The 12 Makeup Products I Swear By After Turning 50, From Hydrating Lip Gloss To The Perfect Mirror

I’ve always been a fan of wearing makeup. Not only is it a nice way to enhance the way I look naturally, but it offers creativity, self-expression and a comforting ritual. However, since I turned 50, my preferences have changed. I went from reveling in smoky eyes, funky eyeshadow shades and a bold lip to choosing makeup that seems more like, well, I’m not wearing any. This is mainly because I feel like the more makeup I wear, the older I look. And maybe because all of a sudden, I’m not as interested in attracting attention to myself. Which, you know, can be a bummer.

Vivian Baker, a makeup artist, who has worked with A-listers such as Bette Midler and Blake Lively said she encourages clients over 50 to keep experimenting with makeup. “Most women don’t realize they’ve subconsciously opted out of the fun of makeup as they’ve aged. We get caught up in ‘can’ and ‘cannot,’” she says.

Don’t be fooled by reels promising complete transformations, says makeup artist Kerry-Lou Hensen. “One of the biggest pitfalls is being influenced by unrealistic before-and-after images on social media. Lighting, angles, expressions, and often retouching, can create the illusion of dramatic results that simply aren’t achievable,” she says. Hensen’s suggested products for aging skin include a lightweight skin tint; a cream blush instead of a powder, which she says can help bring life back to skin; and a soft, blendable eyeliner that will not appear too harsh.

I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting, both with products and how comfortable I feel presenting myself to the world in what feels like a new phase of my life. Here then are the everyday standouts currently winning pole positions in my makeup bag and beyond.