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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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