The best makeup for older women for a naturally radiant look

Whether you're looking to change up your go-to makeup look or are looking to revamp the retro makeup in your cosmetics bag, we've created a guide to the best makeup for older women to achieve a luminous look that accentuates your natural beauty. This is probably very different to the makeup you wore in the '80s when you were younger and wanted more of a bold look. As we age, our skin naturally changes, and with that, the way makeup sits and feels on the skin is different, too.

Generally speaking, the more moisturising products are, the better, as mature skin tends to be on the more delicate side. Natural oils in the skin decline as we age, so we recommend choosing formulas that are creamy and rich in texture, such as a BB cream or CC cream, versus oil-absorbing and mattifying. This is especially important when choosing the best foundations for mature skin.

Best makeup for mature older women at a glance:

• Best foundation for mature women: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Best concealer to treat dark circles for older women: Trinny London BFF Eye
• Best plumping primer for older women: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
• Best water-based powder for older women: REFY Skin Finish Powder
• Best long-lasting mascara for older women: Clinique Lash Power

In this guide, we have rounded up the best makeup for older women for the entire face and to suit every budget. If you're looking to find the best concealer, eye or brow product, you've come to the right place. We've even found the best cc creams if you're looking for something lighter. Keep scrolling to read our essential makeup frequently asked questions and expert commentary.

Best foundation for older women

Shopping for a new foundation for mature skin can seem complicated. From different price points to formulations available, you want to know you're buying the right foundation for you. Whether you prefer to wear a lighter base or prefer more coverage, we have listed our makeup for older women, foundation picks for you to shop.

Best concealers for older women

When shopping for makeup for older women, can't go wrong with initially mastering a flawless base. Once you've discovered a foundation that perfectly suits your skin, the next step is to compliment it with a concealer for mature skin.

Best primers for older women

Priming your skin is an essential step in your skincare routine. Ensuring your makeup look lasts all day depends on your skin prep. Choosing the right primer for mature skin that suits your skin type will help your makeup look fresh.

Best powders for older women

Applying a face powder for mature skin is an essential step in your make-up routine to set the skin and minimise the appearance of pores. When shopping for a new powder, it's important to avoid a powder with a chalky finish to stop the skin from looking cakey. Keep scrolling to shop for the best powders for mature women.

Best mascara for older women

Similar to our hair thinning, as we get older, our eyelashes begin to thin. If your eyelashes are thin, you probably don't want to opt for something like fake eyelashes, as these can be quite heavy and irritate sensitive eyes. Shopping for mascara for older women is, therefore, a great way to naturally add some volume and thickness.

Best eye makeup for older women

From eyebrows to eyeshadow, the list is endless when shopping for the best eye makeup for mature women. It's important to look for products designed to last on the skin. We recommend, that before applying any eyeshadow to prime your eyelids to ensure the product stays on - much like cream blush, a cream eyeshadow works best on mature skin to ensure any powder eye makeup stays in place.

Best blush and bronzer for older women

When it comes to blush, it's always best to opt for cream. This is a fabulous way to brighten up your face. Then finish the look with a little powder. When applied correctly, it will bring a healthy vitality to an older woman's overall look.

Best makeup for mature skin FAQs

How to choose the best makeup for mature skin?

A good makeup base is key to achieving a flawless, naturally radiant finish. Therefore, we asked experts Tammy Richards, a qualified health practitioner and skin specialist at dispensary brand PureOptical as well as Hannah Lally, Avon UK's Head of Beauty, for their tips on how to achieve a youthful glow with foundation.

Established in 1886, prestige makeup brand Avon knows a thing or two about makeup and have been a trusted source of inspiration and expertise for women of all ages for many years.

What is the best way to prep mature skin before applying foundation?

"When shopping for makeup, it is common practice for consumers to jump straight into believing product claims and neglect to consider their base," says Tammy.

"Foundations and concealers can sit in fine lines, especially around the forehead ('number 11s') and eyes ('crow's feet'). A primer that includes silicone will work to disguise fine lines and serve as a base for foundation to lay, without sinking."

Look for a product with an SPF option and start with primer for mature skin to help give even coverage and improve the longevity of your makeup; it'll help protect your skin from the sun and revitalise dull and fatigued skin.

"When it comes to foundation for mature skin, preparation is key," Hannah says. "Always start by applying your moisturiser and primer to a freshly cleansed face, allowing each product to sink into the skin before you apply foundation. When you take the time to prep your skin, you'll notice your foundation glides on smoother and lasts longer.

"Add a couple of pumps to the back of your hand and apply with a fluffy buffing brush. Start in the centre of the face and work your way outwards to achieve a natural look."

Are there certain skin types that will benefit more from a tinted moisturiser than others?

Fred Letailleur, YSL BEAUTY National makeup artist, tells us that a tinted moisturiser, or bb cream, is suited for all skin types as long as the skincare ingredients within their formula do not overload the skin with too much hydration.

"Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or mallow extract found in the YSL Bare Look Tint are great to plump, hydrate and add brightness to any skin type. Tinted moisturisers are not as perfectly suited for occasions requiring fuller coverage or flawless skin. Medium to full coverage foundations will be more adequate for those occasions."

Which ingredients have anti-ageing benefits?

Some foundations, and other skincare and beauty products for that matter, contain ingredients to boost collagen production, improve the appearance of wrinkles and brighten your complexion. These are some of the best ingredients you might find in your make-up to help with 'anti-ageing':

Vitamin A helps to rebuild collagen and repair sun damage.

Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that may help protect the skin from sun damage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide helps reduce water loss in the skin and may improve skin elasticity. This, along with Vitamin C, can help brighten dull skin.

Glycolic Acid and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) help to aid collagen production, restoring skin barrier function and targeting signs of ageing.

Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in the body and can help bind moisture and improve skin hydration and skin repair.

SPF protects the skin from sun damage and prevents ageing as a result. You should always use some form of SPF as part of your routine and aim for SPF30 or higher.

Best makeup tutorial for older women to get started

Love makeup but not sure how to apply it to best suit your complexion and skin tone? Then, this video from The Beauty Protocole is a fantastic makeup tutorial if you are over 50. Much like the products we have selected for this roundup, these products will create a more youthful look. Designed to give a fresh, natural and radiant makeup effect which is perfect for mature skin.