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Can we talk about makeup?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I went into Sephora the other day for dry shampoo and an eye pencil and walked out $150 later. It’s like Target for girlie girls, LOL.

I am noticing that I will put on my usual makeup in the morning, and even taking a photo half an hour later, the makeup seems nearly non-existent. I know that actual on-camera makeup is overdone on purpose, but the phenomenon got me thinking about whether my makeup needs updating.

I did end up buying two cream blushes because I want to try moving away from powder formulations — I figure a little extra cream on my 54yo skin is not a bad thing. I ended up with one from Milk, a cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan line. It’s a lovely subtle color and very creamy. It doubles as a lip color too and comes out as a very MLBB shade on me.

I’ve not been wearing eyeshadow much in the last few years. I always had prominent eyelids but there is a little drooping starting to happen, so I wonder if re-adding eyeshadow is a good thing or not. I tend to go quite light with the eyeliner and mascara, but maybe I could step it up a little.

The biggest change I have made in the last couple years is adding a bit of brow pencil to fill in my slightly thinning brows — I think this really helps define my features so I will keep doing that.

Lip color continues to flummox me. I try a darker or brighter shade and immediately have to take it off — it’s just not my thing. Too much attention drawn to my mouth. LOL.

How do you update your makeup? Or do you?

General

47 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

kellygirl

Veteran

I could use an update but most people don't even think i wear makeup until they see me without. Eyeliner, brow pencil are musts for me and lips definitely need MLBB. I have my routine down so I'm not likely to change but I do feel like we need brighter colors or a slightly heavier hand as we get older. Interested to see how other people feel!

ladypainter

I would love to find a superhypoallergenic (expeealladocious!) tinted moisturizer/BB & eye concealer. Lots of discoloration on and around my eyelids & some rosacea on my cheeks make me less happy about going makeup free. I’ve tried the Bare Minerals, Neutrogena, et al, but so far everything irritates, or causes my eyes to burn.
For a quick pick-me-up, I love buying drugstore lipstick and toenail polish. My most recent acquisition was Revlon’s Sassy Mauve!

nuancedream

Veteran

My makeup routine is foundation mixed with a little liquid bronzer, cream blush for my drier skin, brow liner, and lip color (never red or very bright). I actually use more product now than when I was younger, but now I use a much lighter hand. Keeping my brows groomed and tinted is key to giving my face structure. I generally don't wear eye shadow because I'm a bit sensitive about the appearance of my eyes due to an autoimmune illness.

ChristelJ

Veteran

The MAC counter is my delight and my downfall. I just can't walk up to one and walk away empty-handed. Some of the products become staples, while others languish.

I'm another one who normally wears makeup but looks as though I'm not. I guess it's quite minimal: tinted BB cream, concealer, mascara and tinted lip balm.

As my coloring has faded I definitely look better with eyebrow color, blush and a solid MLBB lip color, so I am adding those things more often.

No eyeshadow. It draws too much attention to creases and droopy lids. Eyeliner on my small eyes just closes them up. Bright, pale or dark lip color all look ghastly on me.

I guess my aging looks do need a heavier hand in some aspects, but a lighter hand in other ways.

Runcarla

Veteran

Around Christmas last year I saw a dermatologist who put me on a prescription cream for my rosacea. It is a newer treatment modality and I responded very well. It is such a relief, after 5+ years of worsening redness and other uncomfortableness. I still have a bit of eczema so am a minimalist with makeup since it both irritates and accentuates any flakiness. About 18 months ago I started tinting my brows and filling in with pencil. Big impact for modest effort. I have some nifty stencils, however I think I can do pretty well free-hand. I still get my eyelashes tinted, and do mascara several days a week, though not every day. I only apply mascara to upper lashes now, but go for 2-3 coats! For special occasions I line my upper lid from midpoint (pupil) to outer corner then smudge a little bit of a dark purple powder along the line. I don’t do the whole lid, since that is where my eczema flares. I’m struggling with finding a lipstick I’m comfortable with. I generally use a Clinique chubby in ‘Strawberry’ with a slick of a Covergirl Lip gloss for some shine, but it seems to wear off quickly. Once applied, I like to forget about makeup until I take it off at night. I have given up on concealers and use a little zinc based baby sunscreen as a foundation if I think my skin needs evening up. Since my skin is naturally so pale, this is an easy solution. I am doing more with makeup, and more often, then when I was younger.

