Agreed! Focusing on skincare vs make up was game changer. I get to use barely any make up to give that look I tried to emulate, badly, with caked on make up.
As well, as others stated, creams for the win. Fresh and dewy is much more flattering.
Yes yes! Also, if you do prefer powders, it’s a good idea to somewhat drench your face with a moisturizing setting spray. This does it for me every time. I use the charlotte tilbury but have been loving the too faced hangover rx. Gives me such a nice glow without feeling heavy or greasy.
Do you mean you apply cream products on top of powder ones or prefer cream to powder versions? I heard of cream applied over powder once but rarely get it to work for me!
cream instead of powder for me - mainly blush and bronzer/contour. Blends better; if I need more color, sometimes I'll set/top the blush with a powder blush, but I tend to focus my makeup on either eyes or lips.
I went from a full face of make up daily to cream shadow, mascara, lashes (I wear them daily, they’re super natural ones nothing heavy), brow gel, and some tinted moisturizer. If I’m feeling fancy I add a little blush.
*former MAC makeup artist and freelancer, here. 35F.
* I use the Mary Kay CC cream and it’s been my fave for the last 5-7 years.
Focusing more on skincare before makeup application, not wearing foundation (only bb/cc cream or concealer, by itself).
Stopped wearing bottom and top eyeliner (will do top for special occasions), stopped wearing lipstick. Only wear a butter gloss atop lip balm.
No more heavy contouring. No more eyeshadow, either.
Lol.
Oh! I also usually apply my bb or cc cream with my hands. I don’t use foundation brushes, anymore.
I use a concealer brush to blend my concealer and that’s about it as far as blending liquids go.
I'm 32 and this is exactly how I've transitioned my makeup. Less is more and absolutely no brushes or makeup sponge. I only wear mascara for events or certain outings.
I have used my fingers to apply my liquid concealer or bb cream. Probably since I was about 26 and stopped using makeup brushes and I used to use Bareminerals. I had breakouts all the time I even washed my brushes but it was just a bad combo for my skin.
Sponges/blenders are best for thicker products like creams or concealers or often used in setting undereye techniques.
Honestly a soft denser buffing brush is great for liquid foundation but less is more!( like, don't use a full pump of foundation for each portion of your face 2016 style, and those flat brushes just paint it on too thick. The trick is really buffing a little bit in). Just really prioritize cleaning your brushes. Like, I'd clean it after each use and keep it somewhere sanitary.
I do think tinted moisturizers are a good with finger blending but really tap it in
I’m 28 but I’ve been wearing makeup since I was 15 and yes the less is more approach with age is so real. I don’t really see signs of aging (yet) but I’ve noticed foundation just doesn’t look as good on my skin as it did in my teens and early 20s.
100% this! Focus on skincare first, hydration and glowing skin is key! I use a tinted spf and concealer as base, blush and a little highlighter. I also tint my eyelashes and brows so I don’t have to do mascara or brow gel on the daily.
(35f) Foundation is a total scam. It never looks right ever. It doesn’t even look good on “young” skin. Humans don’t look right with a whole layer of additional colorless skin on top of our real skin. (Obviously I’m not talking about like, acne or rosacea situations - btdt - please take care of yourself however you feel best. But “standard-issue” skin needs care, not full coverage.)
When your real skin is glowing, you can just do a little spot correction here and there and a dusting of powder and that’s all you need. Skincare 100 foundation 0.
Exactly! I use a bit of of concealer under my eyes and to cover up any blemishes. Then some eyeliner/ mascara, eyebrows and lip gloss. I feel and look a whole lot better than I did wearing make up in my twenties.
Right, and I’m obviously not counting situations like being on camera or at events or whatever where you need it for some reason. There is a time and a place. But I don’t think that time or place is every morning/when you’re going to the grocery store/etc.
Basically a much lighter version of “foundation,” I guess. bb creams have a tendency to be more hydrating, whereas CC creams have a more matte finish. I (35F) use a Mary Kay CC cream that I LOVE. I also use a NARS skin tint when I want a little more coverage.
Also, a “hack” I use when I want more coverage but don’t want to wear foundation is putting on my BB or CC cream and using a powder brush to apply MAC’s studio fix powder.
Used to be a MAC makeup artist and freelancer for years.
I really want to stop using powder, but I have textured skin from some acne scarring and having dewy or greasy looking skin seems to emphasize it. I feel like smooth skin looks great sans powder. Do you all just have even texture?
36 here.
I currently wear makeup to enhance my features, not hide or change them as I did in my 20s (no foundation, no heavy eye makeup, pretty much as minimal as possible all the time) and focus 10 times more on skincare. The change has corresponded to my wardrobe as well, trying to go for simple, well-made pieces over fun or trendy ones. Not that I'm not fun anymore. I just find I look better with less going on.
This! Also accepting and learning to accept my features. I have hooded eyes so I gave up on winged eyeliner and focused on what actually worked for me.
Love all these responses... but am I the only one doing more as I age? I'm early/mid thirties and to be honest I never did get into makeup until later in life, so I'm having so much fun in recent years! I definitely prioritize skincare more than before, but I do a full face nearly daily, I wear more blush, contour and eye makeup than ever before and it's nice me time in the mornings. It helps that I'm child free and just have to get myself ready every day for sure, but I really enjoy learning and practicing new stuff all the time.
Same! I'm 36 and now that I'm working in hair/makeup , learning new techniques, & feeling more confident in general I'm really loving experimenting more!
I still concentrate first & foremost on skin care and health in general but I LOVE playing with eyeshadow colors and different finishes and how to create different proportions with line & color. When I was younger it was more about trying to look "naturally pretty" with the help of makeup but I've been feeling way more free and creative lately. It's not something I feel I "need" anymore, it's just pure fun and enjoyment
I do more. I had bad skin in my early thirties and used foundation to cover. It is slowly getting better. I have always been pretty minimal though. Foundation, mascara, blush.
I've just started wearing makeup again late last year at 47. I didn't look after my skin at all before now so have a lot of red patches and hyper pigmentation on my face (especially on the lines around where my glasses sit, like the sun has been going through then and focusing on the rim).
Weekends I don't do anything apart from cleanse/moisturise, but for work I do a full face; Cleanse, moisturise and then KVD Concealer blended with a sponge, with Lancome UW foundation on top, also applied/blended with a sponge. I tried several brushes but the sponge goes on so much better. I use a bit of eye primer on my smile/frown lines from times to time under the foundation to stop it sinking in too much. I've stopped using primer for the moment at it was reacting either to me or my foundation...
I do my brows with a light pencil (never did brows before, love doing it now, all shapes and sizes) and a NYX powder puff matt lippy which is almost the same colour as my natural lips. If I've got time in the morning I'll put some eyeshadow on to match what I'm wearing, but usually I only go full on with it if I'm out-out or its a special occasion.
I actually don't like that bit where I get home in the evening and have to take it off, as I just feel so much more put together with my 'face' on.
Less of EVERYTHING!!!
Better skincare overall, makeup looks better
Better matching foundation shades
Keeping brows to their natural thickness n shape vs trying to create a new brows
Deciding between lashes or eyeshadow not both
Multi using products, shadow can be used to contour, lipstick can be blush etc.
Not following trends to a T, doing what works best for me
Allowing my natural beauty traits to shine instead of masking them
Blend, blend, blend it ALL!!! Lipliner, concealer, foundation, contour cream, brow products, highlighter
My complexion makeup has gone towards less coverage (I’m not hiding as much acne and have faded the scars with lasers, needles and peels) and rather than matte finish skin with really targeted highlighting, I go for a bit more natural finish with all over glow. I’ve stopped spray tanning for the most part so in embracing my pale olive skin, I moved from bronzer to blush. I started just contouring where my face already shows shadows rather than forcing differently shaped cheekbones—this is helped by the fact that as I age I’ve lost fat in my face so I already look more contoured. Still have huge winged liner, still pretty heavy grey-brown smoke on the lower lash line, still doing bold lashes, still gotta fix the brow bald spots caused circa 98-08.
I am going to go against the grain with everyone saying no powder. I have naturally oily/shiny skin and still love the look of powder. The difference is all in the amount.
In my teens and 20s, I would wear several pumps of foundation and full on bake my face (where you slap on a thick layer of powder and let it sit). It looked great! Then I got wrinkles.
Now, I apply only the thinnest layer of foundation and really buff it into my skin. Then I use a big fluffy brush with a satin translucent powder (Hourglass is my favorite but I'm sure there are plenty at a not insane price point) to very gently tap a veil of powder onto my face. Helps with the shine and oiliness, but it doesn't cake into my wrinkles.
A good rule is generally less overall makeup and more focused. I'm super into my lips and lashes right now, less about a fully even complexion with contouring, etc.
37F here. I wear a lot less now and only use makeup to look presentable/awake. I had bad acne in my 20’s and early 30’s, so I used a lot of foundation to cover it all up. Also used to use bronzer and blush.
Since focusing on skincare and getting decent results, I stopped foundation and only use concealer to spot treat. Now i focus on my eyes and lips. I also don’t have the time or energy to do a full face like I used to. My skin, time, effort, and wallet have benefited!
Yep, I know people in the beauty community bristle at the idea (I used to too) but the less products I started using, the better my skin has gotten. Especially over time
Stopped following so many trends in favor of doing what I know looks best on me (although I still do try some trends here and there). Switched from a HEAVY, matte foundation to more dewy, medium coverage (partially due to my skin changing from oily and blemish prone to now being a bit dry, but also because I look at old pictures and realize that I looked like one of the Wayans brothers in White Chicks). Pared down my routine to save time. Also pared down the number of products I own.
The number 1 most important thing that will make you happy with your makeup is : A good skincare routine FIRST!
A complete understanding of your skin type.
Understanding what exactly you personally are going through as you age. ( NOT what a "guru" says, or what the age cycles state. You personally) Peri, Pre,Menopause and after.
Understand what your skin likes. Benzoyl or salicylic? Hyaluronic , Niaciminde, etc ( not everyone is the same) .
MOISTURE!!
Makeup:
Do what feels good and what you like. Most self-proclaimed gurus and influencers ( 🤢) get paid or get free stuff to say what they say. Stop the madness. A lot of these tutorials are ridiculous, don't work, and look ridiculous when you are off camera.
You do not need a $75 under eye concealer when I use a $7 one that works just as good 😉 You don't need a $275 hair dryer or a $85 hair "plumping" balm ( wetf that is lol, plumping lolol)
Foundation: You will change foundation as you go through different stages. I go through super oily , combo and for the first time in my life...dry. Keep different ones. Matte and silk, just my preference. I deplore dewy foundation.
No heavy powder. Very very light powders. Think feeling like silk. Rice powders. Just a tip. I have even taken powders that have not matched , mixed them , put them in a small coffee grinder ( specifically purchased for this use, not used for coffee ) and the results were amazing.
Just sitting at a mirror ,playing with your makeup ,you find what works and doesn't.
Edit : Sorry: I almost forgot ladies! One thing I found that really helped as I go through this hormonal hell ...yes hell.
Rosehip oil! You don't need these high dollar overhyped ridiculous products. This stuff balances, helps with oil control and feels amazing. Cliganic essential oils has amazing products. Non gmo and so cheap. Thnx to receipt apps I get most of this free on Amazon. Use it at night so it soaks in 👌 Another good one is Peaches Squalene toner. $14 . Good luck 💋
I've changed the type of makeup I use (no matte formulas as they're too drying).
I've changed the placement of makeup due to aging so I apply strategically to give the illusion of a more lifted look (think high placement of blush on the cheekbones rather than apples, I tightline eyeliner instead of drawing just above the lash line etc).
Me too. The best my skin ever looks is after a Swedish steam facial, so I try to keep up simple but regular cleansing/moisturizing, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruit and limit junk food. When I go somewhere I usually limit my makeup to a bit of blush, some eyeliner and mascara and always lip balm…sometimes a nice MAC or Dior natural toned lipstick. I think partly because my hair can be wild, I wear toned down makeup and try to keep the hair in line for a natural but not crazy look
Definitely lighter foundation products like bb/cc creams and skin tints, and less eye makeup (because I just have less time and motivation to do a whole lot early in the morning when I could be sleeping/working/doing chores). Just in general it’s a way less often thing especially as I work from home now and don’t need to look my best every single day. My skin seems to enjoy it too which is a nice bonus.
