What is the best makeup for older women? Answers straight from the experts

Beauty does not have an age limit, and neither does makeup. So, all those dumb rules, such as that women should not wear bright colors after a certain age? That’s hogwash.

My mother rocks a red lip like nobody else, and she’s 73 years old. So do Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Helen Mirren (though my mom is prettier than all of them combined!).

So, why do we need to talk about the best makeup for older women at all? Not to draw boundaries but to adjust and evolve.

It has more to do with adapting to how our facial structure and skin changes over the years. As we grow older, our skin loses some elasticity and gains texture. Fine lines, wrinkles, and extra dryness are par for the course.

And that’s why you need to re-examine your makeup techniques and formulations as the years progress. Want to wear a pop of pink on your cheeks? Of course, you can! The difference lies just in how you apply it.

For instance, a powder blush may look cakey and spotlight every tiny line and wrinkle. Solution: Switch to a cream-based formula, which is the best kind of blush for mature skin.

The best foundation for mature skin is one that’s creamy rather than powder-based, so it blends in quickly and seamlessly without looking caky or settling into grooves.

Yes, it can be that simple.

And here you have all this and the rest: Your simple, expert-approved guide to the best makeup for older women, from the best foundation for mature skin to what other makeup is aging you.

First up: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Do you know why that 22-year-old neighbor has skin that glows like the sun and seems to hug her bones? The kind that annoys you because it can pull off #wokeuplikethis without cheating?

It’s because the skin contains peak levels of water, fat, and oil until the mid-20s. After that, it’s mostly downhill.

So, the first step in makeup for older women, recommended by celebrity makeup artists, is to load up on the right moisturizer — because no makeup will ever sit well on dry skin. Diligently massage a hydrating cream or oil into your skin before you pick up the first makeup brush. 

Pro-tip for mature women (and everyone else!): Put on a sheet mask before starting the makeup.

The best face primers for older women

The right primer is like the unsung hero of the makeup routine, especially for mature skin. Think of it as preparing a canvas for a painting; it creates a smooth surface for makeup application, helping to even out skin tone, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines, and extending the longevity of your makeup.

So, are you seeking the perfect primer for mature skin? It’s all about matchmaking with your skin’s needs. Is your skin more parched than a desert? Dive into a hydrating primer. If your skin has lost its pep, an illuminating primer will have you glowing. 

Top primers for mature skin

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is lightweight, oil-free, blurs imperfections, and extends the wear of foundation

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is hydrating and creates a soft, luminous base while minimizing the appearance of fine lines

NARS Radiance Primer SPF 35 provides a subtle glow while protecting the skin against the sun

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is a moisturizing primer for mature skin, infused with vitamins to nourish the complexion and create a smooth canvas

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer minimizes the appearance of pores and adds radiance

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Makeup Primer+ reduces the appearance of pores, absorbs excess grease, and creates a smooth finish if your skin is on the oily side

The best foundation for mature skin

Even your foundation should be warm, dewy, and luminescent (look for words like “moisturizing” or “light reflecting”). Liquid foundations are the best bet because they can be blended more easily than powder foundations.

Also, the best foundation for mature skin should ideally be a shade or two darker than the skin tone. A too pale, too matte foundation adds on the years by making you look washed out and exaggerating every tiny crinkle.

And use a light hand: When professional makeup artists have to age stars for the screen, they spackle on ultra-heavy foundation! What are we looking for? A natural, skin-like finish.

Top foundations for mature skin 

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a luxurious, lightweight, and buildable formula that provides a radiant finish

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is a hydrating formula that blurs imperfections, adds a subtle glow, and can be used as a primer, highlighter, or foundation

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation​ with Hyaluronic Acid is a lightweight, hydrating foundation for mature skin that evens out the skin tone while providing a natural, healthy-looking finish

Dior Backstage Foundation is waterproof and resistant to sweat, which ensures it holds up well under challenging conditions, including high temperatures and humidity.

Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation is a unique gel formula with buildable coverage, hydration, and a dewy, luminous finish.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 provides light-to-medium coverage while covering dark spots, hydration, and sun protection for a dewy look

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Foundation is a long-wearing, medium to full coverage foundation that delivers a flawless finish, airbrushed finish for all skin types.