One thing I’ve been very happy with is a Colgate toothpaste called ‘Optic White’. I have sensitive teeth, and didn’t want to go the bleaching route. I use the ‘Optic White’ 3-4 times a week in lieu of my regular toothpaste and it does a very nice job of keeping my teeth looking smile worthy.

slim cat

Veteran

I have similar feeling with my makeup looking almost nonexistent after a few hours. I'm pale with little contrast in my coloring and my ashy blond hair look now a dirty blond/brown/grey mix. My makeup usually subtle however I like liquid eyeliners with less traditional colors - plum, raising, emerald. Mascara is too much for my sensitive eyes and rarely used.
I had a good experience with CoverGirl Healthy Concealer with vitamins E,B3 & B5 under my eyes and on my eyelids - it's creamy and feels easy to put on.
Eye shadow is tricky and so far only Physicians Formula feels good for me ( I use brown eye shadow to shape and fill in my brows ).
Still looking for perfect lipstick - Almost Lipstick in Black Honey from Clinique used to be my favorite ( bit too expensive for me ).

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think that makeup can be tricky as it’s easy to just stick with what you do at 20 for the rest of your life or give up altogether so it’s good that you are considering an update.l know exactly what you mean about makeup disappearing ,where does it go?!I have found that a good primer helps with this,the one I use is a Boots No.7so probably not available for you but the principle still holds.Cream formulas look less drying and more natural on more mature skins so I tend to use Mac paint pots on my eyes as well as cream blushers.Like you I am on the eternal hunt for the perfect lipstick but still haven’t found it so tend to mix lipsticks with gloss to tone down the effect.l think that makeup is more important as we get older not less.If I don’t wear any I look pale and I’ll.Its just a matter of finding what suits.

kkards

Veteran

I’m a makeup minimalist and generally do an update with a Sephora SA every couple of years or when I change my hair color, which I guess means it’s time. I gave up on eye makeup years ago because everything irritated them. And then I’d rub them, and then I’d have raccoon eyes...not a good look lol.
As for lips I tend to like “no color” colors. Currently I’m using this givenchy black lipstick, and I really like it.

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Joy

Veteran

I pick makeup mostly by color. I like a base of tinted moisturizer with sunscreen but must have something that blends with my skin, a medium neutral beige that is neither too roses or too yellow and does not cause my skin to flake off ( I suspect a preservative). This is very hard to find.
I also use an eyebrow pencil, but a light color that does not go on too dark is hard to find. Even “blonde” looks black or reddish brown on.
I have moved from eye makeup to lips, but most are too blue toned. So far an orange or coral color is ok but they all make my lips dry and peeling. Again, I suspect a preservative like sulfur. Good luck.

Anonymous

To answer your questions: Yes , I most definitely update my makeup regularly , and I keep up to speed with what’s new by constantly poking around Sephora and the Beauty Boutique in Shoppers Drug Mart ( Cdn) . I’m pretty obsessed with makeup though and read lots of style blogs that also do product recommendations . One of the biggest aha moments I had recently was how big a difference a good lipliner can make as we age. Lip definition disappears as we age . I just bought a new Stila shadow palette , mascara and metallic pencil liner yesterday - I LOVE new makeup . My face is too plain and undefined without it . And yes for whitening teeth as we age too .

Anonymous

Kkards- black lipstick ??

kkards

Veteran

Lisa p... I know that was my 1sr reaction. The color is called Noir Revelateur, and when you buy it on line it looks black. But when you wear it it’s like magic, doesn’t look black it just looks like you only darker and glossy.

Anonymous

I thought maybe you’d gone all goth on us after that thread yesterday , lol.

Debbie

Veteran

I am glad you posted this. I have been wondering about updating my
Makeup look. I need to go see a consultant and let them help me. The only problem with that is they tend to want to over make you up. I have been thinking about getting a subscription box and experimenting.

Kate

Veteran

Just the other day I bought a mineral blush from my local MAC store. When the sales associate demonstrated the difference between the regular powder blush I use and the slightly creamy (but still powder) mineral blush on my cheeks I was sold. The mineral blush looked much more natural. Earlier this fall, a splurge purchase of a warm, earth-toned palette of eyeshadows + two blushes at Nordstrom’s MAC counter has encouraged me to wear eyeshadow on occasion. Typically I don’t. I hardly ever update my makeup; I just replace products, but I fell into this mini update, and I’m glad I did.

