When you hit your 60s, you’ll want makeup that celebrates the golden years written on your face. Fine lines, softer skin, or thinning brows may affect your beauty products’ performance, but that doesn’t mean regular routines have to fade away.

The right approach, combined with the right makeup for 60s, can enhance natural radiance and restore your confidence without feeling heavy. How do you balance glow with grace? Let’s break it down step by step.

Snap Guide

• Hydrated skin makes every product look smoother.
• Creamy, light-reflecting formulas beat flat mattes.
• Soft definition around eyes and brows keeps features lifted.
• Lip liner is your best friend for feather-proof color.

Prepare Your Skin

Even the best foundation can look patchy when skin is dry or uneven. To resolve dryness issues, use a hydrating serum and follow with a lightweight moisturizer. You can also add a gripping primer to your arsenal so that your makeup can last all day without slipping into the lines and cracks.

Don’t pile on layers of foundation, either. Instead, look for light-to-medium coverage foundations that let your natural skin peek through. Swap out heavy powders with creamy, luminous products to avoid foundation settling in your skin creases. Finally, add a touch of radiant concealer under the eyes to brighten them without emphasizing texture.

Apply Eye Makeup for Lifting and Brightening

Our eyes naturally change shape as we age; lids may droop or become hooded. Want to lift them right away? Shift your eyeshadow a little higher than usual. By blending shadow upward, you create the illusion of a lifted eye.

When it comes to liner, skip the harsh lines. Do tightlining instead: apply liner between lashes to add definition without weighing the eye down. Pair it with curled lashes and a lengthening mascara to open things up. 

Since eye color also shifts slightly with age, certain shades pop more than others. Warm browns, taupes, and soft plums tend to flatter most mature eyes.

Want to learn more? See our eye makeup tutorial for more information.

Frame Your Face With Your Brows and Lips

Sparse brows are common after 60, so you shouldn’t draw on thick, blocky arches. A brow pencil with a fine tip can mimic hair strokes, while tinted gels add natural volume. Your goal is to lift your brows, not fill them.

Lips deserve extra attention, too. As collagen fades, lip lines invite feathering. That’s where a good liner comes in. Use it to outline softly in your natural lip shade, then fill in with a moisturizing lipstick or tinted balm. Go for creamy or satin finishes to bring back softness.

Pro tip: Dab a touch of gloss at the center of the lips. It reflects light and creates the illusion of fullness.

A Simple Step-by-Step Everyday Routine

Not sure where to start? Here’s a reliable 7-step plan that works for everyday wear:

1. Preparation: Hydrating serum and lightweight moisturizer.
2. Prime: A gripping primer that smooths texture.
3. Base: Light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer.
4. Conceal: Touch up under eyes and around nose.
5. Brows: Feather in sparse areas with pencil, set with gel.
6. Eyes: Neutral shadow swept upwards and mascara.
7. Lips: Line softly and finish with hydrating lipstick.

Optional: A cream blush tapped onto the apples of your cheeks adds instant warmth. It complements the rest of your makeup and completes that subtle radiance.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your 60s

No matter the age, the following mistakes happen most of the time.

• Over-powdering, as it accentuates skin texture.
• Using outdated shades that clash with undertones.
• Ignoring brows. Tweaking them even slightly makes a huge difference.
• Skipping skin prep before foundation.

Take note of these preventable mistakes and avoid them altogether, especially during your golden years. Your skin will thank you later.

Achieve Ageless Beauty with a Proper Makeup for 60s

Makeup for the 60s is more about refining what’s there instead of rewriting from scratch. The right preparation and lighter textures can highlight your features in an effortless and timeless way. Just know that beauty at any age comes from confidence as much as your makeup.

Tell us what you think. What’s the one product staple you can’t live without at 60? Share it with us in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best foundation for 60-year-old skin?

Look for lightweight, hydrating formulas. Heavy matte foundations often emphasize lines.

Do older women still need primer?

Yes, especially gripping or blurring primers that smooth out texture and help makeup last.

How do I stop lipstick feathering?

Use a matching lip liner, apply balm first, and avoid overly slippery glosses.

