Why older women SHOULD wear make-up

WHAT EVERY WOMAN NEEDS: Why older women should wear make-up

DO you wear makeup?

I ask, because not all older women do. Some prefer the au naturel look (the “no makeup” makeup look) or only do their face on special occasions. And that’s absolutely fine.

Maybe they don’t feel they need to wear makeup. Maybe their hands aren’t steady anymore. Or maybe some products don’t look as good as they used to on their menopausal or dry aged skin. All this is true — to a degree.

For years, women have been exposed to images of age-defying celebrities or lithe young things with their smooth unlined faces. From pout-enhancing lipsticks to wrinkle-reducing creams, photoshopped images of women with smooth complexions are projected as proof that anti-ageing products work wonders. In other words, young and beautiful equals the beauty — and fashion — ideal.

How, then, are older women supposed to have confidence in products promoted by young women who are years away from experiencing the signs and problems of ageing? Unrealistic, yes. Smart, no.

Because of an increase in products targeting older women, women of a certain age are having a beauty moment.

Thanks to ground-breaking technology in formulations that flatter and reduce the signs of ageing, there are now entire makeup ranges that cater to the over 50s.

But the idea of not wearing makeup doesn’t suddenly appear at some arbitrary point in life.

WHY WOMEN WEAR MAKEUP

Women wear makeup primarily for two reasons: It makes them look (and feel) more attractive, and it improves their self-esteem and confidence. Wearing makeup also looks like you care about your appearance. So why are we made to feel that it’s not appropriate once we’re of a certain age?

I’m not a natural beauty and have worn makeup to highlight my facial features, and hide uneven skin tone, pigmentation and blemishes my entire adult life. Now in my 50s, the idea of NOT wearing makeup in my 60s, 70s and beyond just ain’t going to happen. Even my 84-year-old mother won’t leave the house without applying a little foundation, her eyebrows pencilled in or lips coated with a slick of bright red or hot pink lipstick. Then she’s ready to face the day.

However, I’ve now adopted the “less is more” mantra when it comes to applying makeup and toned down my routine compared to how I “painted” my face in my 20s and 30s. But there are some things I will never give up.

As a mousy blonde (who is slowly turning grey/white), my eyelashes and what’s left of my eyebrows are quite fair. So I NEED to pencil in my brows every morning and wear a coat (or two) of mascara on my lashes. I wish I had the confidence of Tilda Swinton who famously doesn’t use mascara — even on the red carpet! But, most especially, a strong red lip.

Not sure about you, but here’s why I believe older women should wear makeup.

Should your bag match your shoes

WHY OLDER WOMEN SHOULD WEAR MAKEUP

1: TO LOOK LIKE YOU CARE
First impressions really do count, so how we present ourselves is important. There is something really attractive about a woman who is confident — and comfortable — with her age and style. Be proud of who you are and ALWAYS put on your best face. That’s why older women should wear makeup. It’s not just about self-respect; it’s also about looking like you made an effort and feeling that you can count on yourself. Because when a woman gives up on how she looks, she has lost.

How to age gracefully

2: TO LOOK (AND FEEL) BETTER 
Women of a certain age don’t want to be reminded of what they once were. They want to celebrate who they are now and what they have achieved. More mature faces will instantly look better, healthier and, of course, younger too, with just a small amount of colour and definition. But, as our hair and skin become thinner and paler as we age, adopt the “less is more” mantra.

What every stylish woman knows

3: TO FEEL MORE ATTRACTIVE
When applied correctly, makeup can make you look fabulous! Just because you are no longer interested in relationships or sex, doesn’t mean you are devoid of allure and desire. What’s wrong with still wanting to be attractive to your partner? But be wary of really slapping on makeup; it doesn’t look good on anyone. Ignore current trends such as thick eyebrows, false eyelashes and winged eyeliner. These can look more pantomime than proper on an older face. Subtlety is the key.

How to look rich when you’re not

4: TO MAKE IT EASIER TO FACE THE DAY
Older women who make the effort to “put on their face”, are more inclined to make other changes in their lives. It has inspired many to burn more calories and lose weight, start an exercise program or just “keep up appearances” when illness or bereavement strikes.

How to look fabulous at 50 (and beyond)

5: TO IMPROVE SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM
We live in a visual world where people still judge us by the way we look. Unfortunately, as we age we become less visible, so maybe our sense of self-worth shouldn’t be bound up with our appearance. However, taking the time and trouble over your appearance means that you’ll feel better every day. I also believe that older women should wear makeup because it affects the way we are treated.

Master the art of layering


So why do you wear makeup? Or maybe you don’t. I hope this encourages you to feel that makeup is a wonderful boon to an older face. Would love to hear about any tips and tricks you’ve found. Ever stylishly yours … 

Picture: Pinterest

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

3 Comments

  1. Melanie
    June 22 / 12:06 pm

    I have to say as an ‘older’ (approaching 50) woman who never learnt to do make up properly, and is fortunate enough to have a good complexion thanks to genes and general habits, I disagree with your first point. I think you can look like you care about yourself and your appearance without makeup – this viewpoint is driven by society that believes make up = effort (but only for women).

    Look after your skin, do your hair, keep your hands and nails neat, groom your brows, stay hydrated and you also hit your other 4 points IMO :) If you want to wear make up, go for it but I believe the idea that not wearing make up means you somehow don’t care about yourself or your appearance is a fallacy.

  2. Sharon E Miller
    December 10 / 6:07 am

    Love this! Most sensible older woman chat about makeup I’ve seen. Sign me up. I will soon be 77 and still wear a little makeup. Love scent and crazy clothes too and have been told I’m beautiful. I’m not, just happy and confident. Thank you!

  3. Lara Henderson
    December 10 / 10:19 am

    I am 71 of Celtic origin and always hated the summer heat. I remember getting burned on the beach as a child and will never forget the pain. I vowed to stay out of the sun and am so grateful I did. I always wear a hat when in the garden, always use a high SPF face moisturizer and wear gloves. My routine after cleansing morning and night is a rosacea cream( the Celtic curse) followed by a high SPF sun block moisturizer. My liquid makeup has SPF and I follow that with a translucent powder. No one believes my age and my photo is on Facebook wearing glasses and my hair pulled back. PLEASE ladies, the sun is your worst enemy and will age you so much faster as will smoking and high alcohol intake, moderation is the key.