In my 50s - new to makeup - help!

hildasmuriel

Although I have left it late, I have decided to wear a bit more than my usual 'eye shadow and mascara' from now on. But I have no idea where to start.

I could go to the make up counters in a local Department store but I don't think that would end up very money saving! And I think that 'heavy' look would be wrong on me when I've never worn face make up.

Any tips on a budget friendly way to start? I looked at a few online tutorials but they all assume you want to go full on with five or six layers of expensive goop I've never heard of 

elsien

Tinted moisturiser as a starting point? Not as heavy as foundation but evens things out a little. Boots no7 counter is a good starting point if you don't want a face full of goop. You can pay as much or as little as you want from the varying brands.
I'm not a makeup person at all but I do shove a bit of that on if I'm looking particularly tired or pale and interesting. And it doesn't feel like my face will crack every time I smile. Added bonus of sun factor as well in many of them. 

maman

I'd agree that tinted moisturiser is the way to go if you need some overall colour. I've got a bit of a holiday tan at the moment but use it in the winter. 

Personally, although I try to be as mse as possible, I'm able to afford to treat myself when I need products. It's really not necessary to slap it on and I find the products last for ages, used sparingly. 

My basics for a natural look are mascara, a highlighter for browbones (prefer those to eyeshadow), eyebrows waxed and tinted and powder when the tint fades and lastly lipstick. If I'm looking really pale in winter, I'll use blusher especially for the evening. I'm happy with cheaper products from superdrug. 

Skincare is a must for me. Probably the only thing I buy really often is moisturiser and eye cream (although that lasts for ages). 

Also, I have my hair done regularly. 

Hope that helps. 😊

Linda1956

If you look on Youtube there are some good advisory videos from Lisa Aldridge, she does a good daytime minimal makeup one.

annabanana82

Good make up counters in department stores will often give you 7 days of sample products to try at home. John Lewis often have 20% off. Or if you find a sample you love you'll probably be able to find it cheaper online.

Second the tinted moisturiser, you may also want to look at bb or cc creams too

MovingForwards

I'm late 40s and only just started wearing makeup after having someone do it for my recent wedding; when I had someone do it for my previous wedding I couldn't wait to remove it.

I've got all the various layers but save that for special occasions; primer and a thin layer of foundation for visits, day trips etc.

My best investment was the sponge things for application and it doesn't take that long to have a natural full face that looks like me, rather than creating a new face!

The main thing I've had done is have lash extensions and all I do is put lipstick or lip gloss on, even just for working at home.

I've watched a few younger ladies on YouTube who have makeup channels, watch one for over 50s. For me it's about picking out bits I like, learn and adapt what they do to meet what I want.

Even a mix of your usual moisturiser with a bit of foundation would create light coverage, change your eyeshadow colour, perhaps have lashes and brows dyed, a bit of threading and you've a new look for not much effort or expense.

Longwalker

I like a mineral powder foundation - if I wear one. Last for years - minerals dont go off - and you can go from a light barely there look to obvious full face 

Mostly though I just use a colour correcting ( CC ) cream to even things out a bit. Sometimes just a primer in the summer - but then Im a very outdoors person, always windswept and ruddy looking  

Best thing Ive found to take a few years off and look fresh is getting the eyebrows done and keeping on top of the obvious hairs that have sprouted up on the chin and top lip since the menopause 

hildasmuriel

Thanks everyone - really helpful comments.

Onward to the new me 

Rosa_Damascena

maman said:

I'd agree that tinted moisturiser is the way to go if you need some overall colour. I've got a bit of a holiday tan at the moment but use it in the winter. 

Personally, although I try to be as mse as possible, I'm able to afford to treat myself when I need products. It's really not necessary to slap it on and I find the products last for ages, used sparingly. 

My basics for a natural look are mascara, a highlighter for browbones (prefer those to eyeshadow), eyebrows waxed and tinted and powder when the tint fades and lastly lipstick. If I'm looking really pale in winter, I'll use blusher especially for the evening. I'm happy with cheaper products from superdrug. 

Skincare is a must for me. Probably the only thing I buy really often is moisturiser and eye cream (although that lasts for ages). 

Also, I have my hair done regularly. 

Hope that helps. 😊

I think tinted moisturiser is a waste of money as it has never given me a satisfactory look. It's much better to mix a drop of proper foundation into your preferred moisturiser and take it from there. 

I'm not into eyeshadow but love slapping the latest product on overnight and reviewing the improvement in the mornings. Lots of retinol / squalene products are now very affordable but you do need to know what you are doing with them.

Once a quarter I have a splurge on Boots online and accrue additional points on a £60+ spend, my Mum and I have a lot of fun unpacking the items and trying them.

Something I have noticed is that phone cameras these days are really good - you can see and magnify each and every imperfection you wouldn't give a stuff about in real life if that is your wish.

maman

Yes Rosa_Damascena, you're right about mixing moisturiser with foundation. I do that myself but as OP is new to make up I thought she probably doesn't have any foundation. 🤔

elsien

Tinted moisturiser has never been a waste of money for me, because, although not new to make up, I don’t use foundation at all so wouldn’t have any to mix in  with anything.