Make Up For Ever Reboot Active Care Revitalizing Foundation is infused with skincare benefits to revitalize and restore the complexion with a natural-looking glow.

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation leaves skin feeling super hydrated while minimizing pores with a blurring effect.

That under-eye dilemma!

The skin under our eyes becomes thinner with age. This really brings out the dark circles and fine lines while simultaneously making it more difficult to blend in the concealer for a natural finish.

Solution: Switch to liquid concealers, apply them with a brush, and apply them only to dark areas, not under the entire eye. Add a dab to the inner corners of the eyes, which tend to be one of the darkest areas and one that we often overlook.

For more permanent results, it’s a good idea to look at eye creams—Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex and La Mer The Eye Concentrate work wonders for mature skin when used regularly.

Top concealers for mature women

Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift is a brightening under-eye concealer for dark circles and fine lines

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is highly pigmented with a creamy texture that provides buildable coverage and a radiant finish

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer has lightweight coverage, hydration, and skin nourishing benefits — plus, it doesn’t budge, which is an excellent advantage for the highly smudgable underage area!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer has a precision applicator that targets and camouflages imperfections.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer is a long-wearing, full-coverage concealer that conceals blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections.

Say no to powder!

The only beauty products you should discard once and for all are translucent powder and setting powders—unless your skin is super-greasy. They settle into fine lines and dry patches, highlighting them with a vengeance and making the complexion appear dry and pasty.

For all makeup products for mature skin, including blush and eyeshadow, try to stick to creams, gels, and liquids. The more hydrated your skin, the younger it will look.

Best blush for older women

Then there’s that little fact about losing muscle tone as we grow older (thank you, gravity!), which makes our facial structure less defined. So, apply blush on the apples of the cheeks rather than under the cheekbones.

And When looking for the best blush for mature skin, stick to creamy formulas and a shade close to your natural flush—a blush that’s too dark or bright will wash you out.

Top blushes for mature skin

NARS The Multiple Cream Blush, Lip, and Eye Stick is a versatile beauty essential, offering a creamy formula that seamlessly transitions from blush to lip color to an eyeshadow; its buildable coverage allows for a subtle glow or a vibrant pop

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick has a creamy texture that melds flawlessly with the skin. Its stick format makes it a handy companion for on-the-go touch-ups.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush ensures an easy blend, offering a soft, diffused look that can be built up for a bolder statement.

Best lipsticks for older women

Whenever someone tells me that “women of a certain age” should stop wearing bright red lipstick or a fuchsia lip gloss, I want to slap them.

What’s the age limit for having fun? On being cheerful? On wearing war armor when you face a tough day?

I will tell you the same thing a celebrity makeup artist told my mother (yes, being the mother of a beauty blogger has some perks): keep the bright hues — adjust the texture.

As we age, our lips become drier and thinner. To keep them moist, use creamy lipsticks and plumping glosses. You can also top off your lipstick with a clear gloss or lip oil, which will reflect light and make lips appear fuller.

One more thing about lips: Your natural lip line can begin to fade as you age, which makes lipstick more prone to bleeding and feathering. Tracing it with a lip liner can help the color stay put.

Top lipstick formulas for mature women

Clinique Dramatically Different Shaping Lip Color Lipstick presents a dual-action marvel: its hydrating core ensures a smooth, moisturized lip surface, while the outer hue envelops your lips in vibrant, lasting color

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick provides a rich color payoff alongside nourishing benefits with its infusion of Manoi de Tahiti and chamomile oils

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm has a luminous finish accompanied by a potent moisturizing effect for a voluptuous lip look

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick’s rich, replenishing formula keeps your lips pampered, while the spectrum of shades allows for a tailored look

Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lipstick has hydrating, natural ingredients that ensure a smooth application and comfortable wear.

Weighty eyelashes be-gone!

Another adjustment to eye makeup for older women? As we age, our lashes start flattening out (thank you, gravity again!).

To counter, befriend the eyelash curler. Curling your lashes will make your eyes look brighter and perkier.

With the passing years, you will also notice that lashes start getting thinner.

The reflex action would be to load on a thickening mascara, but that’s counterproductive. Thin lashes cannot support the weight of these heavy formulations and will start getting flatter and clumpier. Instead, look for a lengthening mascara, which is lighter yet adds sufficient bulk.

