Remember the makeup products that once filled the vanities of the Baby Boomer generation? As beauty trends evolve, many classic cosmetics have fallen out of favor with this demographic. From heavy foundations to complicated contouring kits, Boomers are simplifying their beauty routines and leaving certain products behind.
1. Blue Eyeshadow
Once the hallmark of 1970s glamour, vibrant blue eyeshadow has lost its appeal among the over-60 crowd. The bold color that once adorned countless yearbook photos now seems too harsh for mature skin.
Many Boomers prefer subtle neutrals that enhance their natural beauty without drawing attention to fine lines.
2. Heavy Pan-Cake Foundation
Max Factor’s thick Pan-Cake foundation was revolutionary in its day. Boomers now avoid its mask-like coverage that settles into wrinkles and feels uncomfortable on mature skin.
Lightweight, hydrating formulas have taken center stage as aging skin craves moisture rather than heavy coverage.
3. Frosted Lipsticks
Shimmery, frosted lipsticks dominated makeup bags during the disco era. The metallic finish once considered glamorous now accentuates lip lines and creates a dated look.
Baby Boomers typically reach for creamy, hydrating formulas in rose or mauve tones that offer a more flattering finish.
4. Glitter Eyeliner
Sparkly, glitter-packed eyeliners have lost their shine with the Boomer crowd. These flashy products often flake throughout the day, irritating sensitive mature eyes and creating a messy appearance.
Subtle definition with soft pencils or gentle liquid liners has become the preferred choice.
5. Facial Contouring Kits
Complex contouring kits with multiple shades for sculpting facial features overwhelm many Boomers. The time-consuming application process and heavy result feel unnecessary for everyday wear.
Natural beauty enhanced with a touch of blush provides the subtle lift most mature women prefer.
6. Waterproof Mascara
Stubborn waterproof formulas require harsh rubbing to remove, damaging delicate eyelashes and irritating the thin skin around aging eyes. The tugging and pulling necessary for removal can accelerate skin sagging.
Gentle, washable mascaras have become the sensible choice for lash definition.
7. Talc-Heavy Loose Powders
Messy, talc-based loose powders that once set makeup now emphasize fine lines and create a dry, cakey finish. Health concerns about talc have further pushed these products out of favor.
Hydrating setting sprays and light-reflecting pressed powders offer a more flattering alternative for mature skin.
8. Lip Plumpers
Tingling lip plumpers with irritating ingredients designed to temporarily swell lips have fallen flat with Boomers. The uncomfortable burning sensation and minimal results make these products seem gimmicky rather than effective.
Moisturizing lip products with subtle color deliver more comfortable wear.
9. Stick Foundation
Waxy stick foundations once praised for their portability now get the cold shoulder from the Boomer generation. Their thick consistency drags across mature skin and emphasizes texture rather than concealing it.
Liquid and serum foundations with skincare benefits have captured this demographic’s attention instead.
10. Matte Liquid Lipsticks
Long-wearing liquid lipsticks with ultra-matte finishes feel particularly uncomfortable on mature lips. The drying formula accentuates every line and often flakes off throughout the day, creating an unflattering appearance.
Hydrating lip crayons and tinted balms provide gentle color without the dryness.
11. Chunky Glitter Eyeshadow
Large-particle glitter eyeshadows that once signaled festive glamour now feel too youthful and impractical. Fallout throughout the day creates a messy look, while the chunky texture emphasizes crepey eyelids.
Subtle shimmer or satin finishes provide an elegant alternative for special occasions.
12. Harsh Eyebrow Pencils
Hard, waxy eyebrow pencils that create stark, defined lines have lost favor with the Boomer generation. These products often create an unnatural, harsh appearance that ages rather than enhances mature faces.
Soft brow powders and tinted gels provide a more natural-looking frame for the face.
13. Shimmery Bronzers
Glittery bronzers once used to create a sun-kissed glow now emphasize skin texture and pores. The sparkly particles catch light in unflattering ways on mature skin, highlighting rather than camouflaging imperfections.
Matte bronzers with warm undertones create a more natural, youthful appearance.
14. Heavy Cream Blush
Thick cream blushes that once created a youthful flush now tend to settle into fine lines and disappear quickly on mature skin. The heavy texture can disrupt foundation underneath, creating a patchy appearance by midday.
Lightweight, buildable powder formulas offer more reliable color.
15. Setting Powder With Flashback
Silica-heavy setting powders that create a white cast in photos (flashback) have been abandoned by tech-savvy Boomers. Nobody wants to look ghostly in family photos shared on social media.
Photo-friendly formulas that control shine without the white residue have taken priority.
16. Peel-Off Lip Stains
Gimmicky peel-off lip stains that promised long-lasting color have fallen from grace. The painful removal process and uneven results make these products more trouble than they’re worth for practical-minded Boomers.
Traditional lipsticks with staying power provide reliable color without the hassle.
17. Heavily Scented Makeup
Fragranced foundations and powders that once masked the chemical smell of cosmetics now irritate sensitive mature skin. Many Boomers have developed allergies or sensitivities to artificial fragrances over time.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options have become essential for comfortable wear.
18. Dramatic False Eyelashes
Bulky, dramatic false eyelashes weigh down aging eyelids and often look obviously fake against thinning natural lashes. The glue can irritate sensitive eyes, while removal risks damaging delicate skin.
Individual lash clusters or gentle mascara provide a more age-appropriate enhancement.
19. Metallic Nail Polish
Flashy metallic nail polishes that draw attention to aging hands have lost popularity with the Boomer crowd. The reflective finish tends to highlight wrinkles and age spots rather than camouflaging them.
Cream finishes in neutral or soft pink tones create a more elegant look.
20. Instagram-Inspired Highlighters
Blindingly bright highlighters designed for social media photos look artificial in real life. These intense glow products emphasize skin texture and pores on mature faces rather than creating a subtle luminosity.
Soft, pearl-finish illuminators provide a more flattering radiance for everyday wear.