If you’re over 50, you might think that beauty trends are irrelevant to you. But applying what’s trending (and skipping what’s not) gives you a fresh, modern look. For example, the heavy eyelash look of 2018 is now looking dated as we lean into more natural-looking lashes this year. Here are the beauty trends that I think are relevant for those of us who are over 50…
Face
Before you start applying makeup, it’s important to prepare your skin.
1.Healthy Skin
Start with healthy skin: As we age, our skin becomes drier, less elastic, and thinner. While makeup can help, having healthy skin makes all the difference. I’ve noticed significant changes in my skin since I changed my diet to include very little sugar, a lot of healthy fats, and various supplements recommended by my nutrition therapist. For you, it might mean drinking more water or getting more sleep.
Moisturize: Having moisturized skin is key to any makeup routine.
Add primer: If you have an uneven texture, then use primer to create a smooth base for your foundation. I use this one.
2.Lightweight Satin Foundation
For the past few years, we’ve seen youthful glass skin and dewy skin trends (i.e. high shine). This year, more natural-looking satin skin is trending, and it’s much easier to achieve for women over 50. How do we achieve satin skin?
Use a liquid foundation: Powders and creams can create a heavy or dry look. Some of my favorite lightweight (and clean) liquid foundations are Jane Iredale’s HydroPure Tinted Serum, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga’s Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation, and Ilia’s True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation.
Keep your foundation light: Satin skin is about a natural look and healthy glow, so avoid heavy foundation that can settle into fine lines.
Eyes
If you’re over 50, you’ve probably noticed changes in your eye area like thinning brows, hooded eyes, and wrinkles. Try these beauty tips to make them appear bigger and brighter…
3.Cat Eye Look
The cat eye look is trending again. What is the cat eye look? It’s when you apply your eyeliner with a little wing at the end and line your lower lash line too. For those of us over 50 who have been noticing droopy eyes, this trend will help give us the “lift” we need!
If your eyes are hooded, create a thin line with your eyeliner. A thicker line will make your eyes smaller. (See the difference in my photo?) Sharpen that pencil or use a liquid eyeliner.
Try tightlining – lining between your lash roots (to create more space on your eyelid for eyeshadow).
4.Natural Brows
The trend reports actually suggest skinny brows (i.e. the return of the 2000s), but I can’t bring myself to recommend plucking. If you’re like me, your brows are already thinner than they used to be. So, I recommend filling them in for a natural look.
Choose a color that is lighter than your hair color. For example, I have black hair, but a black eyebrow pencil would give me a harsh look. I use a dark brown.
If you use a pencil, use short, light strokes to create the illusion of additional hair.
For a softer look, try applying a brow powder with a small angled brush. Mine is from this set that I’ve had for a few years now.
5.Subtle Mascara
Our eyelashes shorten, straighten, and become thin with age. So, if the heavy, thick lash trend didn’t work for you, rest assured, we’re returning to a more natural look. (If you have eyelashes you love, you can also try the no-mascara trend).
For extra volume, use a mascara primer. (I use this lash extender).
Try tubing mascara (which creates a tube around your lashes).
If black mascara is too harsh for you, try brown (it’s trending).
6.Shimmer Eyeshadow
Have you been told to only use matte eyeshadow after age 50? Well, eyeshadow with a little shimmer is actually very flattering for women over 50. If you’ve found that your eyes are more hooded now than they were before, the contrast of a dark matte eye shadow and a light shimmery one will give your eyes more depth.
I use this Cool Nude Necessary Eyeshadow Palette and this matte eyeshadow in Roasted Chestnut.
Tip: Choose a shimmer that is close to your skin tone for a subtle effect.
Cheeks
If you’re still applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, try starting a little higher (at eye level ) and blending down. You’ll create the illusion of higher cheekbones.
7.Soft Blush
Recent blush trends have included hot pink blush and glossy cheeks, but we’re returning to a softer look this year. If you’re over 50, you’ll love the baked blush beauty trend, which is a cream blush baked into a solid powdery consistency. The result is something in between a cream and a powder blush.
Skip the contour and bronzer and opt for a warm blush that gives you a soft, flushed look. When I’ve used my current blushes, I’m adding this Blush is Life Baked Talc-Free Dimensional + Brightening Blush to my cart.
Lips
8.Blurred Lipstick
Another beauty trend that works really well for those of us who are over 50 is the blurred lip trend. Skip the lipliner, add a dab of lipstick to the center of your lip, and spread to the outer corners with a brush or your finger. It should look like you stained your lips on a cherry popsicle. Tip: Start with moisturized lips.
9.Saturated Colors
Which lip colors are trending right now? Cherry (dark red), true red, coral, and mauve. Should you wear these colors? Only if they work with your skin tone.
Which Beauty Trends Should You Avoid If You’re Over 50?
That’s a trick question! You should wear what makes you comfortable and what suits your personal style. We all age differently, and have different looks we want to achieve. These are just some suggestions that will give you a youthful, natural, healthy look.
Personally, I’m skipping these beauty trends now that I’m over 50: 80s pastel eyeshadow, the dark mermaid look, goth and grunge looks, and purple blush.
How about you? Which of these beauty trends are you most excited about?
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