Makeup Mistakes To Avoid Over 60
What makeup mistakes should I avoid after 60? It’s a question I wish I’d asked myself a little bit sooner. There was a time when I could throw on a little foundation, swipe on some mascara, and dab on a hint of pink on my cheeks, and it just worked. No special brushes, no blending tricks, and certainly no YouTube tutorials. Even with minimal effort, everything came together.
Now? Not so much.
These days, the same routine often leaves me looking more tired than I feel. Products settle where I don’t want them to, the finish feels off, and what once felt easy now takes a little more thought.
Of course, not every woman likes wearing makeup, and that’s perfectly fine. But for those of us who do enjoy it (I still find the ritual oddly comforting), it’s worth making a few simple updates so our makeup feels like it’s enhancing who we are now, not clinging to who we were twenty years ago.
So today I’m sharing a few makeup mistakes to avoid over 60 and the small changes that have helped me look (and feel) a little more like myself in the mirror.
BTW.. I decided I liked the above makeup look so much that I reordered the Liquid Eye Tint, which I’d used up.
Small Makeup Habits That May Be Aging You
Wearing Foundation That’s Too Heavy
Full-coverage foundation might seem like the obvious choice for uneven skin tone, but heavier formulas can actually draw attention to fine lines and dry patches. Instead of smoothing things out, they can sit on top of the skin and make it look dull or cakey.
A better option is a lightweight foundation, a tinted spf, or a skin tint (my favorite is the Ilia one!) You can find all of my favorites in this post: Best Foundations for Women Over 60. These even things out without masking your skin. Look for formulas with a natural or radiant finish to give your skin some life. You can always build up coverage in areas where you need it, but less is often more.
Overdoing Concealer Under the Eyes
We all want to cover dark circles, but too much concealer can settle into lines and actually make the under-eye area look more tired. It’s tempting to keep adding more when you see darkness, but that usually backfires.
Use a lightweight concealer and apply only where you really need it. A tiny amount can go a long way. And make sure you prep the area with a bit of eye cream first so the concealer has something to glide over.
Using Too Much Powder
Powder can help set your makeup, but as we age, it’s easy to overdo it. It can cling to dry spots and highlight texture. I try to avoid powdering my whole face and instead, just target areas that look too shiny from my sunscreen, like my T-zone.
If you do use powder, choose a finely milled translucent one and apply it sparingly with a fluffy brush. I like this Bye Bye Pores in a compact.
If your skin is very dry, you may prefer using a setting spray instead to keep everything in place without looking dull.
Neglecting Your Brows
Brows thin out with age, and that loss of structure can make the face appear less defined. Filling in your brows makes a bigger difference than most people realize. It helps lift the face and draws attention back to your eyes.
Use a brow pencil or tinted gel to softly fill in sparse areas. You can find exactly how to do your brows and my favorite products I use in this post: How to Do Your Eyebrows As You Age. Go for a shade that complements your hair color without being too dark. For many women, taupe or gray-brown shades look the most natural.
Wearing Harsh Eyeliner
Heavy black eyeliner can look harsh on mature eyes. It can make your eyes appear smaller and draw attention to crow’s feet or sagging lids. If you’ve always worn a strong line along the top and bottom, consider softening it.
BLACK IS HARSH, THIS IS A PALE, SOFT GRAY.
Try a deep brown, slate, or plum liner instead. Apply it just along the upper lash line and blend it out slightly for a softer look. You can also use a bit of shadow to smudge the line. It gives a definition without looking too severe.
Skipping Blush
Blush is one of the easiest ways to add life back to your face. As we get older, our skin can start to look a little dull or washed out. Skipping blush can leave you looking tired or flat, especially if you’re wearing foundation.
A cream blush works beautifully on mature skin. It blends in seamlessly and gives a natural flush. If you’re unsure about where to place blush or how to blend it so it looks natural, I wrote a post all about applying cream blush on aging skin. You can read it here.
Choosing The Wrong Lip Color
Dark, matte lipsticks can make lips look thinner and drier. They also tend to settle into fine lines. While bold lips can be beautiful, certain formulas and shades can age the face without meaning to. I’ve been going through my collection lately to weed out the deeper ones that are starting to look harsh..which makes my lips look thinner too.
Consider switching to a hydrating formula in a softer shade. Mid-tone pinks, corals, or rose tones are often more flattering. Adding a touch of gloss or using a creamy finish can make your lips look fuller and fresher. You may also enjoy reading about a few of my favorite lipsticks for women over 50.
