topic Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women? in Beauty

Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Quinny — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:35:10 GMT

I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.

I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

nevergivesup — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 00:06:33 GMT

I am no beauty expert but i’ve struggled with this myself in the last few years. I am 69 and have always worn makeup, not excessively, but like a finished look. I have found a few things that work for me.

I never wear matte lipstick or dark lipstick colors anymore. However, I need lip color and look for creamy lipsticks with a strong color payoff like warm pinky coral. I always moisturize my face first and try to get a foundation as close as possible to my skin tone. When I was younger I could wear a foundation shade a little darker but now the wrong shade just sit in my lines and accentuates them. I also learned to go very light on the finishing powder. Just a light dusting on my t-zone to avoid that old lady heavily powdered “embalmed” look. As with the lipstick, I choose warm blush tones that show up but I use a lighter hand.

I still use eyeliner but nothing exaggerated; I keep the line very close to the lash line on top and just a partial line on the outer corners of the bottom to avoid that tight circled look. I still use mascara but not multiple coats and I never use eye shadow anymore but I make sure I use concealer on my lids for a clean look.

As I said, I’m no expert but these things have worked for me after a lot of trial and error. There are a lot of savy beauty experts here who could probably help us both!

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

QVCkitty1 — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:53:55 GMT

I think you answered your own question, you must look good when you use your usual make-up routine, and maybe a little washed out when you don't.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

jannabelle1 — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:56:17 GMT

I guess it depends on how much makeup you used before you turned 60! I just turned 70, and I have no intention of wearing less makeup than I have the past 20 years! I've never worn tons of makeup, and I still seldom go a day without my usual makeup - light foundation, concealor, taupe shadow, a little liner, blush and lipstick. Here's my thinking - when I turned 60 (or 70), I still had the same face I had the day before so why would I start wearing less makeup? Whoever made up that "rule" is about like the folks that tell me I shouldn't wear my white jeans or capris until after Memorial Day. Phooey on that as well as wearing less makeup when I reach a certain age. I know my face, and I know what I need!

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

SuzyO — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 00:06:15 GMT

@Quinny wrote:
I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.
I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?

Awww, I was just talking about this today and how it's a delicate balance. I'm 63 next month and I used to be a makeup junkie. I loved it! I started to notice my makeup just accented all that was bad so I had to change the whole routine. It has taken me approximately 3 - 4 years of experimenting with lighter weight foundation, a good blush with no glitter, and I use eyeshadow, two natural looking colors blended on the lid and under the lower lashes. And the other two essentials I have found are a good eyebrow pencil - eyebrows tend to become pale and wash out your whole face - and a good lip color that looks natural. I have tried so many things and finally feel like I look appropriately made up and not too pale. What I use might not work for you, we are all so different.

Also, I have found that good skin care means a lot. My skin has to be brightened... I use retinol and hylauronic acid products and my skin is dry so I use a very thick emollient night cream. I don't even use concealor anymore, just gets in the lines. For foundation I use Philosophy "hope in a jar" foundation, it's as light as a tinted moisturizer (not the renewed in the jar), the one with awesome packaging: a pump of just the right amount for your whole face! Have to get it from philosophy.com though.

Good luck on finding the right combination.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:21:18 GMT

@Quinny wrote:
I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.
I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?

@Quinny- Don't worry about the number. Think more about your skin and the overall look you want to have. Just because you're 60 doesn't mean you suddenly have to use half of everything or even eliminate products. It's funny, I see women in our age group or older, sometimes even younger, and it seems more like they've just given up rather than make adjustments. I'll be 61 soon. For me, using less is more about how I do my eye makeup and the overall application of my products, not really using fewer of them. There are days where I'll use a BB/CC cream/tinted moisturizer rather than a full-fledged foundation, but that's using something different rather than using less. I still do eyeshadow (sometimes simple, sometimes smokey)) but the shades are usually softer and more neutral. Brows and mascara are still a must. Lipsticks still have color (shades depend on the season) but I opt for those that aren't so opaque. The one thing I have given up on, though, is dark eyeliner on the top of my lashline. Instead, I'll use eyeshadow to give the effect, but get it right on the lashline and blend it out or up in the waterline (that took some practice) for occasions where I want more definition to make my lashes look fuller. I believe we still need all our face products because we lose that natural, youthful color as we age. Make sure you're using the right shade and don't be afraid to use blush, bronzer, and highlighter approprately. The kind (whipped, cream, liquid, powder) will be dictated by your skin type and condition. I have never been consistent with bronzer but recently tried the new one by IT and I really like it. It was a very nice surprise. For now, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and not really do less just because of a number. When my complexion or facial texture changes, then it will be time to re-evaluate.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