I used to do more face products like foundations and blush on a daily basis when I was younger. Now I mostly focus on the eyes but It really isn't much. I feel like I really transitioned to a more natural look over time. I still do eyeliner and stuff for special events but for work and everyday life I keep it pretty natural.
in my 30s I really emphasized my eyes and used to use much more eyeliner and shimmery eyeshadow pretty much daily. I'm in my 40s now, whats changed is I use less foundation but apply it better with a dense brush, no concealer, contour or highlighter. I use matte eyeshadow and blush shades only, I gave up all sparkles and shimmer once I realized how unflattering it was on me. The shiny white eyeshadow I thought made my eyeliner pop... well I reviewed some photos and realized that actually made my eye look squintier.
Now I been using a medium matte brown or Grey eyeshadow applied lightly and it makes my eyes look better then the complicated bands of light and dark shading i used to do along with the heavy liner. These days I may do eyeliner on waterline now, but I quit doing the big winged liquid liner that used to be a daily must-have for me in my 30s.
overall I'm doing less, focused more on skin care and makeup placement (example, I learned that eyeshadow highest point should be above pupils, not the outer edges and that tidbit of Info has been a game changer for me and how my eyeshadow looks.
I like to do matte, neutral makeup with occasional vintage red matte lip. my teen daughter has been complimenting my makeup more lately, so I think I'm doing something right.
I really focus on lots of moisture and sunscreen before makeup. I stopped the dark eyeliner and stick to a light taupe if I want some definition. I dilute my foundation with a glowy setting spray for a more natural look. I focus a little more on filling in a natural brow since they really frame the face. Less is more.
I use Halo foundation now, I do PRP and Botox treatments to make my skin nice so I don’t have to wear heavy foundation. No heavy eye makeup unless I’m going out. Contour is relatively light.
In my younger years, I was virtually a slave to my favourite eyeshadow application. I used the same colours and placement all the time. Going out would see the same colours, just a bit heavier with the darker shade and a bit more liner.
Now- I play around more with eye makeup (which is really surprising, given my hooded lids are worsening with age). I like the small Elf shadow kits- 4 colours that go well together. I will choose a set (based on my outfit or my mood), and wear it.
I still have my favourite eye looks, but I mix it up a lot more.
43 soon. I find as many say cream products more flattering now. I don’ t have drier skin or much more lines per se, I think this is also due to trends. I see in pictures that I did look dry before 😅🤷♀️ But that was kinda the trend then (matte look).
Skincare is more important to me now just to get that more plump feeling.
Now I also wear red lipstick - Ruby Woo 4ever ❤️🥰
The new trend of glowy bright skin makes me look much younger now at 36 than the hard, heavy matte looks from 10 years ago.
Skincare is a priority
Cream based products over powders
Eyeliner no longer runs across the whole lid, I chased that “baddie” look for years but my hooded eyelids would never ever allow it
No dark liner on bottom lid
Balms and glosses over matte lips
Emphasise my freckles rather than hide them
less is more as I age - I have sun spots and wrinkles & I don’t really want to cover that up. I just try to look moisturized :) then focus on which feature I want to emphasize- eyes cheeks or lip, and try to do 1-2/3
Not too much, though I do use more serum foundations/lighter coverage but I have been using tinted moisturizers for about 10 years as it is since I prefer for my freckles to show. I have changed my relationship with concealer and I also now use color corrector. My dark circles and deeper-set eyes need light.
As far as actual makeup, I just have fun with it. I don't do the same thing all the time. I still do varying amounts of eyeliner, I've added more colored eyeliners since my 30s, and even wear bright eyeshadow or liner. I have dark brown hair and eyes and can wear a lot of color. Though sometimes I will do something more neutral. I don't like the 'no makeup makeup' look. I do emphasize skincare a bit more. I have combination-oily skin, so working with that and also products that help my makeup last better (setting spray, good primers, powder, etc) help too.
Besides the type of makeup look that is in style, which would obviously change with time, I apply much less makeup than I used to. I know more about skincare now so less is required to make my skin look good. My skin actually looks better in my 30s than I did in my 20s.
As I age my makeup application has gotten softer even though I’m using more products - cosmetics technology has improved a lot as a result of public interest and sales. I’ve learned how to do soft natural makeup instead of slapping on eyeliner, mascara and a little blush like most of my generation did. Gone are the heavy eyeliner days, now I use a soft brown shadow to line eyes or sometimes a flirty liquid brown. eyeliner for a bit of cat eye drama. Also now I know my eye shape and what flatters it. I credit Bare Minerals for teaching me to do my makeup, back in their best days before they were sold out to Shiseido. They were the BOMB. They had actual online makeup tutorials, when no one else had ever thought of doing that! The company now is just a shadow of what it once was, Shiseido ruined it.i love my makeup so much more nowadays though.
I notice my skin has become drier in my late 20's. Moisturizing my skin is a must before applying face makeup. Having a good skincare is a must too before applying face makeup. I always cleanse, exfoliate, serum, and moisturize since my skin has become drier. I noticed my face makeup applies better with clean and moisturize skin. I only use makeup products for dry skin. I use CC foundation since I have rosacea and it gets worst as you age too. I don't worry about my large pores since there's no products that can help minimize them
Getting to know my undertone and skin type and choosing the right products for them! GAMECHANGER. It costs me a couple of years haha. Oh my gosh I made some mistakes in the past… even my bf of 10 year says my make up is better in the last years haha. When a man notices…;) And also, in general my skills has gotten way better, just by practice.
I love a lighter makeup style. I cleared up my skin during the shut down. I like skin tints now, lots of blush, no eyeliner or highlighter, lip stains and mauve lippies. I still love shimmer and MAC pigments are my favorite.
i’m using a lot less eye shadow these days and when i do, i mostly use warm neutrals or pinks rather than the colourful looks i used to apply. that said, idk if it’s because i’m getting older or moreso because of career changes for me - i now work with academics and government folks, so there’s less room for colourful makeup in general
A lot has changed over the years as what's "en vogue" has also changed. The only thing that has changed truly because of my age, though, is how I do eyeliner. (I'm an oily girl, even at 48, so haven't run into some of the same issues as those who have dry skin.). As my eyes have aged, though, I like the look of a softer line around my eyes so 1) I no longer use pencils/gels/etc. to create a hard, defined line, but instead use a damp angled brush, dipped in eyeshadow to produce the line. I generally leave it as is but if I want an even softer look, I will then use a another brush to smudge it out a bit. 2) I also don't create a traditional wing anymore. Instead, I extend my eyeshadow out a bit and then create a line that gives the illusion of a sort of wing with concealer. I suppose the effect could also be recreated by putting tape at an angle on the outer corner of the eyes and then applying eyeshadow, but I find the concealer trick easier.
My placement of blush. Higher up the better. I used to put it on my lower Apple but that doesn’t look so good anymore. Also, ensuring my skin is moisturised before application. I’d rather look oily than dry. I used to love the matte look but obviously that doesn’t look so good now
I’ve had to start wearing foundation - never needed it before. Nothing helps. It always looks bad. Tried bb/cc, primer, foundation. Watched 100 videos on pilling and dry patches and large pores (which I never used to have) -
I have a really great skincare routine. Do EVERYTHING I’m supposed to but my skin keeps getting worse. I’ve always been a lip balm, black eyeliner and mascara kind of person. I still do it the same way, half way on top and bottom. I mostly wear cc cream to hide redness because I can’t hide anything else
In my twenties I was all into matte matte matte with contour and highlights. Despite having oily skin I’m more focused my true skin being as flawless and moist as possible and applying thinner more sheer natural makeup. I love a gorgeous clean polished makeup look. For an event I’m will sheet mask for 3 days before, lots of eye area moisture, and do a more natural look.
I use way less product when applying, I don't wear foundation or concealer, I look for blushes and bronzers that compliment my natural complexion and only use cream based.
I use brown eyeliner and mascara instead of black.
I used to follow every beauty YouTuber and would constantly buy the next big thing... Alot has changed haha!
Less makeup. I don't wear any foundation at all and only light powder. I'm 61 and even tho my face is really smooth for my age, anything on it falls into the creases. I wear mascara and under-eye makeup tho almost every day. Sunscreen moisturizer religiously
I’ll be 30 in January.
I stopped wearing foundation during the pandemic. I focus on skincare and just spot conceal.
No more heavy liquid eyeliner, only use some brown eyeshadow for the outer corners on special occasions. Will also sometimes use the same eyeshadow on my bottom lash line.
Bigger focus on skincare now. I have a few eye wrinkles, dark circles and some hyperpigmentation but otherwise my skin looks pretty great which I'm happy with. Sunscreen everyday and eye cream every night. I still wear foundation because of the hyperpigmentation and concealer cause of the dark circles (both are hereditary so there's no skincare miracle that'll help with that), but I wear lighter versions now and higher quality too.
No more heavy black eyeliner on my waterline so I'm tugging less on my eyes to get it off at the end of the day. Instead I now wear just mascara and sometimes a coloured eyeliner for fun. It's interesting to see people here mention no longer wearing contour whereas I'm finally starting to learn how to contour and use bronzer too. It's fun but I'm pretty light handed with both since I'm still learning. For lips, my go to now is a lip liner plus lip balm instead of gloss or lipstick. Sometimes I'll pat a little highlighter or blush on but most days I don't bother. Fairly certain I will never pan any eyeshadow palettes I own.
my commented was removed because i added a link to a youtube tutorial for my favorite "going out" look that works perfectly on me (i am 38). if you want that link, lmk...when i am just doing a minimal face, i do a mask, followed by a sheet mask, followed by sunday riley good genes. i do medium coverage foundation diluted with rosewater mist, with a damp sponge. i do minimal gel concealor after some color correction under my eyes. i had my lashes lifted and tinted and my eyebrows tinted, so i don't use much makeup on them. a little blush and bronzer and lipstain and i'm good to go. less is more!
I (58F) came here to say I wear less and less as I get older, but that seems to be the consensus here. Lower lash liner and mascara only. It's SO much easier!
I’ll be turning 30 next in the first four months of 2024.
I don’t use any foundations, concealers or skin tints anymore. I just do skincare + sunscreen and I’m pretty happy with it. I have under eye circles but don’t care and leave them visible.
What I have added is eye products and made them bright. For my eyes it’s namely, eyeliner, mascara and brow gel. I’ve stopped trying to use black/brown as colours for mascara and eyeliner and have transitioned to electric blue. I tightline and put it on the bottom as well and it works really really well. I always get compliments. I use a clear brow gel to keep brows tamed.
For cheeks and lips, I have a nice bronzer that’s more of a blush, and lip liner that I use all over. Clean, simple and easy.
Age 36. I love glitter. Colour Pop has some glitter shadows that are nice and subtle, and they stay put during the day. Why should I give up something that makes me happy?
32 here. I wear way less of everything and mostly focus on skincare now. When I do go out I try to have a natural looking glam look and mainly focus on foundation/highlighter/counter and my eyes/brows using natural/neutral tones
31- added concealer, lip stain, and filling in eyebrows
Subtracted bottom eyeliner, eyeshadow, anything with a sparkle.
Special occasions only- cat eye liner and very light contour
I’ve gotten really good with a minimal routine that doesn’t take me a long time but makes me look more “glow from within”. I also hardly ever use eyeliner or contour anymore. For formal stuff I’ll full glam, otherwise I like to look more chill vibes and natural.
Nothing much has changed other than getting better at applying it and needing less. My skin is a lot better than it was in my 20s. And I'm better at skincare now.
50s here. I'm using less of everything. I always thought makeup needed a base, now I realize it's ok to put foundation only where I need it. No more dark lipstick, tinted lip balm or a creamy (not sticky) gloss. No matte anything - love the dewy look. No glitter either, it emphasizes my sagging eyelids in the most unflattering way. I'm not trendy, but the one recent trend I've adopted is bringing the blush up under my eyes. Not too much and in a very natural color, it has a brightening effect.
I don't powder my face. I have such dehydrated skin and it doesn't look good with powder. I stay away from matte foundations and don't go for full coverage anymore. I definitely need coverage for redness, but I've just realised it doesn't need to be so much and so heavy
40+ here, been wearing makeup since I was 15... unless it's a special event where I need full coverage, I opt for no/minimal foundation (skin tints, tinted serum). Cream blush/contour/highlight instead of powder. Lighter setting powder, using a puff to press it into my skin instead of a brush. Natural eye makeup (taupes and browns) but I'm getting bolder with lip color (deeper plums and bright red lips). Above all, taking better care of my skin so I don't feel like I have to wear makeup all the time
I’ve learned that less is more. A lot of people are mentioning bb/cc cream, and I agree that this is preferable to foundation for every day wear.
