Many women as we get older tend to start seeing dark spots, sun damage, pores, and wrinkles, and our first instinct is to cover them up. But here’s the thing… The more makeup you add to an aging face, the more you emphasize the things you see as flaws. I’ve always been a makeup girl, and there are always special occasions where I amp up the glam factor. But I am finding the no-makeup makeup look for every day makes my face look refreshed, and enhances my natural features.
And the good news? It’s on-trend. Natural makeup looks are perfect for pro-aging. Bring out the best in your own natural beauty, without covering it up with heavy foundation, thick false lashes, or dark lip color. And, you can do a no-makeup makeup look in 5 simple steps! Yep, if you’ve been searching for a natural makeup tutorial for women over 50, you’re in the right place!
About The Author
Kathy Bates is the founder of The Middle Girls, a platform dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace their potential and live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. With a passion for encouraging self-awareness and self-love, natural makeup is right up her alley! Embracing a no-makeup makeup look has been key in helping her feel naturally beautiful over 50, and today she’s sharing all her tips so you can do the same!
Prep Your Skin
First step – healthy looking skin! It’s all in the skin prep, right? Well when it comes to makeup, that’s always true, no matter what your age. But your skin type can change with age, and mature skin tends to be drier and has issues with texture and wrinkles. So taking the time to prep your skin properly can be the difference between natural-looking makeup, and being cakey and crepey all day.
- After using a gentle facial cleanser, make sure you moisturize well. This is the number one step to avoid a cakey look.
- Second most important step? Use a hydrating primer. Makeup primers help to disguise skin texture, by filling pores and fine lines. This allows your makeup to go on smoothly and to last. They help camouflage texture issues like fine lines and help any concealer make it through the day without wearing off.
Need product recs? Check out my post on Best Makeup for Mature Skin to find mine. (Spoiler alert: Several of my picks combine a primer with SPF!)
Bonus tip for your skincare routine- try out some natural, homemade face masks as a DIY solution to any of your skin concerns.
Create a Flawless Base
Now, time to select a foundation and concealer! For this next step, opt for products that are lightweight with plenty of hydration. The idea isn’t to cover your skin like paint. It is to blur those issues you find bothersome, but still let your natural glow come through. To stick to a natural makeup look, stay away from full-coverage foundation and concealer. Some great light coverage foundation options include for BB or CC cream, a skin tint, or tinted moisturizer. Choose a lighter coverage concealer too. You can always layer it for additional coverage, but there is no way to lighten a product that is too heavy.
How to apply foundation for a no-makeup makeup look:
- Dot your chosen foundation on your forehead, nose, and chin.
- Use a damp beauty sponge to blend your foundation outward towards the edges of your face.
- Let dry for 3-4 minutes.
- Repeat if more coverage is desired.
- Dab concealer under your eyes and on any areas you would like a little more coverage. Use an up-and-down dabbing motion with your fingers to pat it into place. This gives the best coverage with an airbrushed look.
- Allow to dry for 3-4 minutes, then brush your whole face with a tiny amount of powder to set the makeup to stay in place for the day.
Make Those Eyes Pop
The best tip for making your eyes pop when you want a minimal makeup look is to choose the right colors. Go for a medium shade in a color that is complementary to your eyes. A quick chart?
- Blue Eyes: Earthy Tones: Warm browns and taupes provide a beautiful contrast. Avoid blues, as they can detract from the natural color of the eye, and don’t have that natural effect.
- Brown Eyes: Neutral Shades: Soft beige, taupe, and cream for a natural enhancement.
- Green Eyes: Purples and Plums: These colors are opposite green on the color wheel, making green eyes stand out.
- Hazel Eyes: Bronze and Copper: Enhance the gold flecks in hazel eyes.
There is no need to overthink your eye makeup when going for a natural look. It’s simple!
- Sweep on your chosen shadow over the lid and blend up towards your crease. Make sure the edges are blended.
- Use a brow gel that matches your eyebrow color, and gently sweep your brows upward and outward.
- Apply 1-2 coats of mascara. You may want to experiment with using mascara just on your upper lashes. It tends to help visually lift more mature eyes.
Add Color and Glow
A hint of color will brighten your face and give it a natural radiance. Just remember, when going for a no-makeup makeup look, stick to natural-looking shades.
- Add a powder or liquid blush high on your cheekbones, blended up and outward. Less is more here. Gone are the days of sucking in our cheeks and applying below the cheekbones. That look drags a face visually downward.
- If desired, add a subtle translucent powder highlighter with a small fluffy brush over the tops of your cheekbones, just to brighten up dull skin and bring attention the the eyes, as well as make your cheekbones look more pronounced.
- Add a mid-shade natural lip color – a tinted lip balm is a great option.
Look in the Mirror and Love on That Face
This is the last step in rocking the no-makeup makeup trend a mature woman. You need to look in that mirror and know that the 80s are over, baby. It’s time to be the girl you always were, and that means not being a slave to makeup, but instead using it as a tool to help build your confidence. Minimalist makeup looks are perfect to bring out the best in aging skin and eyes, without weighing your entire look down. And a side note, us women over 50? We are a tad busy living our amazing lives, who has time to be stuck at the mirror for an hour every morning? Go natural!
Ready for more inspiration? Check out our post on best eye makeup looks for women over 40, or learn to go natural with your curls as well with Remi’s tips to try the Curly Girl Method. Keep going down that hair health rabbit hole with our natural hair growth recipes and remedies or try out some DIY hair masks!