KentuckyWoman — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 01:50:20 GMT

I haven't changed much. I don't wear really dark lipstick anymore but I do wear bright, vivid colors. I look like a ghost in pale lipstick. I still wear foundation, eyeshadow, liner, mascara, and do my brows. I have switched from powder blushes to IT Cosemetics cream blush in Naturally Pretty.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

jackthebear — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 01:54:06 GMT

Matte lipstick:

i think it works better now because the new liquid mattes stay and don’t go in the inevitable lip lines, whereas a cream will look horrible in a hour

obviously we aren’t going to wear what a 20y/o is but cut and dried rules don’t have. To be followed blindly

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

KentuckyWoman — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 01:53:01 GMT

@Quinny wrote:
I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.
I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?

If I don't wear makeup, my husband says the same thing. Are you sick, tired? Friends say the same thing. I rarely go with a bare face so when I do I evidently scare people, animals, and small children, lol.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

marmarbrooklyn — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 02:42:20 GMT

@Quinny

Hi I will soon be 55 and while I agree less is more it doesn't always mean less makeup . It can mean less products like contoring or highlight or several eyeshadows . It is a fine line between less makeup and looking washed out. Also you really have to work with your skin type . Many times they recommend for over 40 women creamy foundations and blush , but I still have combination oily skin if I use cream products they disappear in an hour. I can no longer use bronzers and luminzers it just highlights lines and pores . Sometimes the placement of eyeshadow might have to change it can really lift and brighten the eye area . One trick I have found is that for lip color I combine a mauve your lip but better shade with a pink peachy lip color , so it is neither too warm or too cool and it goes with everything

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:19:58 GMT

I don't know that I can say less is more for ALL women 60+ but it certainly applies to me. For one thing, I don't have the desire to apply a lot. I feel that lipstick is really the most important item for my face. It seems to do more for me than anything else. I need some coverage on my skin for broken caps and a bit of redness but other than that, most things seem to be beyond my comfort level and capabilities. Makeup seemed easy when I was young. But now, I just feel like the less I wear, the better.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Katcat1 — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:31:29 GMT

@Quinny Try subtle changes. Dark brown mascara for day wear and light on the eye shadow (just a swipe) for day wear. Do you need to wear full coverage foundation? If not, try a tinted moisturizer or BB or CC cream but not by IT because all their products are full coverage and thick. Bobbi Brown offers all three. Try a cream blush because you have more control with it. If you are really content with what you use, then ignore what I said.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

JustJazzmom — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 04:47:45 GMT

I find a good foundation on your face makes your face all one color which is good for when applying blush and/or highlighters. I stopped lining my lash lines completely on the bottom lashes with liner. I do the outer third and that looks much better than the dual lines top and bottom.

I also had to go away from red lipsticks- pinks are fine; so are corals. The reds just say look at my lips instead of look at me and the face!

If I was to wear a red lipstick, I've had to tone it down with a pink gloss or apply a pink lipstick over it. It just looks ghastly now all by itself.

I do agree with the less is more re: blushes and/or highlighters. A light hand works much better than a heavy hand with either of these two items that go near or on the cheek areas.

I'm going to be 62 and have never been a sun junkie either which does age your skin. If I was in a place where there was a lot of sun-- a beach or pool, I always wore sunscreen even as a teenager. I don't do the beach or pool anymore, but when I garden, the sunscreen goes on first thing.

I got a compliment last Friday from the receptionist in the doctor's office who asked me if I was pregnant-- a typical question for those in their 50's going for a colonoscopy! Frankly, I knew I looked younger than my stated age, but I didn't think THAT young!