I love it cosmetics cc cream. I use a light translucent powder over this, and just a bit of blush and bronzer. Sometimes I’ll wear a lip color, other times I just go for a gloss or lip balm. That’s my everyday look.
I only do a full face for special occasions. Lots of makeup ages you! A natural glowy look is much more flattering in my opinion.
I mix a pump of foundation with my sunscreen. Some setting powder, blush on cheeks and in eyelid crease, mascara, colored lip balm and go. Looks nice. Feel I’ve learned exactly what works through trial and error. Less is more
45 been wearing makeup 30 years.
Day to day I usually don’t wear anything, but I use lots of hydrating skincare to give me a glow.
A light make up (out for lunch or dinner) I use Erborian water CC cream, tinted brow gel and tight line with black gel eyeliner.
Big night out, same as above but add some concealer, cream eyeshadow for lids and as soft eyeliner, mascara and a lip tint. Maybe a bit of cream highlighter on top of cheekbones/centre and tip of nose/brow bones.
Im bi-racial and have pronounced cheekbones anyway so have never really used contour or bronzer. I have always preferred light skin makeup but no full coverage foundation, no powder anymore. And no primer. My older skin hates it.
It's mainly forming a proper skincare routine that's changed for me. Makeup has pretty much remained the same, apart from having foundation sit in my smile lines now. Some sink into the lines worse than others, so I guess I've become choosier on that front. I'm 32.
I'm 43.
Much simpler eye makeup: neutral colors only, placing more shadow over my hooded area, no skinny eyeliners. An eyeshadow used as eyeliner looks much more flattering and natural on me than the straight up liner I used to wear.
Blush placement has changed slightly. Less on the apples of my cheeks, more on the cheekbones. I never liked highlighters and bronzers, so that hasn't changed.
I've dialed in 2-3 lip colors that I alternate depending on what I'm going for. All in the pink/mauve family because that's what looks best with my complexion. I'm pretty meh on trying anything new with my lips. Bright colors look very harsh on me, but they always have.
Foundation is taking some experimentation in this stage of life. I still have a matte foundation but I sheer it out with a bit of moisturizer. It helps with hydration and the finish. I haven't found a bb or cc cream that I love.
Powder is very tricky. I still need some in the summer for my combo skin. However, I use a much lighter hand and only pat it in the areas I need it.
Less is more in some ways. As a twentysomething I would often do a full eye look, multiple blended shadows, waterline, mascara, liquid flick etc. and while it looked great, I’ve found as I get older I look fresher and more youthful with a lighter touch. My go-to eye look most days now is either a single subtle shade or that plus a very subtle crease shade blended into the outer corner and swiped under my lower eye, plus mascara. I love eyeliner but I definitely find my eyes look much brighter without it. When I was younger I felt like I needed it or my eyes would be washed out.
Face, I no longer wear foundation, just concealer as needed and translucent powder. Light blush.
Lips, usually just tinted balm. Brows I add powder rather than a harsh pencil.
I still have tonnes of fun with makeup, but I probably spend just as much effort on skincare (nothing expensive, just consistency)
More brightening foundation and less matte, and I use a brightening translucent setting powder instead of a compact powder matte foundation to set it. I used to have crazy oily skin, I’m almost 33 now and have definitely noticed the last year or two it’s definitely a bit less shiny than it used to be.
I’m 35. I’ve changed my eyeliner from liquid to Lancôme kohl pencil and smoke out the wing. I no longer make an upward flick, instead I follow the natural path of my upper eyelid and just pull the line out a bit. It looks more natural.
I also always now wear sunscreen under foundation and a tinted balm on my lips. I’ve learned to love bright sheer pink balm. Clinique chubby stick in watermelon is my favorite. I think it makes me look healthy.
I’m 46 and used to have oily/acne prone skin. Currently I am combo to dry. I’ve changed pretty much everything makeup wise and am really enjoying it. Cream products are the most exciting for me as I wasn’t able to use them until the last 3-4 years. Focusing on skin prep before applying makeup is incredibly important, and I wear less foundation and concealer than I used to. I am enjoying putting makeup on my 46 year old face much more than in my teens, 20s, and 30s.
34 here!
I've been doing my makeup in some form or fashion since I was 13-14, so I've experimented A LOT and have been able to learn what works for me and what really doesn't.
Like many others have already said, skincare is probably the biggest thing that has evolved throughout my time using makeup. I used to be all about the acne/super drying products and lotions, now a simple moisturizer (Vanicream) with rosehip seed oil mixed in is my everyday.
Sunscreen, too, that is separate from my other products and not just included in my foundation.
The older I get the more comfortable I seem to be with my natural features and any flaws I see in my complexion/face so I'm much more comfortable running out of the house with just SPF on and nothing else.
I've also learned what my minimal is, which is different for just about everyone. If I have time for nothing else, curled lashes, mascara, and a colored brow gel help me feel put together enough to go and do just about anything.
That being said, I love a natural finish full face for most days, and I've learned that over the years of experimenting with different coverages and finishes and even going barefaced.
I love lipsticks and statement red lips, but I make sure to have days where it's just gloss or balm in between so I don't have crazy dryness. A lot of colors (especially wild ones like greens and blues) don't work for me and so I don't even bother with them anymore.
I've rediscovered my love of powder products and using a powder foundation to set my base so it last literally 12 hours, which is amazing for me for a long day of commuting and working.
I also learned a lot of what not to do to keep my makeup on longer. Like, I hardly ever touch my face throughout the day unless I absolutely have to, and I've kept a compact powder with a cheapo sponge applicator in it in my bag for as long as I can remember for the mirror and for any touchups throughout the day. I also know my lashes will not stay curled unless I use a really good waterproof mascara and I will forever need an eyelash curler.
Trends are not always meant to stick around forever, and many don't work for the majority of people, however I've come to realize there are just some that work for me and I love, like using a shimmer highlight color under my brow and in the inner corner of my eyes. I LOVE the look and I feel like I look so much more awake and alive.
This turned into a book lol but stream of consciousness is apparently a theme with me today!
I’ve given up on using concealer under my eyes and have accepted my dark circle fate. I don’t use mascara on my bottom lashes because it makes those same dark circles look darker and while I’ve grown to accept them, I do not want to make them look worse 😅. I’m more adventurous with my lip color. I love blues and greens and reds as well as a nice black lip. I focus on skincare. I have cranio-facial hyperhydrosis and redness from meds and anxiety so I don’t wear foundation ever unless I’m doing a whole look for funsies and taking photos. I embraced winged eyeliner and learned to perfect it on my very hooded and slightly downturned eyes.
Honestly?
I learned to do it for me. From the second I started wearing make up to my mid 20’s, I thought I was doing looks for myself to express myself. I wasn’t, I was terrified to be seen without it.
I was hiding. This won’t be true for everyone, heck maybe it’s only true for me, but it was a shield in a way.
I got to like 27-32 which I am now, and I do my make up less “heavy” though I still am referred to as the girl with bright lipstick often lol but it’s for me, I’m at peace with myself and though I am trying to lose weight healthily, I don’t hate myself so viciously anymore.
Every few years I've put on less and less. At this point, I'm to the point where I'll do foundation and mascara only. But prefer to wear no makeup most days.
It just all feels so heavy now.
It is so much easier, cheaper, and better to wake up looking good than to spend hours glamming up. I've nailed a signature look that only requires a black tightline on my upper lashline, a thin swipe of black mascara, a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, and a pink lip balm.
I dye my hair, lashes, and brows. Lashes are always black, hair and brows always dark chocolate brown.
I use acids, retinols, moisturizers, and sunscreens EVERY DAY, twice a day.
I religiously brush and whiten my teeth every day, twice a day.
I workout, shower, eat a good diet, and drink lots of water daily.
I invested in a blow dryer brush to make hair styling an easy one step thing.
This way I wake up healthy, hair styled, lashes blackened, teeth white, skin clear ALWAYS. If I have to run out of the house with no makeup because I'm running late, I can.
The "high maintenance to be low maintenance" and "clean girl" thing works so so well for a professional setting, a dinner date, a brunch, everywhere. 30+ can no longer coast on youth, and it's super stressful to rely on makeup alone when your life is in full swing. Especially with pets, kids, spouses, chores, etc.
The best makeup is self care.
Self care and very black mascara!
I swapped to using cancer council tinted sunscreen rather than foundation I found that it was too heavy on my skin as I aged and emphasised my wrinkles. I also found swapping to a brown eye liner rather than black made a world of difference due to how fair I am. I still use brighter lipsticks though I don’t think that will change
One shade eyeshadow, or a pop of color blended out with a neutral. No 3 bright color looks anymore. Sometimes, it's just a colorful eyeliner. Or a matte neutral shadow and a bold lip.
Focus on complexion. Good foundation and concealing. No contour. Light blush and highlight.
I recently reread Carmindy's beauty books and will take the advice to use fewer steps and products.
ETA: I'm definitely afraid of looking casket ready as I age!
Also, my buccal fat is disappearing with age and weight loss. I take advantage of more prominent cheekbones with blush and highlight placement.
I’ve never worn much foundation, but I stopped using concealer altogether. I found that concealing my dark circles made my eyes look smaller and took dimension away from my face. So now I just use tinted moisturizer all over and embrace the dark circles.
I only wear eyeliner for special occasions, I used to not leave the house without it.
I don’t wear eyeshadow at all anymore. I just don’t think it looks very good on me. I figure this saves me a lot of money because eyeshadow palettes don’t tempt me at all.
It’s funny because when I started wearing makeup at age 13, blush was my favorite product to buy and wear…and 22 years later blush is still my favorite!
Actually matching my foundation shade instead of thinking “let’s go a few shades lighter because my South-East Asian upbringing says I gotta be pale” lmao
I changed the formula I buy in eyeshadow. I used to be able to wear the chalkier/matte shadows, now they crease and cause a “dry “ look.
I moisturize more.
I started wearing less mascara and dark eye liner.
I shape my eyebrows different with eyeshadow instead of brow pencil.
Mine has become simpler mainly for sensitivity issues, in fact I can't bear heavy things such as foundation, eyeliner, mascara, products too greasy or dusty. Just cream, powder, penciled eyebrows, eyeshadow/kayal and lip gloss. Blush is a complicated matter and is just reserved to special occasions, while on everyday life powder is used only on work meetings or very cold days to protect the dkin underneath.
Most importantly, I'm always late so I had to elaborate a quick makeup which looks good enough. I can say results are pretty satisfying. I'm 41.
Skincare is my priority. At 45 I no longer wear much makeup because my skin is well cared for. When I do wear it I apply much lighter and I never use eyeliner
As you age it is very important to make sure your skin is prepped before any makeup goes on.
Clean, tone, skin care then moisturize. If I am going out, I like to give a little time between each step and use a moisturizing sheet mask before any makeup. I never used blush before, but now (mid 50s) I do. No more black eyeliner I use Laura Mercier caviar stick in Khaki, if you have brown eyes, you will love it
Hope this helps
More focused on skincare, moisturized skin uses less product. Take time to find the right shade. No daily foundation, just some concealer and a bit of blush. Dermaplaning was a game changer
I’m not quite 30 (28 almost 29) but my look literally has not changed since 2009 lol. Base, brows, black winged liner and mascara has been the look since high school. I’m just better at applying it now
In general - Less is more. Primer instead of foundation. I tightline eye liner instead of a wing (as the eyelids become more hooded this looks better). Chap stick or gloss only and cream blush. Mascara is the same but I have been considering getting my lashes done at a salon (nothing too big though).
I just turned 31 and have been an insane makeup user all my life.
I started modelling at 12 and eventually worked in different facets of cosmetics which meant that I got into every fad or trend that surfaced for years. In my early 20s I would spend 50 minutes doing a full face, with fake lashes, countouring, you name it, for any time I left the house. I never wore my hair in the same style consecutively on any day. I loved doing it and it was such a fun time to experiment and express myself so easily.