At some point, you may have googled ‘makeup for 40s women’ after noticing the techniques you used to rely on don’t work the same way anymore. Decades ago, you may have loved experimenting with 10-step regimens or trending techniques. But today, the goal is choosing hydrating products and gentle formulas that enhance your glow and let your skin breathe. Inside, you’ll discover a quick routine tailored for mature skin along with clear explanations and pro insights.

Makeup for 40s Women: A Step-by-Step Routine

As you reach the vibrant age of 40, wrinkles might settle down and fine lines may appear more visible. None of these signs are bad as they’re simply part of the reality called aging. On days when you want to feel and look good, the right makeup routine can make you look more radiant and lift your confidence. Here are five easy steps:

Step 1: Hydrate and Prime

Apply moisturizer all over your face and dab a lightweight eye cream under the eyes. Then, follow with a hydrating primer to smooth the texture and help the makeup last longer. Choose a formula with a satin finish to make the skin look fresher.

Glow Logic

Hydrated skin looks plumper and holds makeup longer. Meanwhile, dehydrated skin makes fine lines more pronounced and causes makeup to separate.

Step 2: Foundation and Concealer

Skip heavy matte bases. Instead, choose a luminous foundation or tinted moisturizer and apply it using a damp sponge. Press the product gently to help it quickly melt into the skin and avoid streaks. When concealing, focus exclusively on areas that need coverage such as the inner corners of the eyes or redness around the nose. Avoid overconcealing to prevent makeup from creasing.

Glow Logic

Matte formulas emphasize dryness or wrinkles while luminous versions make the skin appear rejuvenated.

Step 3: Blush and Bronzer

Powders can look flat on mature skin, so opt for cream formulas. Smile softly, then tap cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and sweep slightly upward. For bronzer, choose a cream stick or pot then blend it lightly into your temples and along the jawline to sculpt the features.

Glow Logic

Powders settle into fine lines and can make skin look dull. On the other hand, creams help moisturize the skin and blend more seamlessly with other products.

Step 4: Eyes with Subtle Definition

Forget harsh-looking black liners and go for brown shades instead. Press the pencil into your upper waterline or the strip just beneath your lashes. Then, choose neutral satin-finish shadows such as soft browns or taupes to brighten the eyes. Finish with a lash curler and lengthening mascara for more definition.

Glow Logic

Black liner can look overpowering on the lids and may even make the eyes appear smaller. Conversely, soft browns help lift the gaze and keep the look modern.

Step 5: Brows and Lips

Brows naturally thin as we age. To add extra volume, use a pencil or tinted gel to fill them in via short, hair-like strokes. For the lips, choose sticks with satin finishes or tinted balms and consider soft colors such as rosy or nude shades. 

Glow Logic

Hair growth slows as estrogen levels decrease in your 40s and beyond, so thinning brows are completely normal. As instructed above, you can fill them in using gels or pencils to frame the eyes and restore facial harmony.

Makeup for 40s Women: The Final Swipe

Makeup in your 40s is more about self-care and less about chasing youth. Instead, it’s more about enhancing your favorite features and using beneficial products for your complexion. After all, beauty doesn’t fade with age but evolves. So should your makeup routine.

What do you consider the biggest makeup challenge in your 40s? Tell us what’s on your mind!

FAQs

Q: Do I need to switch all my makeup products once I hit 40?
Not at all. When it comes to makeup for 40s women, the focus is on refining a few essentials rather than replacing everything. Swap foundation, blush, and lipstick for hydrating, glow-friendly versions, and keep what still works for you.

Q: Should I avoid shimmer altogether in my 40s?
No, just use it strategically. Opt for subtle satin or cream formulas instead of chunky glitter, which can accentuate texture.

Q: What’s the fastest routine if I only have 5 minutes?
Hydrate your skin, add cream blush, fill in brows, and swipe on tinted lip balm. It’s quick, easy, and instantly refreshing.

Your 20s are a mix of firsts. First job interviews, first big nights out, and maybe even your first serious skincare routine. While the roaring 20s might be your “advanced experiment” phase, it’s also the perfect time to set yourself up with makeup habits for glowing and better skin that will last for the years to come.

If you’re wondering what your beauty routine should be like now, this guide to makeup in your 20s will help. We’ll cover essentials and everyday looks in this tutorial. Plus, we’ll even throw in a budget-friendly starter kit to help you learn to buy smart.

