guide you. Firstly, eyeshadow primers are essential if you find your eyeshadow disappear by midday. They’re also great for smoothing out crepiness and creating a neutral base for the eyeshadow pigments to “pop’.
As for the shadows themselves, matte and satin textures are less likely to highlight fine lines, says Debbie, but avoid heavily frosted shadows as these can look dated and harsh.
With four complementary shades, these shadows are highly pigmented and have a buttery, easy-to-blend formula.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in 'The Sophisticate'
A gorgeous combination of cream, tan, taupe and chocolate shades make this palette extra special. Use the lightest shade in the corner of the eye to draw attention.
The shades in this split pot eyeshadow duo can be used for layering or worn separately. Simply use your fingertips to apply, or a small tipped brush to pack on even more pigment.
This not-quite eyeshadow uses light-reflecting pigments to deliver a pearlised effect that creates an awake, bright eye.
If you’re fed up of huge palettes with just one or two shades you actually use, try switching to an eyeshadow crayon. “I love long-wear cream sticks for an easy, polished look – they allow you time to blend, but once they’ve dried, they stay all day,” says Hannah.
When it comes to the best eyeshadow crayons, L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick is a bargain, and we always get compliments on the Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eyeshadow and Liner in Topaz.
In 10 matte and shimmer shades and costing under a tenner, this is a great high street alternative to pricey designer shadow crayons
This formula lasts all day, and we always got complimented on the bronzy-gold Topaz shade
Change your lipstick for a tint
Shock news: Bobbi hasn’t worn regular lipstick for years: “I don’t think proper, full-coverage lipsticks look good on me or a lot of women. They look too hard and too ageing,” she revealed. For a softer look that won’t slide off like gloss, go for a balm-stick hybrid or a tinted lip stain in a shade close to your natural lips.
Or apply nude liner as an outline, then buff in across the lip for a clean, modern look. “Liner is the quickest way to achieve fuller, more defined lips” as well as preventing feathering and bleeding, says makeup artist Grace Fodor. Try her Studio 10 Lip Perfecting Plumping Liner, £25.
It's transfer proof but leaves lips nourished rather than shrivelled, so flattering on older lips. We like the way that the pigment can be built up from semi-sheer and subtle to a bolder pop of colour.
It's a classic for a good reason. If you're looking for a nourishing balmy formula that gives a bitten lip effect, we recommend Clinique's Black Honey.
Glassy as it goes on and matte as it dries, this liquid lip is smudge-free and non-drying thanks to its clever reformulation.
This demi-matte, ultra-silky and highly pigmented lip creme feels like you aren't wearing anything. Plus, the rich blend of oils stops any unflattering feathering.
A grown-up take on a lip gloss, this stains lips to give a long-lasting sheen of colour but without the tackiness.
Pair this liner with lipstick to define and prevent feathering, or wear it all over. We love the dual ender, which makes the Cupid's bow pop and lips look instantly fuller.