Skipping Lip Liner or Using Too Much
A well-placed liner gives your lips soft structure, but too much looks dated. Lip liner can help define the shape of your lips and keep lipstick from feathering, but a harsh outline (especially in a shade darker than your lipstick) tends to feel heavy and outdated.
Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or your natural lip color. Use it to softly define your lips and prevent feathering. You can also fill in your lips entirely with the liner for a longer-lasting base.
Why This Matters
Most of us learned how to wear makeup in our teens or twenties and just kept doing it. But the face we have at 60 isn’t the same one we had at 30. When our makeup doesn’t evolve with us, it can quietly work against us, even when we think we’re doing everything “right.”
Lately, I’ve noticed the skin around my eyes looks drier than it used to, and eyeshadow doesn’t blend the way it once did. So I’ve started using less and am experimenting with creamier formulas.
These aren’t big changes, but they can make a meaningful difference. It’s not about looking younger—it’s about feeling more aligned with the face we see in the mirror.
Applying This to Your Routine
You don’t need to toss everything in your makeup drawer and start over. Just notice what’s no longer working and try one small change at a time. Maybe it’s softening your eyeliner. Or switching to cream blush. Or skipping powder altogether.
Makeup can still be fun and feel like a little part of your morning that’s just for you. And when it starts working with your face instead of against it, the whole process gets a lot more enjoyable.
Have you made any changes to your makeup lately that felt like a win? Or is there a product you’ve used forever that still earns its place every day? I’d love to know what’s working for you now.
Thank you for all the tips. It will be a great guide for me to enhance my makeup skills. There’s a lot to learn to become a professional, and we also need to learn how to do makeup for different ages.
Thank you- some great product ideas to try! I was a fashionista in school, and then for many years at home with kids and on a low budget I had minimal attention to give to hair, makeup, or clothes. Going into my 50s I started exploring those areas again, and things have changed so much, both in myself and in the style world. I was a Jersey mall chick and then a semi-punk college girl in all black; I wore so much makeup, and tons of black eyeliner. The slightest sign of oil was taboo and we powdered everything- it’s been hard to get used to the idea that skin should look moist or “dewy.”
Right now for an ordinary work day I even out my skin with light foundation, put on some gel blush and lip gloss, and fill in my eyebrows. For occasions I use mascara and some lighter liner in grey or brown. Haven’t experimented with eye shadow yet, but I’m sure it will be very different from the layers of smoky, sparkly pastels of 40 years ago! To each her own, but I feel more alert and cheerful than I did in my no-makeup years.
I have tried some of these more expensive products, but for those on a really strict budget try ELF products. They are very conscious of natural ingredients and are so inexpensive. The brushes are fantastic. They do cater to the younger generation somewhat, but the basics are there. I do like the Whoa Glow which gives you a slight “glow” but is also a primer that covers large pores and smoothes out the complexion. I often mix this with a little foundation for a really light, bright look.
I’ve tried a few of their products too and they’re great. Especially the primer.
Thanks for the great tips and suggestions. I’m using mostly Jones Road now. Base, miracle Baum on cheek bones and mascara. I bought mini miracle baum set to experiment with the colors. Any advice for hooded eyes? Mine are almost completely hooded now. I wear glasses all the time so wear just mascara and eye liner pencil in black, smudged to be more smoky and less harsh. Maybe just the Ilia eye liner in a fun color?
Thank you, Jennifer, for these great tips! I’ve been following you for a couple months now and look forward to your posts. Your beautiful attitude toward aging as it relates to our personal style is so encouraging and inspiring!
One question: do you have a suggestion for a product that would cover sun damage spots on the cheekbone area, particularly something that won’t cake (but also won’t melt away) on my maturing skin? I have two fairly large spots on one side, probably 1/4-1/2” each, and I try to cover them with a little of my under-eye concealer but it doesn’t really help much. I’ve taken your advice about using a lighter hand with makeup – cream blush instead of powder, softer lipsticks, etc. – and it’s such an improvement, but I haven’t gone lighter on foundation because of this skin damage that I’m self-conscious about. Any suggestions?
Dermablend is a better consistency for some like that. If they’re brown, you could also ask your derm for some hydroquinone to help fade them. If they’re red, there are vascular lasers they can zap them with. Reg concealer isnt great at sun damage spots. You could also try layering concealer then powder, before adding foundation over it.
Thank you so much for these suggestions!
Jennifer, you have an uncanny ability to do a post just when I need it! I have been thinking hard about how to update my makeup – it is indeed looking tired. So many great options and application tips for foundation, brows, and lips, where I need a change. I haven’t worn blush for years. I am going to check out your post on that. And I LOVE that labradorite necklace and pendant!!
