This post is titled Makeup Over 50, but I think anyone can use these products.  

Whenever I stepped into a makeup store like Sephora, I am like a deer in the headlights.

Every row seems to be the same products, but just a different brand on top.  How do you know what to buy?

this is a photo of a woman over 50 years old with makeup on

Keeping it real with the photo above.  I am literally wearing my pajama shirt with no bra with a full face of makeup – ha!  

My friend Erica loves makeup and it was invaluable to have her show me what to buy.  Mind you – this stuff is EXPENSIVE, but I feel it’s completely worth it.  As we age it’s important to take care of our skin just as much as what we put in our body.  

Below is a list of products she said are a great base to have in your makeup collection.  I’ll explain briefly how I use each one and give you a link to purchase.  Could you find these products cheaper at other places?  Maybe!  But I am linking to Sephora since that is where I bought everything.

Tips for Makeup Over 50

  • Foundation may not be necessary.  I typically only would put on foundation and a bit of mascara and call it a day.  But as we age and the wrinkles invariable start to appear, sometimes foundation can get “cakey” and make those wrinkles seem more pronounced.  The BB cream I use is kind of like a color correction to even out the red spots on my face to make my complexion even all over my face.
  • Hydration is Key.  My skin is dry by nature.  I’ve talked about putting Pond’s Cold Cream on my face every night before bed.  Which I will still continue to do.  But twice a week I will be using a water based sleep mask before going to bed.
  • Primer.  Until last week I had no idea what this was.  It’s basically the first layer you put on your face.  Turns out primers can help smooth the skin’s surface for the best makeup application.
  • Concealer with Hydration.  The first under eye concealer Erica tried she immediately said “this is too dry for your face.”  We jumped a row over and she picked out Make Up Forever brand matte velvet concealer and there was moisture and it was a dramatic difference.  The skin around your eyes is delicate and I love the product she picked out for me.
  • Blend!  When I first put on the BB cream I just used my hands to move it around my face – but a brush or sponge is key to blend the cream not only on your face, but along your chin line and below to blend it all together.
  • Finishing Powder.  Turns out this is different from the compact that is always in my purse.  A finishing powder is super light and well, finishes off your makeup for an even more flawless look.  And it helps keep your makeup look fresh for a longer period of time.

Below are the products I bought with a link.  This is NOT a sponsored post.  😂

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER

this is a primer called Photo Finish

MAKE UP FOR EVER MATTE VELVET CONCEALER – my shade is 2.3 

this is a bottle of under eye concealer

DR. JART BB BEAUTY BALM – love that this has an SPF of 40!  My shade is 02 – Medium Deep

this is a photo of dr. jart beauty balm

NARS LIGHT REFLECTING LOOSE SETTING POWDER – my shade is Crystal

this is a photo of a jar of loose finishing makeup powder

TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA – Hannah actually turned me onto this mascara a few years ago, so I actually already owned this.

this is a photo of mascara

PRO POWDER BRUSH (THE LINK I HAVE IS FOR NO. 50 – WHICH IS JUST AS GOOD)

this is a pro powder makeup brush

SUGAR ADVANCED THERAPY LIP BALM – this was a last minute purchase, but I am in love with this lip balm.  I literally apply a couple times a day and it keeps my lips soft all day.  And I love that the top twists closed.

this is a photo of lip balm

LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK and LANEIGE WATER SLEEPING MASK

this is a photo of sleep masks

At the Sephora we were at, they had a combo pack for $20.  I didn’t find that on their site, so maybe check your local Sephora

I also bought Nars Mini Orgasm Blush – but I would probably only wear that for special occasions, not for daily use.

While all these products cost me just over $300, I will say so far they have been worth every penny.  Typically I would buy my makeup at CVS or Walmart, so this is a very big step up.  

My suggestion if you are on a budget, just start out with the BB Beauty Balm and Concealer, and if you can afford the primer that would be a great start.  And then just build up your makeup collection over time.

I am by no means a makeup expert, but this makeup routine takes me about 2 minutes and as someone on Instagram told me, it’s like I have a filter over my face because it’s so even.

Let me know what you think of these products.  Have you ever spent $300 on makeup?!  First time for me and I am 54!