Why Makeup in Your 20s Feels Different

If your teen years have been about exciting trends, your 20s should usually feel different and lean toward a neat girl look. Suddenly, you’re balancing fun with presentable.

• Skin changes: Hormones can still cause flare-ups, but this time you might also experience the first signs of skin dryness or fine lines.
• Lifestyle shifts: You’re juggling work, school, and social life. At this point, makeup has to work as hard as you do.
• Long-term thinking: Prevention becomes a priority. You’ll soon start thinking about SPF and hydration. And you definitely need products that won’t clog your pores.

So, how do you create a polished routine without taking an hour? Let’s break it down.

Your 20s Makeup Essentials

You don’t need luxury products on your shelf for the look you’re aiming for. For a streamlined routine, here are some products you need:

• Sunscreen: The non-negotiable base. Opt for a lightweight formula that layers well under makeup.
• Base products: Tinted moisturizers, BB creams, or medium-coverage foundations like L’Oréal True Match work well. Pair with a concealer for dark circles or blemishes.
• Brows: A clear or tinted brow gel keeps things polished without overdoing it.
• Eyes: Mascara is your MVP; a neutral shadow palette can take you from office to happy hour.
• Cheeks and lips: Cream blush or multi-use sticks save time and add a healthy glow.

These products will be your capsule wardrobe for beauty: versatile, dependable, and easy to style.

Step-by-Step Everyday Routine

Some mornings will give you plenty of time to spare, but most days will be a race against the bundy clock. Here’s a simple routine you can use for maddening weekdays:

Quick 5-Minute Routine

1. Sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF.
2. Concealer under eyes and around redness.
3. A sweep of mascara.
4. Cream blush tapped onto cheeks (and lips if you like).
5. Clear brow gel for polish.

And when you’re out for the night but don’t want to start over, here’s another routine you can adapt.

Buildable Evening Upgrade

• Add foundation for fuller coverage.
• Define eyes with liner or deeper shadow.
• Switch blush to a powder formula for longevity.
• Finish with a bold lip; we recommend classic red or a trendy berry shade.

These are the same core products, just layered differently. With these basics, you’re all set for some quick and polished makeup!

Common Mistakes in Your 20s Makeup Routine

It’s easy to fall into habits that don’t serve your skin or your wallet. Here are some common pitfalls you should avoid:

• Wearing the wrong undertone: Foundations can look good in bottles, but they can turn orange later on after application. Always test in daylight to know how well they perform after a certain period.
• Skipping SPF: Sunscreen isn’t just daily skincare; it’s also your best anti-aging tool. Always have it with you no matter where you go.
• Over-powdering: Too much setting powder can make skin look dull and emphasize fine lines.
• Not preparing your skin enough: Applying foundation on dry or oily skin without moisturizer makes it slide or cake.

Take note of these common mistakes and avoid them as early as now. You don’t want to stick to these habits later on!

Starter Kit: Makeup in Your 20s Under $100

Building a kit doesn’t have to cost your whole paycheck. Try this curated lineup:

• L’Oréal True Match Foundation — $12
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer — $11
• e.l.f. Putty Blush — $8
• NYX Brow Glue — $10
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara — $12
• NYX Butter Gloss — $6
• CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen — $16
• Real Techniques Sponge & Brush Set — $25

Total: $100. This is a full routine that’s  just within a regular budget for makeup. And it’ll last you many uses!

Makeup in Your 20s Made Simple

Makeup in your 20s should feel exciting and encouraging. With the right products and a little practice, you can seamlessly switch your look from work to the weekend.

Ready to take your skills to the next level? Explore our eye makeup tutorials to complement your everyday looks. 

Tell us what you think: do you prefer everyday minimal or are you a fan of glam experiments? Let us know in the comments below!

1. Moisturize

There’s really no other way to say it, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Your face needs moisture to keep it hydrated and supple. Dry skin is your enemy, and you have to make sure that you do what you can to prevent your skin from drying. Skin aging gets worse with dryness, so moisturize during the day and before you go to sleep.

