As our skin changes with age, so should our makeup approach. But that doesn’t mean doing less, it just means doing it smarter.
We called in the experts to help us bust six of the most persistent myths – and help you fall in love with makeup all over again.
1. “I can’t wear shimmer anymore.”
While chunky glitter may settle into fine lines, luminous finishes can actually bring radiance back to skin that has lost some of its natural glow, says Amanda Ramsay, a makeup artist and beauty expert who works with women over 40.
“Choose a balmy cream textured highlighter that melts into your skin, and delivers that sheen without the shimmer.”
Melbourne celebrity makeup artist, Jade Kisnorbo, agrees.
“Buy balms instead. Think of that chic French 50-year-old who’s got a red lip on and flawless skin. She hasn’t gone and got a shimmer stick and applied it to her cheekbones – she’s used a balmy product that just looks glossy, not sparkly.”
2. “I need to go lighter with my lipstick.”
The myth that bold lips age you? Not true. A statement lip can be one of the fastest ways to look fresh and polished, especially if you keep the rest of your makeup minimal.
“Go for a vibrant, moisturising lipstick,” advises Amanda, who loves Mavala’s Lip-Shine Lipstick. “A touch of colour breathes life into your lips… it even makes your eyes shine brighter.”
Jade adds that it’s less about the finish and more about the technique. “Your lip shape changes as you age. Focus on precision – apply lipstick to the outer edge of your lips, then clean up with a cotton tip and a micellar water like Bioderma Sensibio H2O. When you take the time to do it right, it’ll last for hours and look polished.”
3. “I should avoid eyeliner because it makes my eyes look smaller.”
Eyeliner is not the enemy – it just needs to evolve with your eye shape. As we age, the eyelid can become more hooded or the lash line less defined, but a well-placed line can make eyes look lifted and more awake.
Amanda’s go-to technique? “Embrace the smoky eye. Apply eyeshadow slightly above the crease, blend upwards and outwards, and sweep a little shadow under your lower lash line. It creates the illusion of more open, lifted eyes.”
Jade also stresses the importance of adapting your eye makeup to shifting facial structure. “Our bone structure changes – your eye area tends to become more hollow, so you need to redefine it. Use taupe or brown shadow close to the lash line to bring back that structure. Baby wings on the outer corners can look sexy and are more flattering than a harsh black liner across the whole lid.”
4. “Foundation will just settle into my wrinkles.”
It’s not about skipping foundation – it’s about picking the right one and prepping your skin properly.
“Absolutely, foundation can work on mature skin,” Amanda says. “This is where the ‘less is more’ really comes into play. Choose a lightweight, light-reflecting complexion product that brings radiance and glow while evening out your complexion.”
Jade echoes this approach, but warns against copying what you see online. “Stop following TikTok trends and influencers in their 20s,” she says. “You need to know your own skin – if you’re dry, don’t use matte foundation; if you’re oily, don’t mix in heavy moisturisers. Target issues with concealer, then sheer out a highly pigmented base for a more natural finish.”
5. “I need to use less makeup as I age.”
While heavy-handed makeup can age the face, that doesn’t mean you need to toss your entire kit. Thoughtful application, rather than fewer products, makes all the difference.
“Everyone says powder settles into wrinkles, but the truth is, you still need powder,” explains Jade. “Finely milled, high-quality powders like Hourglass or Laura Mercier can blur texture and reduce shine in all the right places.”
You can also create a lifted look with an eyebrow pencil.
“Elongating the tail of your brow more horizontally brings structure and a youthful lift to your face,” says Amanda.
6. “Makeup doesn’t matter anymore at my age.”
The biggest myth of all? That makeup is no longer for you. Beauty doesn’t have an expiry date, and makeup can be a form of self-expression, self-care and confidence – at every age.
“To women who feel like makeup isn’t for them anymore, I’d say, you do you and go forth!” says Amanda. “Makeup is for you, and it’s really all about how it makes you feel.”
Jade puts it simply: “Even if you just add one or two products, like blush and lip gloss, it makes a difference. My grandmother wore a red lip for my grandfather every day – it made her feel good. It doesn’t have to be the full shebang. Just pick something and enjoy it.”
