So I have been accused of being a beauty product addict. In fact, one of my daughters visited recently, and when she saw my makeup tower, she said “shopping” in my bathroom was like shopping at Sephora. So needless to say, Ive tried my share of beauty products. And then tried some more. Trying to find the best makeup products for women over 50 with every single purchase.
I think as we age, we are always looking for those holy grail products that just make us feel good when we look in the mirror. And if you have the right products and tools, make up feels much more like how a dear friend lifts our spirits, then like a frenemy who makes us want Haagen Daaz.
Best Makeup Products for Women over 50
Being a woman over 50 changes what we need out of our makeup and skin care. For instance, I have always had oily skin and now have larger pores because of it. However, I can’t use the “poreless” products made for a 25 year old, or they will grab onto my wrinkles, texture and happy imperfections. I also like a lifted look to my eye makeup… But heavy cat eye liner looks like someone shut the cats tail in the door on my drooping eyelids. It’s different for us. It just is. And if you can learn to change products and techniques when your skin changes, you will be much happier with your look.
So here are my top picks for makeup for women over 50… And why I chose (and use!) each one with a full review. Note: I personally choose only cruelty free brands and that is all I will recommend. It isn’t something I even thought about when I was younger, but now that I do, it’s a non negotiable for me. Another one of those changes as life “grows” on!
Primer
So I like to use combination products whenever possible, because again skin tends to grab onto everything you put on it. The more layers, the higher chance for cakiness, heavyness and texture issues. One of the ways I do that is I use a sunscreen that also makes for a great makeup primer. Here are my favs!
Supergoop Unseen – Super silky going on, great for all skin types, weightless and doubles as a primer.
Thrive Causemetics Sunproof – Another one that feels like silk going on that I love is Thrive Causemetics Sunproof. The company donates a product to women’s shelters for every one you buy, so I feel good about it. And, it works amazing!
Colorscience Sunforgettable – If you are looking for a 100% mineral sunscreen… this is a good one. It feels heavy initially going on, but give it a second. It will start spreading nicely, dries down to a natural finish and protects really well.
Best Foundation For Women over 50
One of the things I’ve found with foundation as my skin has aged is that I can’t use anything too heavy, or it highlights my texture and large pores. If you still have small pores and hydrated skin, you might have a different experience. But for me, I’ve found a secret. Either use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, or add luminizer drops or moisturizer to your foundation before applying.
Tarte Skin Treat- My everyday makeup. Blends well, covers well, but not too much, doesn’t cake. Built in SPF 20.
Tarte Face Tape Foundation – This is a full coverage foundation that is great for evenings out or special events. I still blend it with a drop of moisturizer so it doesn’t grab and cake on my skin texture. Then I apply with a damp beauty sponge, allow the first layer to dry, then add another light layer if needed with a dry beauty sponge.
Glossier Future Dew – I got this in my Itsy bag, and it sat in my makeup tower for months. I never want anything on my face to “glow” or look glittery. Probably comes from a lifetime of having oily skin and fighting that sine. But, my skin has changed. It needed something. Then I finally decided to give it a try, and wow! They add the tiniest amount of luminosity, dilute thick foundation nicely, and add moisture. I love it!
Concealer
Il Makiage **** I’m Flawless Concealer
Powder / Blush/ Contour / Highlight
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush
Eye Liner
I use eyeshadow with from a brush dampened with NYX matte setting spray for natural eyeliner. But when I want a bolder look, I use either a pot gel liner or a liquid pen liner.
For upper waterline/ tightlining
Beauty for Real I-Line Gel Eyeliner
Eye Shadow
Tarte Palettes – I use In Bloom, Juicy and Lil’ Toasted… But I seriously want them all!
Mascara for Older Women
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara
Brows
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil
Lashes for Middle Aged Women
Lips
Thrive Causemetics Glossy Lip in the color Ruth is a perfect choice because you can use it as a natural gloss that gives just a hint of color and definition, or use it over another lip product to add shine. If your lipstick, liner of stain has faded as the day goes on, it renews your lip look with a swipe! Plus its very hydrating but not sticky.
Nail Polish
These are the best makeup products for women over 50 I’ve found yet! Keep watching for upcoming posts and videos on makeup application techniques that work for me in middle age!
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Thank you for this great information. I am 74 and truly enjoyed your comments. Yes , we were raised in a different strict society. Feel so much better and free. Rose 🌹♥️
Thank you Rose, I am so glad you are finding a more free way to live!