2. Go for Liquid Concealer

The older we get, the more things we need to conceal. However, concealer can be a double-edged sword when not used correctly. Concealer sticks and pots may work against you. They tend to emphasize wrinkles and fine lines more. Hence, go with liquid concealer, as its formulation is more blendable and will not leave a cakey look.

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3. Curl the Lashes

You’re getting old, so there’s really no point in curling your eyelashes, right? Wrong! You must know that as you age, the eyelashes become sparser and flatter. Thus, there’s more need to curl them up (especially if you’re starting to get hooded eyes)! This will make your eyes look younger, brighter and prettier too. Using mascara is also helpful, but please be careful when removing it as you may tug out some of your lashes.

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4. Keep Cheeks Flushed

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The fact of the matter is, when you get older, you lose fat on your cheeks and it’s not necessarily a good thing. To make sure that you still highlight the apple of your cheeks, always apply blush on the highest point of your cheekbones. This should help make the cheekbones stand out. Make sure to apply in circular motion.

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5. Stick to Natural Lips

As people age, the lips become smaller and thinner. Instead of plumping it up with bright colors, you are better off sticking to a lip shade close to your natural lip color. You really don’t want to bring attention to your smaller lips. Moreover, using lip stains is a better option over using creamy lipstick, just to make sure the color is toned down. Then top it off with a lip balm or gloss to make the lips look more hydrated and full.

6. Use Cream Eyeliner

 

7. Warm-Toned Foundation

This is a makeup secret that you should know. When you use yellowish foundation, it makes the skin look warmer, which translates to younger skin. So if you’re looking for a liquid foundation to use, choose something with a warm-tone, silicone-based (it’s dewier) and with medium coverage. Avoid using pressed powder on top of the foundation to prevent a cakey look.

8. Eyebrow Game

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9. Sun Protection

 Don’t skip your daily sun protection

 10. Wear Sunglasses

The sun is another enemy that you have to face every day. Aside from SPF, wearing sunglasses can also help fight off wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. However, if you are going to wear them, the bigger the better. This will offer more protection around the eye area.

On that note, protect your neck by using a stylish scarf. The skin around the throat is thin and can sag easily if you don’t protect it.

Trying to look younger does mean changing your skincare and makeup routine, or even changing products you use. But at the end, putting these tips to good use will be worth it. Stay fierce, look young and have a youthful glow…because darling, we only live once!

Braids for Short Hair

Are you ready to give braiding a try? Start with these:

1. The Crown and Bun

The finished look seems intricate and hard to pull off by yourself, but if you look into the step-by-step guide, you’d see how doable it is. Start with making your twisted bun and then work your way in braiding the front and center part of the hair to create the crown. If you want to keep it simpler, you can always just do the front braid.

When you have short hair, bobby pins will really come in handy when securing the braids so make sure you have LOTS of them around. Moreover, this look is great for Sunday luncheons or even date nights!

2. The Profile Braid

I’m sure a lot of short-haired women will like this simple and chic braided hairstyle. The braid is so easy to do but the finished product seems much more complicated. While the other side of the hair is let loose, no one will be expecting the surprise braid when you turn the other cheek!

3. The Single Waterfall Braid

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This intricate looking braid is actually a very simple single waterfall braid. Anyone with short hair can do this and it will look incredibly cute and pretty while exuding an efortless beauty.

4. The Modern Dutch Braid

Do you want an easy braid that looks amazing? The modern Dutch braid is the way to go. For short-haired women, just make a Dutch braid starting from the outer corner of the eyebrow. Go over the head until you reach the back of the opposite ear from where you started. Anything that remains on the other side can just be twisted and pinned in place. This look may take 5 minutes or less to do and it can be used for casual or fancy events.

5. The Braided Updo

These steps just show that you just have to make three pigtail braids and then place them in consecutive layers to make it look like a delicate braided bun. The tutorial is really neat!

6. The Little Fishtail Braids

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If you like something that is less traditional, you may opt for the cool fishtail braid. Doing fishtail braided strands and tucking them underneath the rest of the hair makes it a clean, cool and very chic look for short-haired women.