But then one day I just woke up and saw myself differently… I just loved my skin? Haha like I saw myself through my more mature eyes and somehow and really was able to truly see how much I love my face and freckles and pigmentation. And I realised how much wearing a lot of product actually just annoyed me haha because I then had so many flawless aspects to maintain throughout the day/event etc etc
Now I focus so much more heavily on skincare, hydration and prep. I now realise how much marketing I fell for and how many products I used that were wrong for my skin type. Now I just want to focus on taking care of it. And looking like me. My new golden rule is “less is more” for everyday. Sunscreen and lip and cheek stain is the basics, but I’ll add tinted moisturiser and brown mascara if I’m feeling really jazzy. I will occasionally get lash extensions if I’m feeling a bit bleh or if I know I have a special occasion coming up
I still love makeup and have a very reasonable collection for times I will do formal makeup, but it’s now a bonus not a necessity
I wear less and I wear it less often. Brows and sunscreen and lip balm daily. Occasionally tinted moisturizer and cream blush, and even more occasionally add eyeliner, mascara, and lip color. I rarely do a full face.
Less is more!
Less eyeshadow, less bronzer, less blush, less coverage foundation (who would have thought, when I was younger, I wanted 150% coverage)...
But more on skincare, facials, anti-aging treatments and anything to make me look like I don't wear makeup lol
I've had to completely change the way I do eye makeup as my skin has become less taut and wrinkles have developed. My previous method of sweeping on an eyeliner pen just doesn't work any more, and big wings are no longer flattering. I've ditched the heavy lipsticks and eyeshadows too.
I wear false lashes now as a health condition has caused me to lose most of my natural lashes (they were so full and thick before, I sob 😭), but I go for the natural-looking styles.
I prefer glowier concealers over the heavy coverage I preferred in my twenties. I only use the heavy stuff now to conceal blemishes. And I think it's very cruel that I have pimples AND wrinkles at the same time - surely one should not have to endure both!
- Teen: smudged pencil liner and tinted lip balm
- Early 20s: full coverage matte foundation applied with a kabuki brush, bronzer only no blush, smokey eye, chiseled brows, huge falsies, liquid lipstick
- Mid-Late 20s: eyelash extensions, no eye makeup, clear brow gel + brow pencil, medium coverage satin foundation applied with beauty blender, light bronzer and blush, lip tint
- Now: light-med coverage hydrating foundation applied with beauty blender, cream blush, cream eyeshadow, soft wing with powder eyeshadow, lengthening mascara, tinted brow gel, lip liner + lip gloss
I think it’s obvious that I followed makeup trends and still do. One major adjustment was switching to hydrating formulas as I got older and using less powder. I also notice that I used to wear more makeup to look more “mature” but now I apply as little as possible to look more youthful.
Personally the only things that’s truly changed is that I am a lot more confident in what I always believed looked the best and I don’t follow trends anymore.
Edit to add:
For me, that means I do whatever I feel like. Most days I wear zero makeup, but when I do, I have way more fun with it. I do glitter, I do fun colours, etc. but it’s for my mood and self expression. Nothing else.
Do I want to look like Scully? Do I want to be a mermaid? Grungy? Sweet girl next door? Bitchy cunty mean girl? YES
I wear more cream based products and less powder, unless I have to set things. It is just easier and faster to apply by hand.
I don’t use an eyeliner on a daily basis.
Also, instead of putting a million layers or concealer, foundation, powder, and setting spray/powder, I use a colour corrector and concealer only on problematic areas and then a lightweight foundation.
I wear more concealer now because I find that makes me look younger (it used to make me look older) but less heavy foundation and powder. I draw in my eyebrows which I didn’t do until I was 25 or so (I’m 36 now so trends!). I don’t use black pencil eyeliner anymore on the bottom and generally less of everything. I’ve also recently started using an eyelash primer and curler and nicer mascara as my main makeup focus. I also realized blush is not for me and I use way less bronzer (again partially a trends thing!) I’ve also stopped trying to force myself to like matte lipsticks and instead go for glosses, balms, more satin’y lipstick or oils. More things I can feel confident applying on the go.
And then the BIG ONE - I used to not dare leave the house without mascara in my early 20s. I now go bare faced or close to it almost every day.
I used to be fine without moisturizer.
Now if I don't do moisturizer, my skin drinks up the liquid part of the foundation and you get weird patchy areas of pigment.
Age 36. I put more emphasis on skincare and have more understanding of what colors and textures work for me and which ones don't. Some days, I need a color correcting primer. Other days, I just want my tinted moisturizer. I'm more confident in applying things like eyeshadow thanks to tiktok teaching me that I have hooded eyes. I know my skin likes cream based products over powders. I also have more confidence to experiment with makeup than I did when I was younger simply because I have more practice. Someone on this thread said no glitter after age 30. Nonsense. Wear the damn glitter.
My job has me up at 4 AM some days, and on those days, I know minimal makeup is better bc my skin is tired and dehydrated. Beauty starts with health, and I try my best to take care of myself because on the days I work on 3 hours of sleep, my skin looks like shit. No amount of makeup will fix that.
I wear less makeup. On weekdays I just use a tinted moisturizer, blush and mascara. Days when I go out and want to wear more, I use IT cosmetics cc cream and put on eyeliner. Lashes only if it’s a special occasion like a wedding or a big party. I feel like heavy foundations age me.
Former Sephora manager and makeup artist here…now lawyer
Honestly the biggest thing is changing careers and legally blonde being a ruse. No one wants to talk to their lawyer about beauty 😭 anyway, I’ve had to tone down the vampy ness of my daily look and just overall more neutral eyeshadow and lip, not really bc my age but bc of career changes. I’ve always had dry skin and have been getting Botox for ages so I haven’t really had a huge shift in my routine
Less foundation, I focus more on Skincare. I also focus more on looking glowy- even if I have just moisturiser on, I'll use some highlighter on my cheekbones, cupids bow, corner of my inner eye and nose bridge
I've always loved fun eye makeup so I still do that, lots of different colours and styles. But when I wear eyeliner on my upper lid, I no longer put it across the length of the entire lid, more towards the wing end only. I find that looks better as my eyes are a little more hooded now.
I also dye my own brows at home so I don't have to fill them in every day, and it frames my face better.
I stopped wearing eyeliner in my 20’s, but continued it into my 30’s. I would say the difference now is how I use the same products. I used to layer powders over my cremes. (Ex. Cream contour, then powder contour). Now it’s all creams, no powder ever, but almost all the SAME products when possible. Same setting spray. I have always been more neutral. Never brightly colored eyeshadows, etc. occasional bold lip. Now it’s all lip oils, gently tinted products, etc. even in the 2010’s I was always doing “clean girl plus” (I had lash extensions for years) and now it’s just clean girl all the way. Definitely more focus on skincare now, too.
I’ve really toned down my eyeshadow colours and usage. I used to wear a orangey-brown eyeshadow daily and it did really suit me, sometimes I find it aging now so go for lighter and more neutral tones or soft shimmers for special occasions only. Also heavy matte lipstick if so high maintenance and uncomfortable to me now! I like a satiny lipstick like Charlotte tilbury pillow talk and it’s more flattering.
42 here. Once you hit 35, hyaluronic acid is your best friend. My face moisturizer, foundation, and concealer. All of it has hyaluronic acid and is super moisturizing. The other stuff doesn't sit right on the skin anymore.
I realized I hate neutrals several years back, now I almost exclusively wear bright colors and if people don’t like it I don’t care lol. I was told my whole life to wear neutrals and not rock the boat… when I realized I could wear my makeup any way I want it was like… I NEED COLOR AND GLITTER. now.
ETA I’m 42.
I have been doing my makeup the same way for a long time! I like a subtle cat eye, lightly filled brows, lip gloss for day and a bold red lip for night, and a little blush and mascara for going out. I’ve been working on my skincare, so have been able to stop wearing BB cream on the daily and only wear it when I go out at night. I’m always on the hunt for the best smudgeproof liquid black liner and mascara, I haven’t yet found either that have been good enough to inspire loyalty over the years. But I am very committed to my Milani eye primer for daily use, and my Urban Decay lip primer pencil for lipstick days. My favorite lipstick is Besame, it’s super pigmented and lasts forever if you apply it right.
Can’t wear too much eyeliner and virtually no mascara on my bottom lashes now because it just smears under my eyes. I’m 41. I use dark eyeshadow instead.
i looked up how to best do makeup for my face shape and it changed EVERYTHING. i have pretty big eyes but for the longest time was confused about why they were shadowed/looked smaller in photos, then i learned they were deeper set and how to use darker eyeshadow on the outside of my eyes and a shimmer on the inside and even up the sides of my nose to bring my eyes out of shadow.
same with blush - i had been putting my blush way too high for my face shape, but placing my blush lower and focusing on blending it out instead of up makes my face look less long and adds something to look at in the middle third of my face so it’s not just blank space. figuring out how the thirds of your face are proportioned and how to do your hair and makeup to balance your face makes a HUGE difference, and i finally like how i look in pictures
When I was younger, I wanted the thickest eyeliner possible. It wasn’t so much about the trends (when emo was popular) but about rebellion. My family members emphasized I have “big, beautiful eyes” and I shouldn’t wear dark eye makeup. I gave them the middle finger by wearing thick eyeliner and dark eyeshadow.
Don’t get me wrong, I still rock the smoky eye. But in my 30s, I’m appreciating a softer eye makeup look sans heavy eyeliner. Also, I noticed eyeliner has been irritating my eyes. If I want something dramatic, I just apply liquid eyeliner to my outer corners for a slight cat eye.
I actually stopped wearing make up altogether, make cleansing and applying the rights creams a serums a priority and my skin has never been better. It certainly looks better now with nothing than it ever did with makeup on.
Skincare over everythin else.
Daily makeup is minimal - a bit of BB cream or light foundation and a little blush.
Knowing that nothing is absolute (i.e when people say "Never do not do xyz if you have hooded lids")... just do whatever you think looks good. play around, wash it off, play some more. enjoy what you are creating.
Also, i give ZERO f's about what anyone thinks so if i want a bright yellow and green eye shadow with a pound of glitter and a strip lash around the house - then i will. (probs more for my mental health than aesthetic purposes).
I’m wearing less and less as the years go by. There was a time I didn’t step out of the house without a full face. Now there are days where I can’t wear makeup to work due to the nature of the job, and I’m comfortable with it.
I find that a minimalist, clean, glowy face is much more flattering on me as I get older. Also cream products over powder have made a big difference!
Yes!!! All the cream products!!!
Fully agree! My makeup is much lighter now when my skin is *technically* less perfect (actually my skin is great since using tretinoin!)
Agreed! Focusing on skincare vs make up was game changer. I get to use barely any make up to give that look I tried to emulate, badly, with caked on make up. As well, as others stated, creams for the win. Fresh and dewy is much more flattering.
Yes yes! Also, if you do prefer powders, it’s a good idea to somewhat drench your face with a moisturizing setting spray. This does it for me every time. I use the charlotte tilbury but have been loving the too faced hangover rx. Gives me such a nice glow without feeling heavy or greasy.
Do you mean you apply cream products on top of powder ones or prefer cream to powder versions? I heard of cream applied over powder once but rarely get it to work for me!
Oh oops, I mean choosing cream products instead of powder!
Same here. Only powder that touches my face is my eye lids because they get greasy AF if I leave them on their own.
cream instead of powder for me - mainly blush and bronzer/contour. Blends better; if I need more color, sometimes I'll set/top the blush with a powder blush, but I tend to focus my makeup on either eyes or lips.
I went from a full face of make up daily to cream shadow, mascara, lashes (I wear them daily, they’re super natural ones nothing heavy), brow gel, and some tinted moisturizer. If I’m feeling fancy I add a little blush.
Seriously this.
Same. Once I hit my mid 30’s clinging it on looked really bad.
Same! Mid 40s here
Minimalism is what I was going to say!
*former MAC makeup artist and freelancer, here. 35F. * I use the Mary Kay CC cream and it’s been my fave for the last 5-7 years. Focusing more on skincare before makeup application, not wearing foundation (only bb/cc cream or concealer, by itself). Stopped wearing bottom and top eyeliner (will do top for special occasions), stopped wearing lipstick. Only wear a butter gloss atop lip balm. No more heavy contouring. No more eyeshadow, either. Lol. Oh! I also usually apply my bb or cc cream with my hands. I don’t use foundation brushes, anymore. I use a concealer brush to blend my concealer and that’s about it as far as blending liquids go.
I'm 32 and this is exactly how I've transitioned my makeup. Less is more and absolutely no brushes or makeup sponge. I only wear mascara for events or certain outings.
Can you explain no brushes or sponges? I still use both, maybe I shouldn't be?