I’ve lightened up too. I love Saie slip tint but it can look a bit too “gleamy” (if that’s even a word!) powder makes my skin look and feel too matte so I use blotting tissues on my cheeks. I’m trying out Laura Mercier real flawless perfecting pressed powder in translucent. So far Ive only used on my nose and I love it. Just a slight sheen so it isn’t dulling.
The best thing I started using is concealer brush. I quit applying it all the way to the outer eye, just from inner to about mid way, then blending, blending. These two brushes are great….sephora concealer 02 brush ( fuller brush, soft, I use for blending) and Sephora pro concealer 45, use to apply under eye or dab around nose)
Thx for your tips. As always, spot on!
Your advice for the concealer application is perfect. When I remember to use one it goes on so much better! Note to self, put that brush front and center.
At 80, less is more for sure. I ordered the Ilia stick blush in the Neutral shade. I have Merit in Cheeky and it has been great on winter skin. I’m getting a little warm color on my skin now from our mile morning dog walks even though I wear a fedora hat.
I really appreciate the timing of this post, Jennifer. It’s past time for me to get a different concealer. I have dark purple “bruises” along the edges of my eye sockets that have been there since getting hit in the face with a softball during a high school gym class decades ago. I have used Dermablend to hide them ever since but the color I’ve used isn’t a good match any longer. So it’s time for a trip to Sephora to find a replacement. While I’m there I’ll look into what they have for rouge, lipstick and lip liners, with your recommendations in mind.
Ouch!! Did you check with your derm about a laser to remove those purple marks? I wonder if there is such a thing now.
I appreciate all the makeup posts you have done. I have purchased the Ilia cream eyeshadows and Stila eyeliner in the past and have the Ilia face tint in my Amazon cart now. My skin remained oil-prone until well into my 50s, and in recent years coloring has become softer. (Which has affected my choice of cosmetic and also clothing colors.) So I’ve had to change formulations and colorations. Do you remember those teenage magazine questions like “if you had to be on a desert island with only one cosmetic item what would it be?” And my answer would have been “mascara” back then, even though I was just as fair-skinned as now. These days it would be lip color because I need the extra color!
Yes!! Choosing one now would be tough. Brows or lips? Probably lips because mine have lost so much pigment.
Good morning, thanks for your insightful tips. Less is more, I’ve evolved over the years, 75 in August , where did the time go? I never really believed until I started seeing the results. What you prep your skin with goes a long way to help the final results. Lately I’ve been using Il Makiage products, the power lift plumper gel, and the power camo redness defense., and the foundation. Boom and Jones road for blush, Drmtlgy for a great tinted moisturizer and they have a great undereye concealer. There are so many great products out there almost too many choices. You look great. The only makeup trick that I can’t do is eyeliner, never looked great even when I was young….mascara is Two Faced, they are the best, and Thrive gel shadow pencils……the Talbots bag is gorgeous
I keep meaning to try Drmtlgy. I totally agree about how important the prep is.
Drmtlgy is really great, light coverage, I use it in place of foundation when I’m in a rush…..
Awesome thanks!
I have the Drmtlgy under eye concealer. I like it very much. Good to know the tinted moisturizer is good.
What primer would you recommend for our age group?
I swear by this one by Smash Box. It’s terrific
Thanks for all the great info. I’ve noticed my skin has gotten much drier on my face so I’ve been using a facial oil before putting my makeup on and it really has made a difference.
Brilliant idea!!
I use the same Ilia mascara as you do but am so impressed that you are able to put it on your bottom lashes. I end up getting it all over my face trying to do that. Lol
Any secret to share? Maybe i should just go to a professional for help.
I tip my chin way down and look up into the mirror for the bottom lashes. I also often need a Q-tip to clean up messes 😉
Great tips and you look beautiful. The eyes are so important as we age. Eyebrows really do make a huge difference. I love Anastasia Brow Gel Pomade. Mascara and a nice concealer make me look awake and ready for the day.
So kind, thank you. Every Anastasia brow product I’ve tried is terrific. I’m pretty sure I used the pomade a few years ago. I need to look into it again.
Excellent tips and information. But, did I miss you recommendations for mascara? I’m going to try the eyeliner you suggested. I’ve found eyeliner melts off my eyes. This didn’t happen years y. Last decade, things changed!
Sorry I thought I linked under the photos. I love the Ilia and the Merit. Both really really nice
Jones Road is a great product for me. I started using their foundation about a year ago and love it. It’s light and moisturizing and doesn’t feel like foundation. Since then I’ve tried other products and have been pleased with all of them.
