7 Tips For a Flawless Makeup Application on Mature Skin

When it comes to mature skin makeup, application can be tricky. Products can cling to dry patches, settle into fine lines, and draw attention to the wrong spots. This can often occur if you try to apply your makeup exactly as you did when you were younger. As you age and are lucky enough to grow older, the makeup products and techniques you use should change with you. You might think that this limits your choices, but the reality is far from it. There are so many ways to achieve glowing makeup for mature skin, it’s all about being armed with the right tools and enhancing your natural features. If you’re ready to master makeup for mature skin, keep reading—we’re sharing tips and tricks for perfecting your go-to look after 50.

How to Apply Makeup on Mature Skin

There’s no one rule for everyone when it comes to mature skin makeup, but a few simple steps and tweaks can make a world of difference in your makeup look.

1. Less is more with eye makeup

The eye area has the most delicate skin on the body, so it’s no surprise that this area is prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Don’t let that put you off experimenting with eye makeup, though. If you’re a little intimidated, opt for neutral-toned eyeshadow. Start with a wash of light color across the lid before applying a slightly darker shade from the same color family in your crease.

Many experts also recommend steering clear of glittery or shimmery eyeshadow for mature skin. This is because reflective eye makeup, like glitter, can draw attention to textured skin. If you like a little luster, try a satin-finish eyeshadow instead of a matte one.

2. Swap black eyeliner for brown eyeliner

Black eyeliner can sometimes look harsh or make your eyes appear smaller. Instead of ditching eyeliner altogether, try switching to a brown shade. Brown gives the same definition as black but looks much softer. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Pencil in Brown Denim is a great choice for mature skin because it has a smooth, creamy formula that doesn’t tug at the eyes. It’s also water-, smudge- and transfer-proof, meaning it’ll stay put all day.

3. Use eyeliner to “shape” your eyes

Eyeliner can also be a powerful tool to create the illusion of bigger, more wide awake eyes, which in turn can help give a more youthful appearance. Although winged eyeliner can look tricky, it’s one of the best ways to create the appearance of bright, defined eyes. It doesn’t need to be heavy or thick, but a small flick can work wonders.

If your eyes have become more hooded with age, create the wing while your eyes are open to ensure it stays visible. Use liquid eyeliner, like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown, for a precise application and follow it up with a lengthening mascara, like L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara, to define your lashes.

4. Pair the right moisturizer with your foundation

Despite rich, creamy moisturizers being fantastic for mature skin (your skin gets drier as we age), you might want to consider a lightweight gel-cream formula if you’ll be wearing makeup. On some skin types, heavy emollient creams make foundation difficult to blend and can also cause your foundation to pill.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30 is an excellent moisturizer to layer underneath makeup. It’s a deeply hydrating formula that isn’t heavy or greasy, which is ideal to use ahead of foundation. It’s formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and pro-retinol and helps address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it contains broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is essential for all skin types (come rain or shine).

5. Prioritize lightweight, hydrating foundation formulas

Since skin gets drier as you age, the best foundations for mature skin tend to be light formulas that won’t settle into fine lines and look cake-y on the skin.

Start with sheer coverage and build in areas you feel you need more. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation has a creamy, balm-like formula, which works to visibly even out the complexion and blur imperfections.

You could also try L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, which is a skincare-makeup hybrid: part foundation, part face serum. The formula with hyaluronic acid gives skin a hydrated feel and smooths skin over time.

6. Blend your foundation with a makeup sponge

So you’ve chosen your products, now it’s time for application. Consider using a makeup sponge to apply your liquid complexion products like foundation and tinted moisturizer. Experts recommend first dampening your makeup sponge with water or using a hydrating mist. The reason damp makeup sponges are great with makeup for mature skin is because they give a natural, sheer finish, which can be built in areas you need more coverage.

Gently apply your foundation with tapping motions to create a fine layer over that won’t settle into lines or accentuate texture. In addition to being great for avoiding a caked-on finish, many people find that using a sponge helps them get streak-free foundation.

7. Don’t forget about blush

Blush is a beauty product that many people shy away from, but when it comes to makeup for older skin, it’s one of the best products to use. It instantly gives the face dimension and vibrancy and brings a liveliness to your complexion. It’s also a fun way to inject some color into your makeup, particularly if you’re not one for bright lipstick.

Try L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush, which has a dewy-finish formula that’s easy to build and blend. Cream and liquid products, like this one, can be particularly great for mature skin because they tend to be dry skin-friendly and less prone to emphasizing wrinkles.

If you’re not sure where to place blush, try putting some on the base of your thumbs and then gently tapping it onto your cheekbones—it’ll give you perfect placement and lift your face in a few seconds.

The Best Foundation for Mature Skin

By far the most difficult aspect of navigating the best makeup for aging skin is deciding which foundation to use, but that’s why we’re here. There are two main things to consider: The first is the finish of your foundation. Since older skin leans on the dry side, dewy finishes work far better than matte because they don’t dry out and collect in your lines. The second is the ingredients; although it’s not crucial, choosing a formula containing hydrating ingredients can help the appearance of dehydrated skin. Look out for ingredients like vitamin B3 (niacinamide), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.

Our favorite foundations for mature skin

1. L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum is great for brightening dull, mature skin. It’s formulated with luminous mineral pigments (and 1% hyaluronic acid!) and leaves skin with a radiant finish and a hydrated feel.
2. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is a classic for a reason. The medium-coverage liquid foundation offers a skin-like finish and precise color match. It also locks in moisture and is so blendable, it’s like you can’t tell where your foundation ends and your skin begins.
3. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation is the one if you don’t love traditional foundation formulas because this—as the name suggests—is a balm. You can either use it all over or use a spot-treating technique, focusing on any areas where you want to conceal imperfections.
4. L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup is fantastic if you’re looking for a foundation that works hard while you get on with your day. Not only does it instantly even skin tone, but with time, it helps address visible signs of aging for smoother, firmer, brighter-looking skin.

Next Up: How to Get Glow Mature Skin Year Round