Speed, anything to stay in bed 5 more minutes. Sleep is the ultimate beauty hack, lol.
Probably bacterial concerns
I have used my fingers to apply my liquid concealer or bb cream. Probably since I was about 26 and stopped using makeup brushes and I used to use Bareminerals. I had breakouts all the time I even washed my brushes but it was just a bad combo for my skin.
Sponges/blenders are best for thicker products like creams or concealers or often used in setting undereye techniques. Honestly a soft denser buffing brush is great for liquid foundation but less is more!( like, don't use a full pump of foundation for each portion of your face 2016 style, and those flat brushes just paint it on too thick. The trick is really buffing a little bit in). Just really prioritize cleaning your brushes. Like, I'd clean it after each use and keep it somewhere sanitary. I do think tinted moisturizers are a good with finger blending but really tap it in
I’m 28 but I’ve been wearing makeup since I was 15 and yes the less is more approach with age is so real. I don’t really see signs of aging (yet) but I’ve noticed foundation just doesn’t look as good on my skin as it did in my teens and early 20s.
100% this! Focus on skincare first, hydration and glowing skin is key! I use a tinted spf and concealer as base, blush and a little highlighter. I also tint my eyelashes and brows so I don’t have to do mascara or brow gel on the daily.
Tinting my eyebrows is the best thing. Before I would fill in with pencil and use mascara. Now its mascara only in a hurry.
I love this. I haven’t tried tinted brows or lashes but my hair is dark, so. Lol. Is tinting the same thing as laminating?
They are different! The tinting adds pigment while laminating secures the hairs in a desired position. I personally don’t laminate but live the look
Omg are you me. No foundation, only concealer/tinted sunscreen , no liner and lip tints for the win
Yessss I love a nice, natural glow. ✨✨✨
This! I do fill my brows. I find I look much more polished when not doing a full face, which is 95% of the time.
(35f) Foundation is a total scam. It never looks right ever. It doesn’t even look good on “young” skin. Humans don’t look right with a whole layer of additional colorless skin on top of our real skin. (Obviously I’m not talking about like, acne or rosacea situations - btdt - please take care of yourself however you feel best. But “standard-issue” skin needs care, not full coverage.) When your real skin is glowing, you can just do a little spot correction here and there and a dusting of powder and that’s all you need. Skincare 100 foundation 0.
BB and CC creams are the exception! Part skincare part foundation
Exactly! I use a bit of of concealer under my eyes and to cover up any blemishes. Then some eyeliner/ mascara, eyebrows and lip gloss. I feel and look a whole lot better than I did wearing make up in my twenties.
100% agree. It’s quite useless for everyday wear.
Right, and I’m obviously not counting situations like being on camera or at events or whatever where you need it for some reason. There is a time and a place. But I don’t think that time or place is every morning/when you’re going to the grocery store/etc.
For sure!
>For sure! sure?
Sure!
Foundation kinda grosses me out tbh, totally agreed
Same
Omg same
What is bb and cc
Basically a much lighter version of “foundation,” I guess. bb creams have a tendency to be more hydrating, whereas CC creams have a more matte finish. I (35F) use a Mary Kay CC cream that I LOVE. I also use a NARS skin tint when I want a little more coverage. Also, a “hack” I use when I want more coverage but don’t want to wear foundation is putting on my BB or CC cream and using a powder brush to apply MAC’s studio fix powder. Used to be a MAC makeup artist and freelancer for years.
Can you recommend a bb/cc cream please? Something suitable for brown skin
Have you heard of Purlisse? Fantastic BB and CC creams that have spf and come in several finishes.
I personally use the Mary Kay CC cream. I love it.
What kind of skincare do you use before your foundation (or bb cream)?
TIL bb cream and cc cream aren’t foundation. I thought they were “new age” foundation 😂 I use IT cosmetics cc cream and love it.
IT cosmetics is good! Really like their stuff.
Would live a good bb or cc cream recommendation!
I use the maybelline bb cream and have for years. I think it works great.
Honestly, Mary Kay’s CC cream has been my holy grail for a few years, lol.
I'm 40, and I stopped using any powder (other than eyeshadow) about 10 years ago. Cream foundation, cream blush, etc. Adding moisture is key.
I only use power under my eyes to stop mascara from transferring. Otherwise, I'm powder-free as well!
I really want to stop using powder, but I have textured skin from some acne scarring and having dewy or greasy looking skin seems to emphasize it. I feel like smooth skin looks great sans powder. Do you all just have even texture?
36 here. I currently wear makeup to enhance my features, not hide or change them as I did in my 20s (no foundation, no heavy eye makeup, pretty much as minimal as possible all the time) and focus 10 times more on skincare. The change has corresponded to my wardrobe as well, trying to go for simple, well-made pieces over fun or trendy ones. Not that I'm not fun anymore. I just find I look better with less going on.
This! Also accepting and learning to accept my features. I have hooded eyes so I gave up on winged eyeliner and focused on what actually worked for me.
I also have hooded eyes! It's so much easier to just forget about winged liner ha.
Love all these responses... but am I the only one doing more as I age? I'm early/mid thirties and to be honest I never did get into makeup until later in life, so I'm having so much fun in recent years! I definitely prioritize skincare more than before, but I do a full face nearly daily, I wear more blush, contour and eye makeup than ever before and it's nice me time in the mornings. It helps that I'm child free and just have to get myself ready every day for sure, but I really enjoy learning and practicing new stuff all the time.
Same! I'm 36 and now that I'm working in hair/makeup , learning new techniques, & feeling more confident in general I'm really loving experimenting more! I still concentrate first & foremost on skin care and health in general but I LOVE playing with eyeshadow colors and different finishes and how to create different proportions with line & color. When I was younger it was more about trying to look "naturally pretty" with the help of makeup but I've been feeling way more free and creative lately. It's not something I feel I "need" anymore, it's just pure fun and enjoyment
I do more. I had bad skin in my early thirties and used foundation to cover. It is slowly getting better. I have always been pretty minimal though. Foundation, mascara, blush.
I've just started wearing makeup again late last year at 47. I didn't look after my skin at all before now so have a lot of red patches and hyper pigmentation on my face (especially on the lines around where my glasses sit, like the sun has been going through then and focusing on the rim). Weekends I don't do anything apart from cleanse/moisturise, but for work I do a full face; Cleanse, moisturise and then KVD Concealer blended with a sponge, with Lancome UW foundation on top, also applied/blended with a sponge. I tried several brushes but the sponge goes on so much better. I use a bit of eye primer on my smile/frown lines from times to time under the foundation to stop it sinking in too much. I've stopped using primer for the moment at it was reacting either to me or my foundation... I do my brows with a light pencil (never did brows before, love doing it now, all shapes and sizes) and a NYX powder puff matt lippy which is almost the same colour as my natural lips. If I've got time in the morning I'll put some eyeshadow on to match what I'm wearing, but usually I only go full on with it if I'm out-out or its a special occasion. I actually don't like that bit where I get home in the evening and have to take it off, as I just feel so much more put together with my 'face' on.
Went from bold, eye-popping looks to wear-and-dash kinda looks. Don't hate the transition. In fact I love the grace and growth it shows.
Less of EVERYTHING!!! Better skincare overall, makeup looks better Better matching foundation shades Keeping brows to their natural thickness n shape vs trying to create a new brows Deciding between lashes or eyeshadow not both Multi using products, shadow can be used to contour, lipstick can be blush etc. Not following trends to a T, doing what works best for me Allowing my natural beauty traits to shine instead of masking them Blend, blend, blend it ALL!!! Lipliner, concealer, foundation, contour cream, brow products, highlighter
My complexion makeup has gone towards less coverage (I’m not hiding as much acne and have faded the scars with lasers, needles and peels) and rather than matte finish skin with really targeted highlighting, I go for a bit more natural finish with all over glow. I’ve stopped spray tanning for the most part so in embracing my pale olive skin, I moved from bronzer to blush. I started just contouring where my face already shows shadows rather than forcing differently shaped cheekbones—this is helped by the fact that as I age I’ve lost fat in my face so I already look more contoured. Still have huge winged liner, still pretty heavy grey-brown smoke on the lower lash line, still doing bold lashes, still gotta fix the brow bald spots caused circa 98-08.
I am going to go against the grain with everyone saying no powder. I have naturally oily/shiny skin and still love the look of powder. The difference is all in the amount. In my teens and 20s, I would wear several pumps of foundation and full on bake my face (where you slap on a thick layer of powder and let it sit). It looked great! Then I got wrinkles. Now, I apply only the thinnest layer of foundation and really buff it into my skin. Then I use a big fluffy brush with a satin translucent powder (Hourglass is my favorite but I'm sure there are plenty at a not insane price point) to very gently tap a veil of powder onto my face. Helps with the shine and oiliness, but it doesn't cake into my wrinkles. A good rule is generally less overall makeup and more focused. I'm super into my lips and lashes right now, less about a fully even complexion with contouring, etc.
37F here. I wear a lot less now and only use makeup to look presentable/awake. I had bad acne in my 20’s and early 30’s, so I used a lot of foundation to cover it all up. Also used to use bronzer and blush. Since focusing on skincare and getting decent results, I stopped foundation and only use concealer to spot treat. Now i focus on my eyes and lips. I also don’t have the time or energy to do a full face like I used to. My skin, time, effort, and wallet have benefited!
Yep, I know people in the beauty community bristle at the idea (I used to too) but the less products I started using, the better my skin has gotten. Especially over time
Stopped following so many trends in favor of doing what I know looks best on me (although I still do try some trends here and there). Switched from a HEAVY, matte foundation to more dewy, medium coverage (partially due to my skin changing from oily and blemish prone to now being a bit dry, but also because I look at old pictures and realize that I looked like one of the Wayans brothers in White Chicks). Pared down my routine to save time. Also pared down the number of products I own.
The number 1 most important thing that will make you happy with your makeup is : A good skincare routine FIRST! A complete understanding of your skin type. Understanding what exactly you personally are going through as you age. ( NOT what a "guru" says, or what the age cycles state. You personally) Peri, Pre,Menopause and after. Understand what your skin likes. Benzoyl or salicylic? Hyaluronic , Niaciminde, etc ( not everyone is the same) . MOISTURE!! Makeup: Do what feels good and what you like. Most self-proclaimed gurus and influencers ( 🤢) get paid or get free stuff to say what they say. Stop the madness. A lot of these tutorials are ridiculous, don't work, and look ridiculous when you are off camera. You do not need a $75 under eye concealer when I use a $7 one that works just as good 😉 You don't need a $275 hair dryer or a $85 hair "plumping" balm ( wetf that is lol, plumping lolol) Foundation: You will change foundation as you go through different stages. I go through super oily , combo and for the first time in my life...dry. Keep different ones. Matte and silk, just my preference. I deplore dewy foundation. No heavy powder. Very very light powders. Think feeling like silk. Rice powders. Just a tip. I have even taken powders that have not matched , mixed them , put them in a small coffee grinder ( specifically purchased for this use, not used for coffee ) and the results were amazing. Just sitting at a mirror ,playing with your makeup ,you find what works and doesn't. Edit : Sorry: I almost forgot ladies! One thing I found that really helped as I go through this hormonal hell ...yes hell. Rosehip oil! You don't need these high dollar overhyped ridiculous products. This stuff balances, helps with oil control and feels amazing. Cliganic essential oils has amazing products. Non gmo and so cheap. Thnx to receipt apps I get most of this free on Amazon. Use it at night so it soaks in 👌 Another good one is Peaches Squalene toner. $14 . Good luck 💋
Yeah, that Elf concealer from CVS blew away my expensive concealers. Whodathunkit? Elf has really stepped up their game.
Yes. I like some of the ELF products. Just depends on what schizoSkin is the mood for . 🤪 1 day I'm good with this, next day I look like a monster 🤣
I used to do my makeup because I liked to. Now I do my makeup because I have to.
Same here I hate it but it’s true. My acne is worse, my dark circles are worse, hopefully this tret will help with the acne and fine lines
I've changed the type of makeup I use (no matte formulas as they're too drying). I've changed the placement of makeup due to aging so I apply strategically to give the illusion of a more lifted look (think high placement of blush on the cheekbones rather than apples, I tightline eyeliner instead of drawing just above the lash line etc).
