As we age, our skin changes, and so should our beauty products. Many makeup items that worked wonders in our younger years can now accentuate the features we aim to minimize. To maintain a fresh, youthful, and vibrant look, here’s a guide to 15 makeup products to avoid after age 50.
Matte Foundations
Although matte foundations offer great coverage, they often accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look dry and aged. It’s best to avoid it at 50 and beyond.
Heavy Concealers
Thick, full-coverage concealers clump up and form an uneven layer on the skin. Apply lightweight concealers to blend seamlessly into the skin and provide necessary coverage without settling into creases and maintaining a natural, fresh look.
Glitter Eyeshadows
The light reflecting off glitter particles can draw attention to wrinkles, making them appear more prominent. Their chunky feel makes it look heavy on aging skin.
Powder Contours
Contour can add definition to your face, but for those over 50, it’s best to go light. Use a soft brush to blend the powder under your cheekbones and jawline, not on top. This creates a subtle lift without looking harsh. Pair your contour with a creamy blush or highlighter for a natural, youthful glow.
Matte Lipsticks
For a bold, long-lasting pop of color, matte lipsticks are great. However, they can dry out mature lips. To avoid this, exfoliate and moisturize first. Line your lips to prevent feathering, and choose a lightweight formula for all-day comfort.
Shimmery Highlighters
Shimmery highlighters tend to spotlight fine lines and skin texture. Subtle, luminous highlighters provide a natural glow without drawing attention to imperfections. They pronounce your skin’s radiance, creating a healthy look.
Bold Eyeshadows
Bold eyeshadows can be fun to add personality and vibrancy to your look. However, remember that bold colors draw attention to the eyelids. To create a flattering look, use a primer for better color adherence and blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.
Powder Foundations
Love a matte finish? Even though powder foundation offers shine control and buildable coverage, it can leave your face dry. For senior skin, keep it natural. Use hydrating powder formulas and target oily areas.
Heavy Contours
While heavy contouring shapes your face, it can end up creating a harsh look. The makeup can settle in lines, making them more noticeable due to its flattening effect on your facial features.
Thick Mascaras
Thicker mascaras can definitely create that wow factor, but it’s important to find the right formula for mature lashes. Focus on applying light mascara at the base of your lashes to create a lifted look.
Harsh Brow Colors
Brows much darker than your natural hair can age your face. The wrong shade (cool for warm hair or vice versa) looks odd too. So, skip the super dark brows and choose a shade that matches your natural hair color, then use light strokes to mimic individual hairs for better results.
Cakey Concealers
Using concealer to achieve a flawless look is a great option, especially for concealing dark circles or blemishes. However, to achieve a natural finish, remember that a little goes a long way! Apply a small amount and blend it thoroughly for even coverage without appearing cakey.
Bold Blushes
Mature skin can rock bold blush, but for a more natural flush, apply softer neutral tones. These shades will add a hint of color that complements your complexion without looking too heavy.
Strong Eyeliners
For women over 50, applying eyeliner involves using soft, creamy pencils or gel liners to avoid tugging on delicate skin. Focus on thin lines along the upper lash line to lift and open the eyes. Smudging the liner slightly creates a softer look.
Powder Highlighters
Choosing finely milled, satin-finish highlighters avoids emphasizing texture on older skin. Apply lightly to cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of the nose for a natural glow. Blend well with soft brushes and use a hydrating setting spray to reduce powderiness.
