‘You look better with less make-up’: Beauty tips for those over 50

Women over 40 are having their moment. Just think of stars like the magnificent Jennifer Coolidge (63), Michelle Yeoh (62), Nicole Kidman (57), and Tilda Swinton (63), all blitzing it on our screens.

On the runways, in social media and in advertising campaigns for anti-ageing skin care, we’re finally seeing more images of “mature” women complete with wrinkles and grey hair. But when it comes to the menopausal make-up space, it’s virtually untouched.

Tilda Swinton, 63, at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.Credit: Getty Images for IMDb

So, what does a menopausal face look like? Well, it turns out that perimenopause (the one to 10 years leading up to your last period) triggers a host of skin-related concerns before you even hit the big M.

Oestrogen plays a central role in promoting collagen production, skin elasticity and thickness and healthy blood vessels. When oestrogen levels drop during perimenopause, skin starts to show signs of dryness, dullness, wrinkles, sagging, and sometimes even acne. “You can feel part-teenager, with breakouts that pop up out of nowhere, and part-senior citizen, with extreme dryness,” says New York dermatologist Dr Doris Day.

When it comes to applying make-up to skin which is in freefall, it’s no surprise that the minimalist-trend inspired by Gen Z also works for generations that came before them. Try soufflé-like foundations such as Chantecaille Future Skin ($149) that create hydrated-looking skin. Water-based concealers like Kosas Revealer Concealer ($50), are great for lines and creases around the eyes. A creamy blush is a softer option to powder blush (we love Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush, $80) and go for lip-plumping glosses such as Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm ($54).

Celebrity make-up artist Gregory Arlt says, “It’s about using a light hand with the right formulas. I typically use foundation, but I’ll use it sparingly.” If you are very wedded to your current foundation but are finding it too thick, try mixing it with moisturiser to lighten the load.

Make-up as skincare is definitely a growing category in this area thanks to brands like Ilia, Dr. Jart+ and Makeup By Mario. Jones Road Beauty, created by 67-year-old make-up guru Bobbi Brown, is tailored for the over-40s and features creamy, easy-to-use products. Brown’s aesthetic: “You look better … with less make-up. You certainly look better without badly formulated make-up. I personally don’t like traditional full-coverage make-up.” Note to self: if you want to set your foundation to last all day, go for a translucent powder, like the one from By Terry, that won’t cleave to fine lines.

Last but by no means least comes 60-year-old trailblazer Trinny Woodall and her brand, Trinny London. Woodall’s cult lip and line filler, Miracle Blur ($49), is a winner, as are her stackable pots of perfectly pigmented creams for lips, eyes and cheeks. Get experimenting.

ASK STEPH

What is a good brush for fine hair?

The gold standard is the Mason Pearson Handy Boar Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush ($279). Its soft bristles glide through hair, creating less breakage and static. This brush can even help with exfoliation, sweeping dead skin cells and built-up product from the scalp. Not cheap, but consider it an investment that will last a lifetime.

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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