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Pook — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 08:50:27 GMT

@Quinny For me it's not about less is more but the fact that there are better products out there now. I don't wear foundation now because of all the choices - Perricone No Foundation Foundation (that gives a flawless natural look), CC creams that are tinted and not heavy cover, tinted moisturizers, etc. All do not cover heavily but aside from giving a flawless finish have improved the look of my skin over time. There are sheer concealers that do cover without ending up in fine lines. As for blushes, there are so many sheer blushes - Perricone No Blush Blush, Josie Moran has a few and many others without having to use heavy powders and creams that look like you are using blush. The same with eye makeup that is waterproof and long lasting (and doesn't settle in creases). I used to constantly have to be touching up my makeup but now never do. I apply in the morning, spray with makep setting spray and am good to go. I still spend the same amount of time applying skin care and makeup but the results are way better now that I don't use heavy foundations, powder or heavy blush, powdery shadows and cakey lip products.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:58:04 GMT

@Quinny wrote:
I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.
I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?

@Quinny I think if you are fair (like me), no matter what age, you do need some color. After 60, the less is more means to “look” like you’re using less. You can still use a foundation, but lighten up on the texture, maybe a tinted moisturizer w/ concealer where needed.

Instead of contouring w/ bronzer, then blush and highlighter (too much for older women), use just blush placed higher and not on the apple of cheeks...looks like 2 round pink circles, not natural. Begin blush underneath the iris of eye on cheek and blend upwards into hair line. This leaves the center of the face lighter...naturally highlighted.

Eyes should be defined, but not noticeably made up unless you are free of lines/wrinkles. Tightlining or a brown, navy or grey liner on top close to lashes and a neutral shadow (taupe, bone, light heather, pale grey...depending on eye color) & mascara.

Lipcolor is necessary, too. Change from nude/browns to a pink/rose to liven up your coloring.

Neutral, natural and no makeup are all different.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:08:38 GMT

@JustJazzmom wrote:
I find a good foundation on your face makes your face all one color which is good for when applying blush and/or highlighters. I stopped lining my lash lines completely on the bottom lashes with liner. I do the outer third and that looks much better than the dual lines top and bottom.

I also had to go away from red lipsticks- pinks are fine; so are corals. The reds just say look at my lips instead of look at me and the face!

If I was to wear a red lipstick, I've had to tone it down with a pink gloss or apply a pink lipstick over it. It just looks ghastly now all by itself.

I do agree with the less is more re: blushes and/or highlighters. A light hand works much better than a heavy hand with either of these two items that go near or on the cheek areas.

I'm going to be 62 and have never been a sun junkie either which does age your skin. If I was in a place where there was a lot of sun-- a beach or pool, I always wore sunscreen even as a teenager. I don't do the beach or pool anymore, but when I garden, the sunscreen goes on first thing.

I got a compliment last Friday from the receptionist in the doctor's office who asked me if I was pregnant-- a typical question for those in their 50's going for a colonoscopy! Frankly, I knew I looked younger than my stated age, but I didn't think THAT young!

@JustJazzmom I do agree w/ all you said except using foundation so your is all one color. No ones face is really all one color. If you apply foundation, especially one that covers every spot and discoloration, it will, most likely, look unnatural. Try applying it only where needed and blend. You can also wet your brush (if not powder foundation lol) to thin out the foundation so skin shows through. If you watched your sun exposure and look younger than your years. Great! ....less to cover/hide w/ foundation.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:12:51 GMT

@nevergivesup wrote:
I am no beauty expert but i’ve struggled with this myself in the last few years. I am 69 and have always worn makeup, not excessively, but like a finished look. I have found a few things that work for me.

I never wear matte lipstick or dark lipstick colors anymore. However, I need lip color and look for creamy lipsticks with a strong color payoff like warm pinky coral. I always moisturize my face first and try to get a foundation as close as possible to my skin tone. When I was younger I could wear a foundation shade a little darker but now the wrong shade just sit in my lines and accentuates them. I also learned to go very light on the finishing powder. Just a light dusting on my t-zone to avoid that old lady heavily powdered “embalmed” look. As with the lipstick, I choose warm blush tones that show up but I use a lighter hand.

I still use eyeliner but nothing exaggerated; I keep the line very close to the lash line on top and just a partial line on the outer corners of the bottom to avoid that tight circled look. I still use mascara but not multiple coats and I never use eye shadow anymore but I make sure I use concealer on my lids for a clean look.

