Ten Game-Changing Makeup Tips for Mature Skin

It’s inevitable that our skin changes as we grow older, but rather than trying to cover up our perceived ‘imperfections’, makeup for mature skin should enhance our natural features and complement the beauty of growing older. As we age, the skin’s collagen production slows down, the skin loses elasticity, dark spots and discolouration appear, and static fine lines and winkles can become more prominent. These changes are perfectly normal – a sign of a well-lived life – but makeup for older women can help diminish their appearance without disguising your natural radiance. In the below guide, Lancôme Australia have assembled their top ten game-changing makeup tips for mature skin.

Tip #1: Skin prep is essential

Efficacious skincare is a fundamental step for any mature age makeup routine. Well-hydrated skin is plump and supple, which provides a smooth canvas for makeup application.

Skincare Expert Tip:

“The importance of skin prep can’t be overstated, especially for skin that’s prone to dryness as mature skin often is,”
“As we age, our skin tends to become drier, so it’s important to boost the skin’s moisture levels with eye creams and serums, and moisturisers that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.”

~ Brittany Hanchard, National Skincare Expert

After cleansing to remove impurities, apply Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum to slightly damp skin. This brightening serum harnesses the combined power of hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C and niacinamide for plumping and smoothing, and ferulic acid to neutralise free radical damage. Follow this up with Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream to further nourish the skin before makeup.

Tip #2: Use a hydrating primer

You can bolster your skincare routine with a hydrating primer to further smooth out your complexion and blur lines prior to makeup application. Formula-wise, we recommend a primer that feels gentle on the skin and focuses on hydration rather than mattifying. Incorporate the Teint Idôle Ultra Wear 24H Hydrating Priming Serum into your mature makeup regime after your skincare and SPF. This balm-like texture enriches the complexion with enriching ingredients to offer lightweight, 24-hour hydration.

Tip #3: Opt for lighter coverage

Since aging skin naturally loses volume, fine lines and wrinkles can become more pronounced and you might find that heavy makeup accentuates these skin concerns. When applying makeup for women over 50, light or minimal coverage can look wonderful on mature skin to even out skin tone and increase radiance. Seek out foundations, concealers and powders that offer buildable coverage so you can find the perfect natural finish that magnifies your beauty instead of masking it.

Tip #4: Know how to conceal

The ‘less is more’ approach to makeup for mature skin is perfect for concealer. Since concealer is both thicker and more concentrated than foundation, it can settle into deeper facial lines or look cakey when over-applied to the delicate skin of the eye contour. Instead, apply concealer with a light touch, using the tip of your finger to warm the product so you can effortlessly blend. Lancôme’s Effacernes Long Lasting Concealer diminishes the appearance of discolouration and imperfections while offering a natural finish that gently illuminates.

Tip #5: Colour-correct dark circles

Some techniques for how to apply makeup over 50 may conflate concealing and colour-correcting, but knowing when to use colour-corrector can help de-accentuate darks circles and lighten up the under-eye area. Use an orange or peach-coloured colour corrector to cancel out the blue tones in your dark circles. You can then apply a light layer of your regular concealer over the top.

Tip #6: Re-assess your foundation finish

We know that buildable products with a natural finish are ideal for fine lines and wrinkles, so what is the best foundation for mature skin? Matte formulas can be drying on mature skin, whereas dewy foundations with hydrating formulas will keep your complexion nourished, while smoothing texture and tone. You can choose your perfect foundation based on your needs; for instance, if you’re looking for moisturising, lightweight coverage with a hint of colour, a BB cream or tinted moisturiser might work best for you. For a little more coverage, you can reach for the Teint Miracle Foundation – a lightweight, water-based foundation that offers a luminous, radiance-boosting finish.

Tip #7: Use a light hand around the eyes

As we get older, it’s common to experience wrinkles and sagging skin around the eye contour. If using dark, heavy makeup for older women, this can make the eyes appear smaller and emphasize signs of aging such as hooded eyelids. Lighter, warm-toned eyeshadows can be both beautiful and subtle, so opt for a cream blush in champagne, blush pink or light brown. We recommend keeping eyeliner minimal – just on the upper lash line or waterline – and using a precise wand like Idôle Liner. Finish with a coat of Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara to open the eyes.

Tip #8: Warm up the face with bronzer

Mature skin can look dull at times, which makes bronzer perfect for mature makeup looks since it adds natural-looking warmth back to the complexion. Take your Belle De Teint Bronzer and sweep your bronzer under the cheek bones (for a slightly lifted effect), down the sides of the nose, across your hairline and under the jawline for a summer glow.

Tip #9: Strategically apply cream blush formulas

Rosy cheeks are for everyone, so the key to choosing the right blush for mature skin comes down to the formula. We know that the best makeup for mature skin is also hydrating, so you might want to opt for cream or liquid formulas depending on your skin texture. Apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks by lightly tapping your fingers against your skin. For an extra sunkissed look, you can apply a faint amount across the bridge of your nose.

Tip #10: Keep the brows soft

Sharp or flat brows can be quite harsh on the face, so we recommend keeping your brows soft and in their natural shape. A fine-tipped pencil offers great precision if you want to closely mimic existing brow hairs. Take a Brôw Shaping Powdery Pencil and fill in any sparse areas, then use the spoolie end to blend the pencil and softly comb your brows.

If you loved our recommendations for how to apply makeup on mature skin, discover Lancôme’s skincare guide for mature skin.