How to Apply Makeup if You’re in Your Fifties

Once you move beyond your fifties, there’s no easy way to completely camouflage the signs of aging. The key to using makeup effectively at this age centers on about drawing attention to your best features and minimizing your problem areas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Foundation
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Lipliner
• Blush
• Lipstick
• Eyeshadow
• Concealer

1. Wash your face with a hydrating cleanser. Pat dry with a towel then apply an “all-day” moisturizer that will continue to hydrate your skin for several hours.

2. Apply concealer to blemishes and red spots, then blend it in gently with your fingers.

3. Apply a cream-based moisturizing foundation. Take care to blend it well at the hairline, jawline and in spots where you’ve used concealer.

4. Seal the foundation with a light application of matte powder.

5. Apply an eyeshadow over the entire lid area in a shade that closely matches your natural skin color.

6. Apply a contouring eyeshadow to open up your eye area and give eyes a brighter look. Start above the outside corner of the eye then sweep color up to the crease of your lid.

7. Apply a cream eyeshadow that’s slightly lighter than your natural skin color across the brow bone. Blend this in well with your fingertips or a cotton swab.

8. Apply one or two coats of mascara. If your eyelashes are thinning, use an eyelash curler rather than adding more mascara.

9. Use a lip-liner to outline your lips. Apply liner just outside your natural lip-line if you want to give your lips a fuller appearance.

10. Use a lip brush to fill in your lips with matching lipstick.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a powder-based foundation only if you have very oily skin.
• Choose neutral contouring eyeshadow for a natural-looking eye, or go for darker colors for a dramatic look.
• If your lips are a problem area, use concealer lightly around the lips before redefining your lip line.
• Choose products that hydrate your skin to help keep your make-up looking fresh throughout the day.
• Avoid shimmering, metallic and frosted colors, especially around the eyes. These will only draw attention to problem areas.
• Avoid black mascara and eyeliner—instead choose brown or brown-black for mascara and smoky grays, browns, navy or dark plum for eyeliner.

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