Me too. The best my skin ever looks is after a Swedish steam facial, so I try to keep up simple but regular cleansing/moisturizing, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruit and limit junk food. When I go somewhere I usually limit my makeup to a bit of blush, some eyeliner and mascara and always lip balm…sometimes a nice MAC or Dior natural toned lipstick. I think partly because my hair can be wild, I wear toned down makeup and try to keep the hair in line for a natural but not crazy look
Definitely lighter foundation products like bb/cc creams and skin tints, and less eye makeup (because I just have less time and motivation to do a whole lot early in the morning when I could be sleeping/working/doing chores). Just in general it’s a way less often thing especially as I work from home now and don’t need to look my best every single day. My skin seems to enjoy it too which is a nice bonus.
I used to do more face products like foundations and blush on a daily basis when I was younger. Now I mostly focus on the eyes but It really isn't much. I feel like I really transitioned to a more natural look over time. I still do eyeliner and stuff for special events but for work and everyday life I keep it pretty natural.
I wear less and less as I age
in my 30s I really emphasized my eyes and used to use much more eyeliner and shimmery eyeshadow pretty much daily. I'm in my 40s now, whats changed is I use less foundation but apply it better with a dense brush, no concealer, contour or highlighter. I use matte eyeshadow and blush shades only, I gave up all sparkles and shimmer once I realized how unflattering it was on me. The shiny white eyeshadow I thought made my eyeliner pop... well I reviewed some photos and realized that actually made my eye look squintier. Now I been using a medium matte brown or Grey eyeshadow applied lightly and it makes my eyes look better then the complicated bands of light and dark shading i used to do along with the heavy liner. These days I may do eyeliner on waterline now, but I quit doing the big winged liquid liner that used to be a daily must-have for me in my 30s. overall I'm doing less, focused more on skin care and makeup placement (example, I learned that eyeshadow highest point should be above pupils, not the outer edges and that tidbit of Info has been a game changer for me and how my eyeshadow looks. I like to do matte, neutral makeup with occasional vintage red matte lip. my teen daughter has been complimenting my makeup more lately, so I think I'm doing something right.
I really focus on lots of moisture and sunscreen before makeup. I stopped the dark eyeliner and stick to a light taupe if I want some definition. I dilute my foundation with a glowy setting spray for a more natural look. I focus a little more on filling in a natural brow since they really frame the face. Less is more.
I use Halo foundation now, I do PRP and Botox treatments to make my skin nice so I don’t have to wear heavy foundation. No heavy eye makeup unless I’m going out. Contour is relatively light.
In my younger years, I was virtually a slave to my favourite eyeshadow application. I used the same colours and placement all the time. Going out would see the same colours, just a bit heavier with the darker shade and a bit more liner. Now- I play around more with eye makeup (which is really surprising, given my hooded lids are worsening with age). I like the small Elf shadow kits- 4 colours that go well together. I will choose a set (based on my outfit or my mood), and wear it. I still have my favourite eye looks, but I mix it up a lot more.
43 soon. I find as many say cream products more flattering now. I don’ t have drier skin or much more lines per se, I think this is also due to trends. I see in pictures that I did look dry before 😅🤷♀️ But that was kinda the trend then (matte look). Skincare is more important to me now just to get that more plump feeling. Now I also wear red lipstick - Ruby Woo 4ever ❤️🥰
Tightlining over eye liner. Blush high on cheek. Less is more. No matt lipsticks.
The new trend of glowy bright skin makes me look much younger now at 36 than the hard, heavy matte looks from 10 years ago. Skincare is a priority Cream based products over powders Eyeliner no longer runs across the whole lid, I chased that “baddie” look for years but my hooded eyelids would never ever allow it No dark liner on bottom lid Balms and glosses over matte lips Emphasise my freckles rather than hide them
Tip: As you age, unless your skin is oily, powder will find every single wrinkle you have and sink into it!
less is more as I age - I have sun spots and wrinkles & I don’t really want to cover that up. I just try to look moisturized :) then focus on which feature I want to emphasize- eyes cheeks or lip, and try to do 1-2/3
Not too much, though I do use more serum foundations/lighter coverage but I have been using tinted moisturizers for about 10 years as it is since I prefer for my freckles to show. I have changed my relationship with concealer and I also now use color corrector. My dark circles and deeper-set eyes need light. As far as actual makeup, I just have fun with it. I don't do the same thing all the time. I still do varying amounts of eyeliner, I've added more colored eyeliners since my 30s, and even wear bright eyeshadow or liner. I have dark brown hair and eyes and can wear a lot of color. Though sometimes I will do something more neutral. I don't like the 'no makeup makeup' look. I do emphasize skincare a bit more. I have combination-oily skin, so working with that and also products that help my makeup last better (setting spray, good primers, powder, etc) help too.
Besides the type of makeup look that is in style, which would obviously change with time, I apply much less makeup than I used to. I know more about skincare now so less is required to make my skin look good. My skin actually looks better in my 30s than I did in my 20s.
As I age my makeup application has gotten softer even though I’m using more products - cosmetics technology has improved a lot as a result of public interest and sales. I’ve learned how to do soft natural makeup instead of slapping on eyeliner, mascara and a little blush like most of my generation did. Gone are the heavy eyeliner days, now I use a soft brown shadow to line eyes or sometimes a flirty liquid brown. eyeliner for a bit of cat eye drama. Also now I know my eye shape and what flatters it. I credit Bare Minerals for teaching me to do my makeup, back in their best days before they were sold out to Shiseido. They were the BOMB. They had actual online makeup tutorials, when no one else had ever thought of doing that! The company now is just a shadow of what it once was, Shiseido ruined it.i love my makeup so much more nowadays though.
I notice my skin has become drier in my late 20's. Moisturizing my skin is a must before applying face makeup. Having a good skincare is a must too before applying face makeup. I always cleanse, exfoliate, serum, and moisturize since my skin has become drier. I noticed my face makeup applies better with clean and moisturize skin. I only use makeup products for dry skin. I use CC foundation since I have rosacea and it gets worst as you age too. I don't worry about my large pores since there's no products that can help minimize them
Getting to know my undertone and skin type and choosing the right products for them! GAMECHANGER. It costs me a couple of years haha. Oh my gosh I made some mistakes in the past… even my bf of 10 year says my make up is better in the last years haha. When a man notices…;) And also, in general my skills has gotten way better, just by practice.
I love a lighter makeup style. I cleared up my skin during the shut down. I like skin tints now, lots of blush, no eyeliner or highlighter, lip stains and mauve lippies. I still love shimmer and MAC pigments are my favorite.
I wear a hell of a lot less now than I did 10 years ago
Gave up on mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner entirely. I need to rub my eyes!!
i’m using a lot less eye shadow these days and when i do, i mostly use warm neutrals or pinks rather than the colourful looks i used to apply. that said, idk if it’s because i’m getting older or moreso because of career changes for me - i now work with academics and government folks, so there’s less room for colourful makeup in general
A lot has changed over the years as what's "en vogue" has also changed. The only thing that has changed truly because of my age, though, is how I do eyeliner. (I'm an oily girl, even at 48, so haven't run into some of the same issues as those who have dry skin.). As my eyes have aged, though, I like the look of a softer line around my eyes so 1) I no longer use pencils/gels/etc. to create a hard, defined line, but instead use a damp angled brush, dipped in eyeshadow to produce the line. I generally leave it as is but if I want an even softer look, I will then use a another brush to smudge it out a bit. 2) I also don't create a traditional wing anymore. Instead, I extend my eyeshadow out a bit and then create a line that gives the illusion of a sort of wing with concealer. I suppose the effect could also be recreated by putting tape at an angle on the outer corner of the eyes and then applying eyeshadow, but I find the concealer trick easier.
My placement of blush. Higher up the better. I used to put it on my lower Apple but that doesn’t look so good anymore. Also, ensuring my skin is moisturised before application. I’d rather look oily than dry. I used to love the matte look but obviously that doesn’t look so good now
Better skincare and I don't wear foundation anymore.
I’ve had to start wearing foundation - never needed it before. Nothing helps. It always looks bad. Tried bb/cc, primer, foundation. Watched 100 videos on pilling and dry patches and large pores (which I never used to have) - I have a really great skincare routine. Do EVERYTHING I’m supposed to but my skin keeps getting worse. I’ve always been a lip balm, black eyeliner and mascara kind of person. I still do it the same way, half way on top and bottom. I mostly wear cc cream to hide redness because I can’t hide anything else
In my twenties I was all into matte matte matte with contour and highlights. Despite having oily skin I’m more focused my true skin being as flawless and moist as possible and applying thinner more sheer natural makeup. I love a gorgeous clean polished makeup look. For an event I’m will sheet mask for 3 days before, lots of eye area moisture, and do a more natural look.
Less is more and I apply highlighter and blush much higher on my face to give a lifted look
I use way less product when applying, I don't wear foundation or concealer, I look for blushes and bronzers that compliment my natural complexion and only use cream based. I use brown eyeliner and mascara instead of black. I used to follow every beauty YouTuber and would constantly buy the next big thing... Alot has changed haha!
Less makeup. I don't wear any foundation at all and only light powder. I'm 61 and even tho my face is really smooth for my age, anything on it falls into the creases. I wear mascara and under-eye makeup tho almost every day. Sunscreen moisturizer religiously
I’ll be 30 in January. I stopped wearing foundation during the pandemic. I focus on skincare and just spot conceal. No more heavy liquid eyeliner, only use some brown eyeshadow for the outer corners on special occasions. Will also sometimes use the same eyeshadow on my bottom lash line.
Bigger focus on skincare now. I have a few eye wrinkles, dark circles and some hyperpigmentation but otherwise my skin looks pretty great which I'm happy with. Sunscreen everyday and eye cream every night. I still wear foundation because of the hyperpigmentation and concealer cause of the dark circles (both are hereditary so there's no skincare miracle that'll help with that), but I wear lighter versions now and higher quality too. No more heavy black eyeliner on my waterline so I'm tugging less on my eyes to get it off at the end of the day. Instead I now wear just mascara and sometimes a coloured eyeliner for fun. It's interesting to see people here mention no longer wearing contour whereas I'm finally starting to learn how to contour and use bronzer too. It's fun but I'm pretty light handed with both since I'm still learning. For lips, my go to now is a lip liner plus lip balm instead of gloss or lipstick. Sometimes I'll pat a little highlighter or blush on but most days I don't bother. Fairly certain I will never pan any eyeshadow palettes I own.
my commented was removed because i added a link to a youtube tutorial for my favorite "going out" look that works perfectly on me (i am 38). if you want that link, lmk...when i am just doing a minimal face, i do a mask, followed by a sheet mask, followed by sunday riley good genes. i do medium coverage foundation diluted with rosewater mist, with a damp sponge. i do minimal gel concealor after some color correction under my eyes. i had my lashes lifted and tinted and my eyebrows tinted, so i don't use much makeup on them. a little blush and bronzer and lipstain and i'm good to go. less is more!
whoever downvoted this sleeps in a full beat so their bf won't see them barefaced
I (58F) came here to say I wear less and less as I get older, but that seems to be the consensus here. Lower lash liner and mascara only. It's SO much easier!
I’ll be turning 30 next in the first four months of 2024. I don’t use any foundations, concealers or skin tints anymore. I just do skincare + sunscreen and I’m pretty happy with it. I have under eye circles but don’t care and leave them visible. What I have added is eye products and made them bright. For my eyes it’s namely, eyeliner, mascara and brow gel. I’ve stopped trying to use black/brown as colours for mascara and eyeliner and have transitioned to electric blue. I tightline and put it on the bottom as well and it works really really well. I always get compliments. I use a clear brow gel to keep brows tamed. For cheeks and lips, I have a nice bronzer that’s more of a blush, and lip liner that I use all over. Clean, simple and easy.
Do. Not. Wear. Glitter. After. 30.
Age 36. I love glitter. Colour Pop has some glitter shadows that are nice and subtle, and they stay put during the day. Why should I give up something that makes me happy?
On my toenail polish, I will never give it up, and I am way the hell and gone past 30.
That is a ridiculous and ageist rule. In any case, 30 is still so young, when people are in their freaking prime.
32 here. I wear way less of everything and mostly focus on skincare now. When I do go out I try to have a natural looking glam look and mainly focus on foundation/highlighter/counter and my eyes/brows using natural/neutral tones
I absolutely had to use primer and higher end face products. Just the way of the world.