My normal day wear makeup routine is brow makeup, blush and lippie. That’s what I wear to leave the house. If I’m going out to dinner or to the theatre, I will add mascara and possibly eyeshadow. If I’m not leaving the house, it’s makeup free for me.

Helena

Veteran

As with clothing, I love variety in theory, but in practice I've done the same thing for years: lots of mascara, concealer, natural blush and a natural or berry lip colour. I have started tightlining my upper lid, which gives my eyes a lift, and filling in my brows too.

When I feel the need to update my techniques, I turn to YouTube. I love Lisa Eldridge, Wayne Goss, and another lady whose name I can't remember, but she always pops up ... Dominique something? I always search makeup over 40 or 50, because these tutorials generally skip a lot of the Instagram makeup and do stuff that more about a polished, natural look.

Style Fan

Veteran

I love makeup. I don't wear much but I love looking at YouTube artists and poking around Sephora and The Beauty Boutique at Shoppers Drug Mart. I have a collection of excellent makeup brushes that I take care of carefully.
I hardly ever wear face makeup. I have extremely sensitive skin and I have given up on finding anything that does not irritate me. I focus on my eyes, occasionally some blush and a small amount of lipstick.
My eyes disappear without makeup. That is what being blonde does for you. I use to tint my eyelashes but the tint irritates me now. I still get my eyebrows tinted. I use several colours of eyeshadow to enhance and define my eyes. I tight line my lashes and then I wear a light coat of mascara.
I put a small amount of blush on my cheekbones to highlight them. I have a lot of colour in my cheeks, to begin with, so I need to be careful with the blush.
I define my lips with a small amount of lip pencil and use a lipstick similar to my lip colour. MLBB.

I made a project of learning to contour my eyes with eyeshadow when I retired. It was on my bucket list. I wanted to be able to do it the way a makeup artist did it. I watched Lisa Elridge, Wayne Goss, Angie from Hot and Flashy and others.

cindysmith

Veteran

My most recent makeup update was switching from eyeshadow crayons to liquid eyeshadows. It took some experiments, but I finally decided that applying them with my own eyeshadow brushes (instead of the sponge applicator they come with) was the best approach for me. I can't sweat these eyeshadows off, even at the gym when my trainer is abusing me extra bad, so I'm stocking up in case the liquid eyeshadows fall out of favor.

nemosmom

Veteran

I find that I go through waves of trying new or different products, but most of the time I revert back to my old faves. One thing that always changes is concealer formulation - I need coverage that doesn't settle in my growing number of fine lines...

I stopped wearing foundation years ago, but will wear MAC face &body for a special occasion. I wear a "my lids but better" shadow to even out skintone (my eyelids are REALLY ruddy, and I often look like I have been punched). I will do a smokey eye and lip pencil+ stick for night out or at an event where there will be photos taken (recent bat mitzvah and then a wedding).

My daily routine is brow powder, tightliner on my upper lid, a serum based undereye concealer, mascara, blush, and a Clinique chubby stick for lip color. I sometimes add highlighter on my cheeks if I'm looking tired. I have found that my eyes are starting to disappear as I get older, so I sometimes add soft eye pencil, too.

deb

Veteran

My upper eyelids started getting so crêpey and droopy that I switched to cream eyeshadow crayons. Then last spring I quit wearing shadow altogether. My eyes just disappeared behind my glasses. A few months ago I started putting the shadow on my lower lid and I get so many complements now on my eyes. It is funny how a small change can make such a difference.

Anonymous

When I need an update, I make an appointment with one of the makeup artists at the MAC store I go to. It's about $60 and takes about an hour, and they give you some freebies. I always enjoy it and have found some great products this way. I usually do it every couple of years. They really do a good job with picking colors I'm happy with.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Great insights and ideas here!

OK, specific question here. I love using a little bit of eye pencil under the outer edges of my eyes, but I find that it sort of smudges and migrates under my eyes over the course of a day. Any ideas what to do to set it better? I have to be careful of primers and such under my eyes because they tend to make my eyes water (only exacerbating the migrating eye makeup, LOL). I don't really use mascara on my lower lashes much anymore, so the eye pencil is the culprit.

Staysfit

Veteran

I love makeup and rarely have time now in the morning to use my collection. I use mineral makeup from Elea Blake. I used to use Jane Iredale foundation, but the foundation drape allowed me to completely customize my foundation color so it’s perfect for my skin tone. I use the same foundation and brow color all year long. I prime m skin well with moisturizer. I find my makeup lasts the entire work day.

