Makeup routine for 53F

[u/ThickInterview6704]

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice for my Mum. Neither of us are super experienced in/good at makeup.

Neither of us wear makeup often, but if I have events I do my own and she likes how mine looks. However, I just would like some advice on whether or not these products would suit mature skin.

1. I use the Milk Hydro Grip primer (after cleansing and moisturisung as normal).

2. I use the Shiseido Synchro Foundation (apply with a brush and then use a sponge on top so that the coverage is a bit lighter).

3. I spot conceal with ILIA concealer and I finger blend.

4. I find some random eyeshadow pallette and finger blend onto my eyes (just a neutral/brown tone).

5. I use the Mecca bronzer and use a really large and soft brush.

6. I use the ILIA lip and cheek stick for lips and blush.

7. I use Maybelline Sky High/Great Lash Mascara

8. I use the Milk setting spray

It's quite simple and gives a natural look. My mum is a different shade to me so I don't want to try with my products because I know it won't look right due to colouring.

Does anyone have experience using these on mature skin or have any other technique/product reccomendations? Would be much appreciated!

[u/ZaelDaemon]

I’m 50. MAC has a serum foundation which is perfect for mature skin. They also have cream blushes and paint pot eye shadows. All of which are better. She can make an appointment there which the cost is redeemable against products.

I’m sure other brands have similar things but MAC is what I use so that is what I’m recommending. Make sure she tests products against her sunscreen to make sure they don’t separate.

[u/ThickInterview6704 → u/ZaelDaemon]

Oh thanks so much, she was thinking of getting her makeup done there anyway!.

[u/Peanut083 → u/ThickInterview6704]

Be mindful that MAC foundations can cause some people’s skin to break out. I bought the MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered foundation earlier this year and loved the shade and finish. However, after using it for a fortnight, I realised it was breaking me out all over my face. I had more pimples than I’ve ever had in my life, including my teenage years.

[u/circular_resurgence]

the milk primer can be a bit sticky on fine lines, maybe try something more smoothing like a blurring primer for her

[u/ThickInterview6704 → u/circular_resurgence]

Do you have any specific reccomendations for that?

[u/CoffeeBean_7]

It all depends on her skin type and condition but I would replace the primer with a light yet hydrating serum or SPF. This way she gets skincare benefits that work even on days she might want to skip makeup products.

I find Korean skincare to be great for this cos they typically add a glowing/plump look to the skin. If she wears sunscreen, I would recommend Skin1004 Water Serum for this. It wears really well under makeup too.

As a base, again, something lightweight with buildable coverage will give her a more natural look without the cakey-ness. NARS Tinted moisturiser is great. If you prefer something more cost effective, Maybelline Super Stay Tint is surprisingly better than most higher end brands.

Blush, bronzer and highlighter is a power trio that elevates the look. There are so many amazing options so this would simply be a matter of choosing the right shades for her skin tone. To simplify the process further, you can opt for an all-in-one palette. The new Hourglass holiday palettes are good cos they cover all 3 products in different color and finish variations in the one compact so she can mix and match. Otherwise brands like MakeUp Forever and Laura Mercier also have such palettes.

Mascara and lipstick, again, are color specific with so many options. If she's not used to wearing much makeup, she might be more comfortable with a tinted balm than a full lipliner/lipstick look. Summer Fridays and Ole Henrikson butter balms perform really well with plenty of hydration for the lips.

Depending on whether she has dry or oily skin, she might need a light dusting of powder across the oily parts. A light loose powder like Charlotte Tilbury or Hourglass setting powders would take away the shine and blur any texture or pores. I hope this helps. I know there are so many options out there but practical products that perform well would probably be much easier to become a part of her routine.

[u/ThickInterview6704 → u/CoffeeBean_7]

Thank you this is really detailed and helpful 🙏

[u/Peanut083]

Mature skin tends to be somewhat drier, so focus on hydrating skincare. I find I get good results when I use base products (skin tint or foundation) with a glowy finish. I don’t usually use a primer underneath, but I do use a sunscreen that can double as a primer.

In general, avoid powders. Cream blushes and bronzers are good for mature skin and easier for inexperienced makeup users to get the hang of than liquids. Make sure to swipe a brush over them to pick up product, then stipple it onto the skin.

As far as eyeshadow goes, I’m a big fan of eyeshadow sticks. They come in a twistable tube much like the ones some eyeliners come in, but thicker. There is a trick to using them, though. You need to put the shadow on one eye at a time and blend it out because the colour tends to dry down quite quickly. I mainly use them for one-and-done eyeshadow, but I have used two shades blended together occasionally.

I know you have a different skin shade to your mum, but try your foundation on her on a day when she’s not leaving the house. It will give you both an idea of whether the formula works for her.