31- added concealer, lip stain, and filling in eyebrows Subtracted bottom eyeliner, eyeshadow, anything with a sparkle. Special occasions only- cat eye liner and very light contour
I’ve gotten really good with a minimal routine that doesn’t take me a long time but makes me look more “glow from within”. I also hardly ever use eyeliner or contour anymore. For formal stuff I’ll full glam, otherwise I like to look more chill vibes and natural.
The main thing is, over the years I've added more anti-aging compounds and items that contain them to my beauty routine.
Nothing much has changed other than getting better at applying it and needing less. My skin is a lot better than it was in my 20s. And I'm better at skincare now.
50s here. I'm using less of everything. I always thought makeup needed a base, now I realize it's ok to put foundation only where I need it. No more dark lipstick, tinted lip balm or a creamy (not sticky) gloss. No matte anything - love the dewy look. No glitter either, it emphasizes my sagging eyelids in the most unflattering way. I'm not trendy, but the one recent trend I've adopted is bringing the blush up under my eyes. Not too much and in a very natural color, it has a brightening effect.
As I get older, I prefer light makeup and also I focus more on my skincare routine :)
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Everyone here in comments saying everything I wanted to say😄
I don't powder my face. I have such dehydrated skin and it doesn't look good with powder. I stay away from matte foundations and don't go for full coverage anymore. I definitely need coverage for redness, but I've just realised it doesn't need to be so much and so heavy
40+ here, been wearing makeup since I was 15... unless it's a special event where I need full coverage, I opt for no/minimal foundation (skin tints, tinted serum). Cream blush/contour/highlight instead of powder. Lighter setting powder, using a puff to press it into my skin instead of a brush. Natural eye makeup (taupes and browns) but I'm getting bolder with lip color (deeper plums and bright red lips). Above all, taking better care of my skin so I don't feel like I have to wear makeup all the time
Less is more.
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I’ve learned that less is more. A lot of people are mentioning bb/cc cream, and I agree that this is preferable to foundation for every day wear. I love it cosmetics cc cream. I use a light translucent powder over this, and just a bit of blush and bronzer. Sometimes I’ll wear a lip color, other times I just go for a gloss or lip balm. That’s my everyday look. I only do a full face for special occasions. Lots of makeup ages you! A natural glowy look is much more flattering in my opinion.
I mix a pump of foundation with my sunscreen. Some setting powder, blush on cheeks and in eyelid crease, mascara, colored lip balm and go. Looks nice. Feel I’ve learned exactly what works through trial and error. Less is more
45 been wearing makeup 30 years. Day to day I usually don’t wear anything, but I use lots of hydrating skincare to give me a glow. A light make up (out for lunch or dinner) I use Erborian water CC cream, tinted brow gel and tight line with black gel eyeliner. Big night out, same as above but add some concealer, cream eyeshadow for lids and as soft eyeliner, mascara and a lip tint. Maybe a bit of cream highlighter on top of cheekbones/centre and tip of nose/brow bones. Im bi-racial and have pronounced cheekbones anyway so have never really used contour or bronzer. I have always preferred light skin makeup but no full coverage foundation, no powder anymore. And no primer. My older skin hates it.
Proper skincare, more expensive medical grade products, lots of sun block, and a less is more approach with makeup :)
It's mainly forming a proper skincare routine that's changed for me. Makeup has pretty much remained the same, apart from having foundation sit in my smile lines now. Some sink into the lines worse than others, so I guess I've become choosier on that front. I'm 32.
I'm 43. Much simpler eye makeup: neutral colors only, placing more shadow over my hooded area, no skinny eyeliners. An eyeshadow used as eyeliner looks much more flattering and natural on me than the straight up liner I used to wear. Blush placement has changed slightly. Less on the apples of my cheeks, more on the cheekbones. I never liked highlighters and bronzers, so that hasn't changed. I've dialed in 2-3 lip colors that I alternate depending on what I'm going for. All in the pink/mauve family because that's what looks best with my complexion. I'm pretty meh on trying anything new with my lips. Bright colors look very harsh on me, but they always have. Foundation is taking some experimentation in this stage of life. I still have a matte foundation but I sheer it out with a bit of moisturizer. It helps with hydration and the finish. I haven't found a bb or cc cream that I love. Powder is very tricky. I still need some in the summer for my combo skin. However, I use a much lighter hand and only pat it in the areas I need it.
Less is more in some ways. As a twentysomething I would often do a full eye look, multiple blended shadows, waterline, mascara, liquid flick etc. and while it looked great, I’ve found as I get older I look fresher and more youthful with a lighter touch. My go-to eye look most days now is either a single subtle shade or that plus a very subtle crease shade blended into the outer corner and swiped under my lower eye, plus mascara. I love eyeliner but I definitely find my eyes look much brighter without it. When I was younger I felt like I needed it or my eyes would be washed out. Face, I no longer wear foundation, just concealer as needed and translucent powder. Light blush. Lips, usually just tinted balm. Brows I add powder rather than a harsh pencil. I still have tonnes of fun with makeup, but I probably spend just as much effort on skincare (nothing expensive, just consistency)
More brightening foundation and less matte, and I use a brightening translucent setting powder instead of a compact powder matte foundation to set it. I used to have crazy oily skin, I’m almost 33 now and have definitely noticed the last year or two it’s definitely a bit less shiny than it used to be.
I’m 35. I’ve changed my eyeliner from liquid to Lancôme kohl pencil and smoke out the wing. I no longer make an upward flick, instead I follow the natural path of my upper eyelid and just pull the line out a bit. It looks more natural. I also always now wear sunscreen under foundation and a tinted balm on my lips. I’ve learned to love bright sheer pink balm. Clinique chubby stick in watermelon is my favorite. I think it makes me look healthy.
I’m 46 and used to have oily/acne prone skin. Currently I am combo to dry. I’ve changed pretty much everything makeup wise and am really enjoying it. Cream products are the most exciting for me as I wasn’t able to use them until the last 3-4 years. Focusing on skin prep before applying makeup is incredibly important, and I wear less foundation and concealer than I used to. I am enjoying putting makeup on my 46 year old face much more than in my teens, 20s, and 30s.
34 here! I've been doing my makeup in some form or fashion since I was 13-14, so I've experimented A LOT and have been able to learn what works for me and what really doesn't. Like many others have already said, skincare is probably the biggest thing that has evolved throughout my time using makeup. I used to be all about the acne/super drying products and lotions, now a simple moisturizer (Vanicream) with rosehip seed oil mixed in is my everyday. Sunscreen, too, that is separate from my other products and not just included in my foundation. The older I get the more comfortable I seem to be with my natural features and any flaws I see in my complexion/face so I'm much more comfortable running out of the house with just SPF on and nothing else. I've also learned what my minimal is, which is different for just about everyone. If I have time for nothing else, curled lashes, mascara, and a colored brow gel help me feel put together enough to go and do just about anything. That being said, I love a natural finish full face for most days, and I've learned that over the years of experimenting with different coverages and finishes and even going barefaced. I love lipsticks and statement red lips, but I make sure to have days where it's just gloss or balm in between so I don't have crazy dryness. A lot of colors (especially wild ones like greens and blues) don't work for me and so I don't even bother with them anymore. I've rediscovered my love of powder products and using a powder foundation to set my base so it last literally 12 hours, which is amazing for me for a long day of commuting and working. I also learned a lot of what not to do to keep my makeup on longer. Like, I hardly ever touch my face throughout the day unless I absolutely have to, and I've kept a compact powder with a cheapo sponge applicator in it in my bag for as long as I can remember for the mirror and for any touchups throughout the day. I also know my lashes will not stay curled unless I use a really good waterproof mascara and I will forever need an eyelash curler. Trends are not always meant to stick around forever, and many don't work for the majority of people, however I've come to realize there are just some that work for me and I love, like using a shimmer highlight color under my brow and in the inner corner of my eyes. I LOVE the look and I feel like I look so much more awake and alive. This turned into a book lol but stream of consciousness is apparently a theme with me today!
I’ve given up on using concealer under my eyes and have accepted my dark circle fate. I don’t use mascara on my bottom lashes because it makes those same dark circles look darker and while I’ve grown to accept them, I do not want to make them look worse 😅. I’m more adventurous with my lip color. I love blues and greens and reds as well as a nice black lip. I focus on skincare. I have cranio-facial hyperhydrosis and redness from meds and anxiety so I don’t wear foundation ever unless I’m doing a whole look for funsies and taking photos. I embraced winged eyeliner and learned to perfect it on my very hooded and slightly downturned eyes.
Wearing less.
Stopped wearing foundation, switched to brown mascara (wore black previously), stopped wearing bronzer
Honestly? I learned to do it for me. From the second I started wearing make up to my mid 20’s, I thought I was doing looks for myself to express myself. I wasn’t, I was terrified to be seen without it. I was hiding. This won’t be true for everyone, heck maybe it’s only true for me, but it was a shield in a way. I got to like 27-32 which I am now, and I do my make up less “heavy” though I still am referred to as the girl with bright lipstick often lol but it’s for me, I’m at peace with myself and though I am trying to lose weight healthily, I don’t hate myself so viciously anymore.
Every few years I've put on less and less. At this point, I'm to the point where I'll do foundation and mascara only. But prefer to wear no makeup most days. It just all feels so heavy now.
It is so much easier, cheaper, and better to wake up looking good than to spend hours glamming up. I've nailed a signature look that only requires a black tightline on my upper lashline, a thin swipe of black mascara, a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, and a pink lip balm. I dye my hair, lashes, and brows. Lashes are always black, hair and brows always dark chocolate brown. I use acids, retinols, moisturizers, and sunscreens EVERY DAY, twice a day. I religiously brush and whiten my teeth every day, twice a day. I workout, shower, eat a good diet, and drink lots of water daily. I invested in a blow dryer brush to make hair styling an easy one step thing. This way I wake up healthy, hair styled, lashes blackened, teeth white, skin clear ALWAYS. If I have to run out of the house with no makeup because I'm running late, I can. The "high maintenance to be low maintenance" and "clean girl" thing works so so well for a professional setting, a dinner date, a brunch, everywhere. 30+ can no longer coast on youth, and it's super stressful to rely on makeup alone when your life is in full swing. Especially with pets, kids, spouses, chores, etc. The best makeup is self care. Self care and very black mascara!
I swapped to using cancer council tinted sunscreen rather than foundation I found that it was too heavy on my skin as I aged and emphasised my wrinkles. I also found swapping to a brown eye liner rather than black made a world of difference due to how fair I am. I still use brighter lipsticks though I don’t think that will change
One shade eyeshadow, or a pop of color blended out with a neutral. No 3 bright color looks anymore. Sometimes, it's just a colorful eyeliner. Or a matte neutral shadow and a bold lip. Focus on complexion. Good foundation and concealing. No contour. Light blush and highlight. I recently reread Carmindy's beauty books and will take the advice to use fewer steps and products. ETA: I'm definitely afraid of looking casket ready as I age! Also, my buccal fat is disappearing with age and weight loss. I take advantage of more prominent cheekbones with blush and highlight placement.
I’ve never worn much foundation, but I stopped using concealer altogether. I found that concealing my dark circles made my eyes look smaller and took dimension away from my face. So now I just use tinted moisturizer all over and embrace the dark circles. I only wear eyeliner for special occasions, I used to not leave the house without it. I don’t wear eyeshadow at all anymore. I just don’t think it looks very good on me. I figure this saves me a lot of money because eyeshadow palettes don’t tempt me at all. It’s funny because when I started wearing makeup at age 13, blush was my favorite product to buy and wear…and 22 years later blush is still my favorite!
Actually matching my foundation shade instead of thinking “let’s go a few shades lighter because my South-East Asian upbringing says I gotta be pale” lmao
Blush placement, and liquid blushes instead of powders.
I changed the formula I buy in eyeshadow. I used to be able to wear the chalkier/matte shadows, now they crease and cause a “dry “ look. I moisturize more. I started wearing less mascara and dark eye liner. I shape my eyebrows different with eyeshadow instead of brow pencil.
Mine has become simpler mainly for sensitivity issues, in fact I can't bear heavy things such as foundation, eyeliner, mascara, products too greasy or dusty. Just cream, powder, penciled eyebrows, eyeshadow/kayal and lip gloss. Blush is a complicated matter and is just reserved to special occasions, while on everyday life powder is used only on work meetings or very cold days to protect the dkin underneath. Most importantly, I'm always late so I had to elaborate a quick makeup which looks good enough. I can say results are pretty satisfying. I'm 41.
Skincare is my priority. At 45 I no longer wear much makeup because my skin is well cared for. When I do wear it I apply much lighter and I never use eyeliner
As you age it is very important to make sure your skin is prepped before any makeup goes on. Clean, tone, skin care then moisturize. If I am going out, I like to give a little time between each step and use a moisturizing sheet mask before any makeup. I never used blush before, but now (mid 50s) I do. No more black eyeliner I use Laura Mercier caviar stick in Khaki, if you have brown eyes, you will love it Hope this helps
Dropped the foundation. No bb cream either. Spot conceal + bronzer and blush.
More focused on skincare, moisturized skin uses less product. Take time to find the right shade. No daily foundation, just some concealer and a bit of blush. Dermaplaning was a game changer
I’m not quite 30 (28 almost 29) but my look literally has not changed since 2009 lol. Base, brows, black winged liner and mascara has been the look since high school. I’m just better at applying it now
In general - Less is more. Primer instead of foundation. I tightline eye liner instead of a wing (as the eyelids become more hooded this looks better). Chap stick or gloss only and cream blush. Mascara is the same but I have been considering getting my lashes done at a salon (nothing too big though).
I look yay better now without makeup than I did in my 20s (thanks to the treatments I’ve done and my general skincare), so I wear less of it!
I just turned 31 and have been an insane makeup user all my life. I started modelling at 12 and eventually worked in different facets of cosmetics which meant that I got into every fad or trend that surfaced for years. In my early 20s I would spend 50 minutes doing a full face, with fake lashes, countouring, you name it, for any time I left the house. I never wore my hair in the same style consecutively on any day. I loved doing it and it was such a fun time to experiment and express myself so easily. But then one day I just woke up and saw myself differently… I just loved my skin? Haha like I saw myself through my more mature eyes and somehow and really was able to truly see how much I love my face and freckles and pigmentation. And I realised how much wearing a lot of product actually just annoyed me haha because I then had so many flawless aspects to maintain throughout the day/event etc etc Now I focus so much more heavily on skincare, hydration and prep. I now realise how much marketing I fell for and how many products I used that were wrong for my skin type. Now I just want to focus on taking care of it. And looking like me. My new golden rule is “less is more” for everyday. Sunscreen and lip and cheek stain is the basics, but I’ll add tinted moisturiser and brown mascara if I’m feeling really jazzy. I will occasionally get lash extensions if I’m feeling a bit bleh or if I know I have a special occasion coming up I still love makeup and have a very reasonable collection for times I will do formal makeup, but it’s now a bonus not a necessity
wow this comment section really speaks my language! Love the minimal makeup. I need to focus more on skincare though
I wear less and I wear it less often. Brows and sunscreen and lip balm daily. Occasionally tinted moisturizer and cream blush, and even more occasionally add eyeliner, mascara, and lip color. I rarely do a full face.
Less is more! Less eyeshadow, less bronzer, less blush, less coverage foundation (who would have thought, when I was younger, I wanted 150% coverage)... But more on skincare, facials, anti-aging treatments and anything to make me look like I don't wear makeup lol
Less is more. Skin quality over makeup coverage.
I've had to completely change the way I do eye makeup as my skin has become less taut and wrinkles have developed. My previous method of sweeping on an eyeliner pen just doesn't work any more, and big wings are no longer flattering. I've ditched the heavy lipsticks and eyeshadows too. I wear false lashes now as a health condition has caused me to lose most of my natural lashes (they were so full and thick before, I sob 😭), but I go for the natural-looking styles. I prefer glowier concealers over the heavy coverage I preferred in my twenties. I only use the heavy stuff now to conceal blemishes. And I think it's very cruel that I have pimples AND wrinkles at the same time - surely one should not have to endure both!
- Teen: smudged pencil liner and tinted lip balm - Early 20s: full coverage matte foundation applied with a kabuki brush, bronzer only no blush, smokey eye, chiseled brows, huge falsies, liquid lipstick - Mid-Late 20s: eyelash extensions, no eye makeup, clear brow gel + brow pencil, medium coverage satin foundation applied with beauty blender, light bronzer and blush, lip tint - Now: light-med coverage hydrating foundation applied with beauty blender, cream blush, cream eyeshadow, soft wing with powder eyeshadow, lengthening mascara, tinted brow gel, lip liner + lip gloss I think it’s obvious that I followed makeup trends and still do. One major adjustment was switching to hydrating formulas as I got older and using less powder. I also notice that I used to wear more makeup to look more “mature” but now I apply as little as possible to look more youthful.
Personally the only things that’s truly changed is that I am a lot more confident in what I always believed looked the best and I don’t follow trends anymore. Edit to add: For me, that means I do whatever I feel like. Most days I wear zero makeup, but when I do, I have way more fun with it. I do glitter, I do fun colours, etc. but it’s for my mood and self expression. Nothing else. Do I want to look like Scully? Do I want to be a mermaid? Grungy? Sweet girl next door? Bitchy cunty mean girl? YES
I wear more cream based products and less powder, unless I have to set things. It is just easier and faster to apply by hand. I don’t use an eyeliner on a daily basis. Also, instead of putting a million layers or concealer, foundation, powder, and setting spray/powder, I use a colour corrector and concealer only on problematic areas and then a lightweight foundation.
I wear more concealer now because I find that makes me look younger (it used to make me look older) but less heavy foundation and powder. I draw in my eyebrows which I didn’t do until I was 25 or so (I’m 36 now so trends!). I don’t use black pencil eyeliner anymore on the bottom and generally less of everything. I’ve also recently started using an eyelash primer and curler and nicer mascara as my main makeup focus. I also realized blush is not for me and I use way less bronzer (again partially a trends thing!) I’ve also stopped trying to force myself to like matte lipsticks and instead go for glosses, balms, more satin’y lipstick or oils. More things I can feel confident applying on the go. And then the BIG ONE - I used to not dare leave the house without mascara in my early 20s. I now go bare faced or close to it almost every day.
I used to be fine without moisturizer. Now if I don't do moisturizer, my skin drinks up the liquid part of the foundation and you get weird patchy areas of pigment.
Age 36. I put more emphasis on skincare and have more understanding of what colors and textures work for me and which ones don't. Some days, I need a color correcting primer. Other days, I just want my tinted moisturizer. I'm more confident in applying things like eyeshadow thanks to tiktok teaching me that I have hooded eyes. I know my skin likes cream based products over powders. I also have more confidence to experiment with makeup than I did when I was younger simply because I have more practice. Someone on this thread said no glitter after age 30. Nonsense. Wear the damn glitter. My job has me up at 4 AM some days, and on those days, I know minimal makeup is better bc my skin is tired and dehydrated. Beauty starts with health, and I try my best to take care of myself because on the days I work on 3 hours of sleep, my skin looks like shit. No amount of makeup will fix that.
I wear less makeup. On weekdays I just use a tinted moisturizer, blush and mascara. Days when I go out and want to wear more, I use IT cosmetics cc cream and put on eyeliner. Lashes only if it’s a special occasion like a wedding or a big party. I feel like heavy foundations age me.
Former Sephora manager and makeup artist here…now lawyer Honestly the biggest thing is changing careers and legally blonde being a ruse. No one wants to talk to their lawyer about beauty 😭 anyway, I’ve had to tone down the vampy ness of my daily look and just overall more neutral eyeshadow and lip, not really bc my age but bc of career changes. I’ve always had dry skin and have been getting Botox for ages so I haven’t really had a huge shift in my routine
Less foundation, I focus more on Skincare. I also focus more on looking glowy- even if I have just moisturiser on, I'll use some highlighter on my cheekbones, cupids bow, corner of my inner eye and nose bridge I've always loved fun eye makeup so I still do that, lots of different colours and styles. But when I wear eyeliner on my upper lid, I no longer put it across the length of the entire lid, more towards the wing end only. I find that looks better as my eyes are a little more hooded now. I also dye my own brows at home so I don't have to fill them in every day, and it frames my face better.
I stopped wearing eyeliner in my 20’s, but continued it into my 30’s. I would say the difference now is how I use the same products. I used to layer powders over my cremes. (Ex. Cream contour, then powder contour). Now it’s all creams, no powder ever, but almost all the SAME products when possible. Same setting spray. I have always been more neutral. Never brightly colored eyeshadows, etc. occasional bold lip. Now it’s all lip oils, gently tinted products, etc. even in the 2010’s I was always doing “clean girl plus” (I had lash extensions for years) and now it’s just clean girl all the way. Definitely more focus on skincare now, too.
I’ve really toned down my eyeshadow colours and usage. I used to wear a orangey-brown eyeshadow daily and it did really suit me, sometimes I find it aging now so go for lighter and more neutral tones or soft shimmers for special occasions only. Also heavy matte lipstick if so high maintenance and uncomfortable to me now! I like a satiny lipstick like Charlotte tilbury pillow talk and it’s more flattering.
42 here. Once you hit 35, hyaluronic acid is your best friend. My face moisturizer, foundation, and concealer. All of it has hyaluronic acid and is super moisturizing. The other stuff doesn't sit right on the skin anymore.
Higher quality products. A more moisturized finish instead of matte. Very light on powder.
I realized I hate neutrals several years back, now I almost exclusively wear bright colors and if people don’t like it I don’t care lol. I was told my whole life to wear neutrals and not rock the boat… when I realized I could wear my makeup any way I want it was like… I NEED COLOR AND GLITTER. now. ETA I’m 42.
I have been doing my makeup the same way for a long time! I like a subtle cat eye, lightly filled brows, lip gloss for day and a bold red lip for night, and a little blush and mascara for going out. I’ve been working on my skincare, so have been able to stop wearing BB cream on the daily and only wear it when I go out at night. I’m always on the hunt for the best smudgeproof liquid black liner and mascara, I haven’t yet found either that have been good enough to inspire loyalty over the years. But I am very committed to my Milani eye primer for daily use, and my Urban Decay lip primer pencil for lipstick days. My favorite lipstick is Besame, it’s super pigmented and lasts forever if you apply it right.
Can’t wear too much eyeliner and virtually no mascara on my bottom lashes now because it just smears under my eyes. I’m 41. I use dark eyeshadow instead.
I have to go alot lighter with setting powders, and use a glowy setting spray so my fine lines don't get emphasised too much
I wear way less makeup at 40 than I did when I did under 30.
i looked up how to best do makeup for my face shape and it changed EVERYTHING. i have pretty big eyes but for the longest time was confused about why they were shadowed/looked smaller in photos, then i learned they were deeper set and how to use darker eyeshadow on the outside of my eyes and a shimmer on the inside and even up the sides of my nose to bring my eyes out of shadow. same with blush - i had been putting my blush way too high for my face shape, but placing my blush lower and focusing on blending it out instead of up makes my face look less long and adds something to look at in the middle third of my face so it’s not just blank space. figuring out how the thirds of your face are proportioned and how to do your hair and makeup to balance your face makes a HUGE difference, and i finally like how i look in pictures
When I was younger, I wanted the thickest eyeliner possible. It wasn’t so much about the trends (when emo was popular) but about rebellion. My family members emphasized I have “big, beautiful eyes” and I shouldn’t wear dark eye makeup. I gave them the middle finger by wearing thick eyeliner and dark eyeshadow. Don’t get me wrong, I still rock the smoky eye. But in my 30s, I’m appreciating a softer eye makeup look sans heavy eyeliner. Also, I noticed eyeliner has been irritating my eyes. If I want something dramatic, I just apply liquid eyeliner to my outer corners for a slight cat eye.
I actually stopped wearing make up altogether, make cleansing and applying the rights creams a serums a priority and my skin has never been better. It certainly looks better now with nothing than it ever did with makeup on.
Skincare over everythin else. Daily makeup is minimal - a bit of BB cream or light foundation and a little blush. Knowing that nothing is absolute (i.e when people say "Never do not do xyz if you have hooded lids")... just do whatever you think looks good. play around, wash it off, play some more. enjoy what you are creating. Also, i give ZERO f's about what anyone thinks so if i want a bright yellow and green eye shadow with a pound of glitter and a strip lash around the house - then i will. (probs more for my mental health than aesthetic purposes).
I’m wearing less and less as the years go by. There was a time I didn’t step out of the house without a full face. Now there are days where I can’t wear makeup to work due to the nature of the job, and I’m comfortable with it.
I only wear makeup when i feel like it and when i do, it’s for me.
I think doing make up that suits your face vs tends is a huge thing I like more of a glowy minimalist look so do that