I have four blush colors and two lip colors that coordinate with each blush. I have a red lip and a natural lip, a cool toned lip and warmer toned lip. I also have a toner color that can be used to adjust the lip colors. The blushes vary in warmth and also intensity. I generally favor changing them seasonally. However, if I am using dark or dramatic color on my eyes I would use a lighter intensity lip and blush, etc.

My eye colors also coordinate with the blush tones. I have four main color groupings, and they seem to work well with season changes. Included among these options, I can create a natural look, a dramatic look, a classic look, etc.

If I’m short on time, a little foundation, tight liner, blush, brow powder, and lips are most important. Mascara is used only to define my lashes but it looks odd when my lashes get too thick or long, so I am light with mascara and only use one coat.

nemosmom

Veteran

Have you tried a waterproof eye pencil?? I can't use primers at all, but have super watery eyes thanks to contact lenses and windy Chicago weather and waterproof pencil is the only thing that won't creep. Kohl pencils are the WORST...

I use MAC powerpoint pencil or Lisa Watier Intense Waterproof or Eyeshine pencils. The Watier pencils go on creamy, but self-set in a few minutes. The MAC is definitely a drier formula. Both have great payout so you don't have to "scrub" them under your eyes to get them to show up.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes please. As experimental as I am with clothing, I really just want a reliable makeup look that I don't have to think about much. But I am never satisfied and keep trying new things. When I was younger I only wore foundation and powder because I was self conscious about my oily, uneven and broken out skin. Well the oily days are over, but I am left with a very uneven skintone and melasma. Anyway, I am constantly trying new lipstick shades because I love a strong lipstick look even though my lips are completely uneven and my chin is not my best feature. I am perverse like that. I am trying to move into eye makeup but am pretty inept. So in short, no advice but following with interest.

Gigi

Veteran

Regarding the eye pencil smudging, you could try dusting the undereye area with a bit of translucent powder. I use the RMS Beauty UnPowder. I don't wear much eye pencil, but I do wear mascara sometimes, and doing this really helps stop the mascara from smudging under my eyes.

Bijou

Veteran

I love and have been wearing make-up since my teens and update my make-up as regularly as I update my clothing - just a gradual process of buying a new item as products are released and items that I am using are getting old.

Preparation is key to a long lasting finish and layering is the way to get a nice even finish without a heavy look, just gradually build the product up.

In relation to smudging eyeliner, the way I combat that is to use an eyeliner and then set the liner with a powder eyeshadow in a complimentary colour. My current favourite eyeliner is Chanel's Celedon that I put NARS Pasiphae eyeshadow on top of to set the eyeliner - photos of the products attached.

Whilst I wear a full makeup (foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow pencil, lip pencil and lipstick), I tend to keep a light touch on the make-up except for lipstick - I usually wear a bright or bold colour. A new favourite eye makeup palette for me is MAC's Prissy Princess (photo 3) just to lighten and brighten my eyelids. Two lighter lipsticks that I have enjoyed wearing recently (other than red and bright pink) are Chanel's Edith (photos 4 & 5) and MAC's Brave (photo 6).

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Katerina

Veteran

I update my make up time to time. I love make up, so I try often different products and colours. Some products are, however, extreme keepers for me, which I have used for years and years. Este Lauder double wear foundation in the same shade and Dior eye shadows - different colours, but I love the texture and longevity. Other product I can change and try new.
When I wear make up, I usually wear full face makeup - i.e. for me foundation, eyebrow shadow, eye shadows, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick (sometimes with lip pencil), blushers and occasionally a bit of powder. The minimum I would wear when I have little time is foundation, mascara, and blusher. Some days I do not wear makeup - when I am at home all day cooking or clearing up, or when sick.
The adjustments due to age in my make up has been the addition of an eyebrow shadow to fill some gaps and ad a touch of definition. I also work more with sculpting my eyes to create more depth at and above the crease of the eye to visually “lift” the eye. I do not use less make up with age - I use deeper eye make up than when I was younger, but I use a bit softer colours, less shimmery products, no sparkle and almost no highlighters.

Katerina

Veteran

Janet, I am with Nemosmom.... How about trying different waterproof eye pencils? I use Estée Lauder’s double wear pencils, I think they are waterproof and they sit well on my eyes. What you could also try is to use a dark eye shadow instead applied with a tiny brush. I don’t know, if that would help, but the effect is a bit softer.

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