As I said, I’m no expert but these things have worked for me after a lot of trial and error. There are a lot of savy beauty experts here who could probably help us both!

@nevergivesup You sound like an expert to me. You found a lighter, more natural look for yourself that works.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:17:36 GMT

@jannabelle1 wrote:
I guess it depends on how much makeup you used before you turned 60! I just turned 70, and I have no intention of wearing less makeup than I have the past 20 years! I've never worn tons of makeup, and I still seldom go a day without my usual makeup - light foundation, concealor, taupe shadow, a little liner, blush and lipstick. Here's my thinking - when I turned 60 (or 70), I still had the same face I had the day before so why would I start wearing less makeup? Whoever made up that "rule" is about like the folks that tell me I shouldn't wear my white jeans or capris until after Memorial Day. Phooey on that as well as wearing less makeup when I reach a certain age. I know my face, and I know what I need!

@jannabelle1 I mean no offense, but everyone’s face changes, to some degree, in 20 years. Just like hair styles & hair color, they should be changed to not become dated, the same is true for makeup.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:21:44 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@Quinny wrote:
I am 60 years old. I've observed many women my age who use less makeup as they have gotten older and I think they look very pretty.
I have tried to use less; foundation, concealer, undereye concealer, eyeshadow, blush and lip color (not all at the same time) and always feel I look pale and unfinished.

My 37-year-old daughter has very kindly mentioned when I've "used less" that I look pale or asked me if I changed blushes?

My sweet husband, who doesn't have a clue about what makeup I use or don't use has asked me on my "less makeup" attempts, "are you tired?"

Is there a method of using less makeup and still maintaining a finished look?
@Quinny- Don't worry about the number. Think more about your skin and the overall look you want to have. Just because you're 60 doesn't mean you suddenly have to use half of everything or even eliminate products. It's funny, I see women in our age group or older, sometimes even younger, and it seems more like they've just given up rather than make adjustments. I'll be 61 soon. For me, using less is more about how I do my eye makeup and the overall application of my products, not really using fewer of them. There are days where I'll use a BB/CC cream/tinted moisturizer rather than a full-fledged foundation, but that's using something different rather than using less. I still do eyeshadow (sometimes simple, sometimes smokey)) but the shades are usually softer and more neutral. Brows and mascara are still a must. Lipsticks still have color (shades depend on the season) but I opt for those that aren't so opaque. The one thing I have given up on, though, is dark eyeliner on the top of my lashline. Instead, I'll use eyeshadow to give the effect, but get it right on the lashline and blend it out or up in the waterline (that took some practice) for occasions where I want more definition to make my lashes look fuller. I believe we still need all our face products because we lose that natural, youthful color as we age. Make sure you're using the right shade and don't be afraid to use blush, bronzer, and highlighter approprately. The kind (whipped, cream, liquid, powder) will be dictated by your skin type and condition. I have never been consistent with bronzer but recently tried the new one by IT and I really like it. It was a very nice surprise. For now, I'll keep doing what I'm doing and not really do less just because of a number. When my complexion or facial texture changes, then it will be time to re-evaluate.

@JeanLouiseFinch You have the right idea. Bronzer and highlighter can be harsh if not applied correctly. That’s why it’s usually not recommended for women our age.

Re: Is Less Makeup MORE for 60+ Women?

Shanus — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:27:05 GMT

@marmarbrooklyn wrote:
@Quinny
Hi I will soon be 55 and while I agree less is more it doesn't always mean less makeup . It can mean less products like contoring or highlight or several eyeshadows . It is a fine line between less makeup and looking washed out. Also you really have to work with your skin type . Many times they recommend for over 40 women creamy foundations and blush , but I still have combination oily skin if I use cream products they disappear in an hour. I can no longer use bronzers and luminzers it just highlights lines and pores . Sometimes the placement of eyeshadow might have to change it can really lift and brighten the eye area . One trick I have found is that for lip color I combine a mauve your lip but better shade with a pink peachy lip color , so it is neither too warm or too cool and it goes with everything

@marmarbrooklyn. It sounds like a good look for you. ITA about placement of products and changing textures only if necessary. Not using muddy color for lips and cheeks is the key.