There is so much information on how to apply makeup correctly. Still, very little seems to be written about makeup for older women and how they can best apply makeup to accentuate their features and hide imperfections. Some techniques work well on mature skin, while others won’t work as well or at all. Here are some tips that will help any woman feel happy and confident in her look, no matter her age.
Test Makeup in the Right Places
Finding a perfect shade of foundation is difficult. Finding one that matches an older woman’s skin tone is even more challenging—it seems like these days, makeup companies make foundations that work for every single type of skin except for an older woman’s. Luckily, there are ways to narrow down your search and find products that match your skin tone perfectly. The best place to start is by testing out new products on different parts of your face—the jawline and neck are great options, but you can also test color choices on other body parts, such as behind the ears or around your hairline.
Apply Skin Care Upward and Outward
Apply sunscreen or moisturizer to your face in upward strokes, working from your cheeks and forehead toward your hairline. This motion will push your skin’s natural oils downward, keeping you hydrated and preventing breakouts. In addition, it will help stretch out your skin so that when you apply makeup, it won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply Brow Makeup before Applying Eye Makeup
An easy way to make eyes look bigger is to use light or white eyeliner. This will create a more significant contrast between your eyelid and your eyebrow and make it seem like there are fewer eyelids there. The best way is to apply brow makeup before eye makeup. If you have sparse eyebrows, now would be a good time to fill them in or enhance them with pencil and mascara. Eyebrows frame your eyes; a strong brow will help distract from tiny eyes by framing them. A line of dark powder on your upper lid along with some black mascara applied to both upper and lower lashes are two other ways you can make older women’s eyes look bigger without resorting to other methods such as fake lashes.
Ensure Brow Makeup Starts and Stops Where It Should
Generally, you want to start filling in above where your eyebrows begin and finish just below where they end. If you do any more than that, it may look like you’re drawing on your face with a sharpie—or eyeliner for a night out. While everyone’s eyes are different, most women can pull off more dramatic eye makeup when their brows have been filled in lightly to match their natural color and shape. If you’re applying it correctly, no one should be able to tell that’s what you did!
Apply Eyeliner Strategically
Using a fine pencil (the thinner, the better), outline your top lid, starting at the lash line to right above your eyebrow, and draw it straight across. This is called a tight line. It can be a little tricky if you’re not used to doing it, but you should start seeing results after several tries.
A Makeup Sponge Adds Moisture
Unlike young women, older ladies want to look radiant and youthful without excessive makeup. To do so, try applying a moisturizer before applying the foundation. This will serve two purposes: It will hydrate your skin, making it appear dewier and fresher, and help you avoid overdoing your base. Instead of using a sponge or foundation brush, use light circular motions with your fingertips to blend in your moisturizer; don’t press too hard—it can cause fine lines.