7. The Half Pony Braid

The half pony braid is for women who do not like to braid every strand of their hair from the roots. As you can see here, the other half of the braid is just purely from strands so it can actually be position in a different way. The beautiful thing about this braided look is that if you use to as an accent for a half pony look, you can also push up the back of the hair to create a volumized crown, which makes the look extra special!

8. The Braided Bangs Bouffant

I’d like to call this look the BBB–Braided Bangs Bouffant. It is such a unique look for short-haired women and yet, very easy to do. Just braid your bangs and tuck them under that big bouffant on top of the head. While braid and bouffants may not always go together, with this one, they sure can!

Having short hair can really give you more sleep in the morning…but, hey! Even if you choose to do a little braid here and there, it still won’t take a lot of your time. So go ahead, start practicing your weaves and rock these looks!

Mature Makeup to Dazzle on The Red Carpet

Evening parties are the perfect time to transform yourself. Are you ready to give it a try?

Step 1

The first step is to apply face primer. A primer works amazingly on older women’s skin because it helps fill in the lines and create a smoother surface for makeup. Also, it makes the makeup last longer so you won’t be bothered with retouches during the party.

Step 2

If the primer is completely dry, apply a base foundation. Make sure you pick something that matches your skin tone on the face and neck. Also, pick one with a matte finish. Apply with a foundation brush.

Step 3

After the base foundation, you need to apply concealer. Concealer is helpful in hiding parts that you don’t want to be seen, like age spots, blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Pick a concealer in the same color as your base foundation so they can blend together smoothly. For older women, a creamy concealer is best.

Step 4

Moving on to the eyes, you will need to apply eye primer. It is a perfect eyeshadow base and will make the eyeshadow last longer.

Step 5

While letting the eye primer dry, work on your eyebrows. Using a brow filler, apply using light feathery strokes to fill in the eyebrows. After filling in, use a spoolie to tidy up the hair. Don’t rush this part because your eyebrows not only frame the eyes, but also the entire face.

Step 6

By this time, your eye primer is dry and you can start by applying eyeshadow. Start with a charcoal shade and use an angled brush for application. This is your base color for the smokey eye. Pick a matte finish and apply generously on your eyelids. Blend once you’re done with the application.

Step 7

When you’re done with the lids, it’s time to color up the crease and socket line. Use a taupe shade for the rest of the eyelid and apply slightly above the socket line. This will create a more dramatic effect for your smokey eye. Don’t forget to blend with your base eyeshadow color afterward.

Step 8

You must also color in the lower lash line. First, use taupe for definition. Avoid drawing hard edges or lines as this doesn’t look good on older women. After that, apply charcoal eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eyes.

Step 9

Highlighting is your secret weapon. Using a highlighter, apply under the eyebrows (for a more defined arch), on the T-zone, cheekbones and around the lips to make your lips stand out. Highlighting makes your makeup more flattering.

Step 10

Blend the highlighter and eyeshadow together for a smoother smokey eye look. The secret to great smokey eyes is in the blending!

Step 11

You’re almost done with your eye makeup. Now, it’s time to curl those eyelashes to open up the eyes.

Step 12

Apply mascara on the top and bottom lashes. With the bottom lashes, use the end of the wand to prevent excess product on the lashes that can spill to your undereye. Two coats should be enough, but you can always add an extra coat for dramatic eyes.

Step 13

After the eyes, you can now go back to adding color to the face with a blusher. For an evening look, the best choice for blushers are the stronger colors. Pink tones look beautiful on older women.

Step 14

We’re almost done! It’s time to prepare the lips for color. Apply a lip primer on to make sure that the lip color stays throughout the night.

Step 15

To complete the look, apply a cherry red lip color on your lips using a lipstick brush for precise application. While many older women would stay away from bright lips, we know that it’s a great color for an evening look. Need proof? Just look at Helen Mirren pulling off those red lips.

Daytime and nighttime makeup for older women are worlds apart. When it comes to daytime makeup, the look is more subtle with more careful application. Plus, the natural daylight is quite unforgiving.

On the other hand, nighttime makeup is something you can enjoy and play with more. At night, the artificial lights are not as harsh as natural daylight, hence, you can get away with using stronger colors and more makeup on the face. So, don’t be afraid to wear sexy smokey eyes and red lips for your party makeup look!

Watch the full tutorial here: