Makeup Essentials for Women Over 50

Makeup essentials for women over 50 should look like no makeup at all. These are two makeup products that help older women look natural but better. Personally, I could live without mineral foundation and a brow pencil, but I'd rather not.

Makeup Essentials for Women Over 50: Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundation actually improves your complexion and keeps dry skin hydrated. It's ideal for older women because it minimizes discoloration and fine lines instead of accentuating wrinkles like some foundations can do.

I prefer Bare Escentuals products. There are cheaper drug store brands that call themselves mineral foundation, but I haven't found any that work. Plus, a little goes a long way so the price is more reasonable than it appears. I love bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation ($25 for .3 ounces at Sephora). They have over 20 shades and you can mix them, so they'll work with any complexion. I apply sunscreen and moisturizer first and let them set. Then, just swirl the powder onto the brush, tap off the excess, and apply in circles starting at the outside of the face. Use a little at a time to avoid the dreaded caking look.

Makeup Essentials for Women Over 50: Brow Pencil

Well shaped eyebrows instantly enhance your appearance. For older women, it's an effective eye lifting technique that doesn't require expensive plastic surgery. Get your eyebrows shaped at home or at a salon, and keep them looking their best with a brow pencil.

I like Sephora's own brand for this. Their brow pencil ($10) colors, sculpts, and sets brows. It's soft enough to glide on easily. With 3 shades of light, medium, and dark, it adds just a hint of natural color to match any complexion. The cap even has its own little brush so you can groom your brows whenever you need it without having to carry around an extra item. Use the brow pencil to fill in any gaps in your own brows, and the brush to shape them. For my round face, the brush works well to keep the high arch I need for lengthening my face, and the medium shade works well with my fair skin and darker brows. With any brow pencil, work in the opposite direction of your natural growth.

Makeup essentials for women over 50 can make you look stylish without ever looking foolish. The right mineral foundation and brow pencil are small investments with a big pay off.