In addition, it’s great to support beauty brands that feature models of all ages. I’ve yet to see a single message about anti aging!
I agree. The term anti-aging is dumb and insulting.
Jennifer, I enjoyed reading this. I use the Clinique Stay-Matte Universal Blotting Powder which is essentially invisible. I love it as I don’t show powder in my wrinkles or laugh lines. Take care-
Ah! Good to know, this sounds great! I used to use blotting papers many moons ago.
Great post Jennifer. I did purchase the Merit blush at your recommendation and love, love, love it. My favorite. And thanks for the reminder, I’ve been meaning to get over to Sephora for the Illia super serum. Question: I don’t have a “pore” issue, but I’m confused about translucent powders … what do they do? And that light blue sweater is a great color on you.
They just knock down the shine or gleam without adding color. You don’t need much but I find helpful. It also helps set things so they stay put better
Thanks for all the great make up tips and products! I need to update! Also, I love the “Favorite Daughter” ball cap! I will be getting one of those for my only daughter too. 😄
She loved it!
Absolutely right about black eyeliner. It is brutal on a pale, mature face. A purple-ish, brown pencil is my current favorite. I don’t wear foundation at all, but do moisturizer/sunblock, concealer and powder. Armani concealer comes in a huge range of colors and helps bring my sinking undereye out. Born This Way powder is wonderful. FTI – I’m 68
Thanks for sharing. Which brand is your purplish brown?
Thank you for posting about makeup and mistakes. You were just gorgeous and have excellent tips. I will be switching out with my liquid jet black eyeliner for a lovely soft gray
If you have warm tone complexion soft brown is also nice
Ilia serum with spf for the win. I’ve been using it based on your rec a while back. Need to try the eye shadow next. My powdered ones I use are leaving me a little dry looking. And may I add I use you as the ‘canary in the mine’ when it comes to face products because we have similar skin issues on our face (rosacea and sun issues). Thank you for your guidance 😊
Happy to be your canary 😂
I ordered some of your suggested products. I’m a little nervous about picking the right skin tone on the ilia tint serum and lipstick, without actually trying it on first.
That can be tricky, I agree. I hope you like them.
I ordered the Ilia and this is how I chose the shade: there is a feature (on Amazon and probably also on their website) titled something like “find your shade” and it gives you a long list of makeup companies, and their products, and then a long list of the shade you are already happy with from the company you are using. But before I ordered it, I also went to my local Sephora store where they had it in stock. If you live near a Sephora or Ulta, that might work for you.
Great advice Sheila! Thanks for sharing.
My makeup (when I wear it) routine is similar to yours, but I use Bobbie Brown’s Jones Road line (I’ve always been a fan of Bobbie). Just Enough is a great light tinted moisturizer with SPF, Cheek and Lip stick cream blush (which I apply much higher up now and “tap in” to blend), gel eyeliner to freshen my tattooed eyeliner, my brows are tattooed also so I don’t worry about them. I also love her Miracle Baum and use several for color, highlight, and/or bronzer depending on the day and my mood. Thrive Causmetics has wonderful cream to powder eyeshadows that I use for my lids and also to brighten my inner eye corners and under my brows. I’ve not seen you mention these lines before and recommend you give them a try if you haven’t already.
I’d like to try some of them. Thrive has a great story too. I do need something to brighten the inner corners of my eyes so that’s a great place to start. Thanks!
Great tips! I now use a foundation stick just where I need it (mainly rosacea areas). Bobbi Brown is my fav. I now use a medium toned eyeshadow on the lid (instead of a light color with that V) and apply a crease color a shade darker above my actual crease line. I also like a clear lip liner to keep lipsticks from feathering. With my dark winter coloring snd silver hair I actually need somewhat deeper colors of makeup or else I will look washed out…, but not too deep! Even though I still have very pigmented (and full) lips, lip color is what wakes up my face. Loving the Ilia colored balms. They finally came out with some more cool colors.
I’m a huge fan of Ilia so I will check them out! Thanks for the tip Shari
Clear lip liner sounds so useful but I’ve never seen it my area. Can you share the brand and where you get yours from, please?
What eye shadow do you use on your brow bone area?
I seldom put shadow there because it just highlights all the little hairs I have there.
thank you for the tutorial and suggestions. I find that the older I get the lighter my make up is. I focus on my eyes and browse and always wear blush and lipstick.
I’m finding that too. It was a subtle shift
Thanks for a great post. I agree with your suggestions. Have a great day.