As we age, our skin changes and so should our makeup routine. Products that once worked wonders might now settle into fine lines or make mature skin look older. Knowing which items to remove from your beauty arsenal can be just as important as knowing what to add.
1. Heavy Foundation
Thick, full-coverage foundations are skin’s worst enemy after 50. They settle into wrinkles and emphasize texture issues rather than concealing them. Opt for lightweight, hydrating formulas instead that offer a natural finish while providing the moisture mature skin craves.
2. Waterproof Mascara
Struggling with stubborn waterproof mascara damages delicate lashes and irritates the eye area. The harsh removal process can cause unnecessary pulling and tugging. Regular formulas provide beautiful definition without the removal stress, preserving the increasingly sparse lashes many women experience after 50.
3. Powder Blush
Powder blushes sit on top of skin rather than blending in, creating a flat, artificial look. On drier mature skin, they can appear patchy and emphasize texture issues. Cream or liquid blush formulas melt into skin for a natural, youthful flush that mimics the skin’s natural radiance.
4. Matte Lipsticks
Ultra-matte lipsticks drain moisture from already dry lips and emphasize fine lines around the mouth. They can make lips appear thinner and more wrinkled than they actually are. Hydrating, creamy formulas with a satin finish provide color while adding plumpness and comfort to aging lips.
5. Harsh Black Eyeliner
Severe black liner creates a harsh, aging contrast against softening features and can make eyes appear smaller. The stark color often looks unnatural against mature skin tones. Softer shades like browns, plums, or navy create definition while maintaining a flattering, age-appropriate look.
6. Talc-Heavy Setting Powders
Traditional setting powders containing high amounts of talc create a flat, chalky finish on mature skin. They absorb natural oils and can leave skin looking parched and lifeless. Hydrating setting mists or illuminating powders with minimal talc preserve skin’s natural dimension while still controlling shine.
7. Glitter Highlighters
Chunky glitter highlighters emphasize skin texture and pores rather than creating a youthful glow. The large particles catch light unevenly and draw attention to fine lines. Subtle, finely-milled illuminators with pearl (not glitter) particles create a natural luminosity that flatters mature skin.
8. Silicone-Heavy Primers
Thick, silicone-laden primers can pill up and create an uneven base on mature skin. They often feel heavy and can clog pores while creating a mask-like effect. Hydrating, lightweight primers with skincare benefits provide a smoother canvas without the heavy, artificial feel.
9. Pencil Brow Fillers
Hard brow pencils create harsh, unnatural lines that age the face instantly. They struggle to mimic the soft look of natural brow hairs that frame mature eyes beautifully. Powder or fiber-infused gel formulas create dimension and natural fullness without the severe appearance.
10. Heavy Concealer
Thick concealers designed for full coverage often crease and cake in the delicate under-eye area. They emphasize rather than disguise fine lines and can look artificial and aging. Lightweight, hydrating formulas with light-reflecting properties brighten while moving naturally with the skin.
11. Frosted Lipsticks
Popular in decades past, frosted lipsticks with metallic or pearlized finishes highlight lip wrinkles. The reflective particles draw attention to texture issues rather than creating a youthful look. Cream or satin lipsticks in flattering tones create a more modern, age-appropriate appearance.
12. Pressed Powder Foundations
Solid powder foundations lack the moisture mature skin needs and can look flat and cakey. They emphasize dry patches and settle into lines throughout the day. Liquid or cream foundations with light-reflecting properties create a more dimensional, skin-like finish that moves naturally.
13. Alcohol-Based Setting Sprays
Setting sprays containing high amounts of alcohol strip away natural oils and dehydrate mature skin. The temporary mattifying effect comes at the cost of comfort and a natural finish. Hydrating setting mists preserve makeup while adding a dewy freshness that flatters aging complexions.
14. Blue-Based Red Lipsticks
Vivid blue-based reds can make teeth appear yellowed and draw attention to discoloration common after 50. They often create too harsh a contrast against softening facial features. Warmer, orange-based reds or soft berries complement mature coloring while still making a statement.
15. Heavy Brow Pomades
Intense, waxy brow pomades create a severe, overly defined brow that ages the face. The heavy application method often results in an unnatural, drawn-on appearance. Lighter brow gels with fibers build natural fullness while maintaining the soft look that flatters mature faces.
16. Shimmery Bronzers
Bronzers loaded with shimmer particles emphasize texture issues and enlarged pores on mature skin. The glittery finish can create an unnatural, almost costume-like effect in daylight. Matte bronzers applied with a light hand add warmth and dimension without drawing attention to texture concerns.
17. White Eyeliner
Harsh white eyeliner on the waterline often looks artificial and dated rather than eye-brightening. The stark contrast can actually draw attention to redness or yellowing in the eyes. Soft nude or peach tones create a more natural brightening effect that complements mature eyes beautifully.
18. Metallic Cream Eyeshadows
Metallic cream shadows crease heavily on mature eyelids and emphasize crepey texture. The high-shine finish can make eyes appear more hooded or droopy than they actually are. Satin-finish powder shadows with minimal shimmer create dimension without exaggerating texture concerns.