The After 50 Makeup Bag
Makeup After 50: What I Keep, What I Skip, and What Just Works Now
Something shifts after 50.
Not just your skin—but your instincts. You start to care less about trends and more about how you feel when you catch yourself in the mirror. You know your face. You know what’s worth the effort. You know what you’re done pretending works.
So here’s how I do my makeup now, clean, confident, and just glowy enough to make people wonder what I’m up to.
I don’t fight my skin. I let it breathe.
I used to layer on foundation to smooth everything out. Now? I use a tinted moisturizer or a serum-based foundation—something light that lets my skin show through. A damp sponge, a quick blend, and I’m done.
Powder? Rarely. I’m not trying to look airbrushed, I’m trying to look alive.
Blush goes on early. Always.
Cream blush is non-negotiable. It adds life to my face, instantly. Rose, peach, or coral, depending on the day.
I dab it on the apples of my cheeks and blend it up toward the temples. It makes me look like I’ve just laughed at something, or like I’m about to.
My eyes? Soft but defined.
No more thick black liner. It’s too harsh now. I use a brown or plum pencil and tightline my upper lashes, then smudge a bit on the outer corner. It lifts without trying too hard.
Sometimes I’ll swipe a taupe or copper cream shadow across the lid. But mascara? Always. It’s the one thing I refuse to skip.
My brows are lighter, softer, and better.
Gone are the overdrawn Instagram brows. I use a skinny pencil or a tinted gel and just fill in where I need it. Brush up. Walk away.
They’re not perfect. That’s the point.
Lips get shine now. Not punishment.
No more dry matte lipsticks. I go for creamy textures or glosses that reflect the light. Mauve, berry, warm rose, whatever makes me feel like myself.
If I need staying power, I’ll line them first and blot. But mostly? I want lips that look kissable, not painted on.
And yes—I still use highlighter.
A cream one, dabbed high on the cheekbones, and maybe on the inner corners of my eyes if I’m feeling extra. It doesn’t scream. It glows. That’s enough.
I don’t do all of this every day. But when I want to feel like the best version of myself—alive, lovely, a little lit from within, this is where I start.
Because I’m not trying to look younger.
I’m trying to look like me, with good lighting.
Lust Darling
Because confidence looks good on you.