Oh! And leave out mascara on lower lashes unless you want to highlight every tiny line or dark circle. No? I thought as much.

Best mascaras for older women

Chanel Inimitable Mascara effortlessly separates, lengthens, and curls each lash, providing multidimensional benefits

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is a dual-ended companion that works best for lashes wanting notable length and definition that stays put through the day.

Surratt Beauty Noir Lash Tint has an innovative formula for a natural yet noticeable definition; the slim brush allows for precision application, reaching even the tiniest of lashes.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara encapsulates each lash in a tube-like film, adding dramatic length and lift — it’s like wearing false lashes without the fuss!

… and keep the eyeliner!

Even when I’m 90, the one thing that’s not going anywhere is my eyeliner. I love my eyeliners. Especially the colored ones, which are perfect for getting party-ready quickly (turquoise eyeliner + nude lips = effortless glam). And I’ve no intention of ever giving up even one of them.

But it’s a fact that with age, the skin above your lash line becomes droopy and less defined.

Easy fix: Swap the waxy pencils, which tug on the skin, for a creamier formulation that will glide on easily. A liquid or gel liner, which goes on with a brush, is the best bet.

Best eyeliners for older women

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner offers a smooth glide along the lash line and a fade-resistant finish; its gel formula ensures a controlled application for a refined or bold line

Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil marries the ease of a pencil with the bold, lasting finish of a gel to deposit a deep color that stays put through the day

Dior Diorshow On Stage Crayon Kohl Eyeliner promises a smudge-free day, while the pencil design allows for precise definition

Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl has a soft, blendable texture that glides smoothly along the waterline or the lash line, delivering a customizable look that can transition from day to night with ease

The best eyebrow makeup for older women

Eyebrows play a crucial role in framing the face and can significantly impact your overall look. As we age, brow hairs may become sparser or lighter, making it important to pay extra attention to them.

Opt for eyebrow pencils, powders, or gels that match your natural brow color. Products with a slightly lighter shade than your natural hair color often provide a softer, more natural look.

And when filling in your eyebrows, use light, feathery strokes to mimic the natural hair pattern. This technique helps avoid a harsh, drawn-on appearance.

Top eyebrow pencils and powders for mature women

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil: Known for its 12-hour, long-wearing formula, this pencil delivers defined, natural-looking brows. The ultra-fine tip mimics real hair for a softer appearance.

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil: This universal shade pencil adapts to various hair colors, making it versatile and easy to use. The formula includes biotin and antioxidants, promoting healthier brows.

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil: Combining the benefits of a powder, pencil, and wax in one, this product shapes and defines brows effortlessly. The unique triangular tip provides both precision and fullness.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo: Featuring two complementary shades, this powder duo allows for a customized, natural-looking brow. The formula is buildable and long-lasting, perfect for creating soft, defined brows.

Bobbi Brown Brow Kit: This kit includes two shades of brow powder and a mini brush for precise application. The formula is long-lasting and smudge-proof, ensuring your brows stay perfect all day.

Finally… the best highlighters for older women!

One of the best makeup tips for older women is cautiously approaching shimmer. Formulas with shiny particles act like mammoth spotlights, throwing every line, wrinkle, and wayward pore into focus.

The newer illuminators and highlighters are great at adding that elusive hint of glamour without covering your face in chunky, gritty glitter particles.

Top highlighters for mature women

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer’s subtle luminescence adds a dewy finish that enhances your skin without a trace of artificial glitter

Smashbox X Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector’s liquid formula effortlessly blends into the skin, casting a soft, dewy luminosity that looks like sunlight in a bottle

ILIA Liquid Light Serum Highlighter is a clean beauty lover’s dream, with a gel formula that glides on effortlessly, providing a soft highlight that catches the light just right

Kjaer Weis Iconic Cream Glow is another organic option whose cream formula is effortlessly blendable, imparting a subtle sheen that amplifies the skin’s natural radiance

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter can be used as a primer, highlighter, or a mix-in with your foundation, offering a customizable level of glow; the soft-focus effect also blurs imperfections

Did you find our makeup tips for older women helpful? Share your favorite products and tips for mature skin in the comments below. Your insights could help others discover new beauty secrets. Let’s chat!