The Best Makeup for Women Over 50: A Guide From Beauty Experts

A sponge, a brush, or clean fingertips are all perfectly acceptable for application. “I always recommend that people use whatever tool they feel most comfortable with,” Aharon says.

Eyes & Brows

For women over 50, “I like to really work the lashes,” says Swift. “That includes curling, and my preference is always black mascara. As we get older, the black gives so much more brightness to the eyes. Brown mascara can make the eyes look tired and even slightly yellow. ”

When it comes to eyeshadows, “those with a matte or satin finish look smoothest and most flattering,” Aharon says. “If used up to the crease, a cream shadow can also be very flattering.”

Moving upwards, “I do not like a gray brow,” Swift admits. “ I like to go back to the color of your original eyebrows. The contrast adds brightness and opens and frames the face.” And when it comes to shape, roundness rules.

“Do not square off your eyebrows,” Swift cautions. “All that does is make you look stern and hard. It pulls the eyes together and creates darkness.” Instead, she recommends softening and rounding the shape. “If brows need to be drawn in, use a pencil with a very fine head to mimic brow hairs,” she says. “You can draw in a very realistic brow where hair is missing.”

Add Color & Shimmer

Color comes next, and it provides a significant payoff. “Cream blush is fabulous for mature skin,” says Swift. “It adds hydrating color to make the skin look more youthful.” To apply a cream blush, “I like to tap on the blush with my fingertips and then blend out with a brush or sponge,” Aharon says.

Just be mindful where you tap and blend. “The placement should be more on the apples of cheeks to add that fresh flush,” says Barose. “Avoid putting blush on the side or using it like a contour—that will instantly age you.” Likewise, “do not use bronzers for contouring,” Swift says. “Bronzer should be applied to the areas where the sun kisses the skin.” She recommends applying bronzer horizontally across the forehead, the cheeks, and the bridge of the nose, and using it lightly along the jaw.

As for added glimmer, “anything with shimmer is out” for women over 50, Swift insists. “Shimmer accents skin problems and aging of the skin. However, I do like products with a subtle luminosity as they attract light. That light-reflecting property makes the skin look dewy, moist, and most of all, youthful.”

The Finishing Touch

Powder can also add a pristine final touch,  if applied judiciously. “A light powder through the center of the face can leave you with a beautiful finish,” says Aharon. “Just use it sparingly, and skip it altogether if you lean dry.”