What beauty mistakes do women over 40 commonly make?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Powder is very aging if you have wrinkles. Kate Middleton could really use a professional. Black is very harsh.

Agree on powder, even the “good” ones. I had oily skin my entire life and used powders forever. In my 40s, my skin got much drier and I found that the powders just didn’t absorb into my skin as well. It’s still oil prone, and I can get shine on my forehead. But it’s drier overall. If I’m going to be photographed, I’ll do a little powder on my forehead and nose, but otherwise I embrace the glow— matte really is aging.

Disagree on black though. I am fair with light hair and use to wear brown mascara and liner. But I’ve switched to black as I’ve got older because it offers better definition. But the key is not to line your lower rim (if you want a little definition there, you can bring your shadow down with a smoky application, as long as it’s not too dark). I also have found I need to step up my application game. It’s harder to apply makeup to your eyes as the skin ages and thins, and technique matters. If you are struggling, go to a makeup artist for a lesson— there are lots of little tricks that make it easier.

I think a lot of these "don't do this" pointers are just the root of poor application or using a product that isn't a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Powder is very aging if you have wrinkles. Kate Middleton could really use a professional. Black is very harsh.

Agree on powder, even the “good” ones. I had oily skin my entire life and used powders forever. In my 40s, my skin got much drier and I found that the powders just didn’t absorb into my skin as well. It’s still oil prone, and I can get shine on my forehead. But it’s drier overall. If I’m going to be photographed, I’ll do a little powder on my forehead and nose, but otherwise I embrace the glow— matte really is aging.

Disagree on black though. I am fair with light hair and use to wear brown mascara and liner. But I’ve switched to black as I’ve got older because it offers better definition. But the key is not to line your lower rim (if you want a little definition there, you can bring your shadow down with a smoky application, as long as it’s not too dark). I also have found I need to step up my application game. It’s harder to apply makeup to your eyes as the skin ages and thins, and technique matters. If you are struggling, go to a makeup artist for a lesson— there are lots of little tricks that make it easier.

I think a lot of these "don't do this" pointers are just the root of poor application or using a product that isn't a good fit.

Yes! I also think often older women stick with the products they have been using for a long time. This is a mistake because makeup has gotten MUCH better in the last 10-15 years. Often I see women who are using a lot of an ineffective product, when they could just upgrade to a newer, more pigmented formula. I see this most often in eye makeup -- so many good options for liner, mascara, and shadow now. If you are still using some old product that transfers, has not lasting power, or is more weakly pigmented, you are selling yourself short. That's what I see in that Kate Middleton photo people keep referencing -- a lower quality liner applied too thick and sloppy. She really should embrace a makeup artist. The difference would be dramatic. She's a gorgeous woman.

Same with lipstick. A lot of older women I know are afraid of lipstick because when they were in their teens and 20s, lipstick was so bad. If most of your experiences with lipstick involved dry lips, flaking, having to use liner to get a strong line, and then having to deal with your lipstick fading and leaving the liner behind, then you might be wary of lipstick too. But the formulas now are so good. I am someone prone to dry, flaky lips, and I wear lipstick often now with no issues because the products are so good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Refusing to do anything fun/avoiding brights because they're over 40. Morphing themselves into some depressing Karen cookie cutter look that really isn't as flattering as anyone thinks it is.

I'm good with not looking like an extra from a "Hunger Games" movie.

I think that woman looks gorgeous and find it interesting -- but not surprising -- that "how can I look as drab and dry as possible DCUM" is throwing rocks at her.

We know. It's because your conformity type is I'm Not Like Other GirlsTM.

DP here. I agree with other PP. If you are an adult and dressing like everyone else, you have a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Foundation all over their face. Hair above shoulder. No wearing sunscreen. Shimmery eye shadow

What’s wrong with this?

It makes your skin look monotone, older, and accentuates wrinkles and pores. Whether you use Armani or cover girl, doesn’t matter. Up close in person it doesn’t look natural or flattering but especially on older skin

NP. I don’t know this. What should we do then?

NP. Just use concealer where you need it

This is not good advice. One can use all-over foundation and it won't look monotone when properly blended and primed. Add a bit of bronzer and highlighter.

So more makeup on top of a face covered in makeup. Unless you are on stage, no or instagram modeling, no.

Hey, if you don’t know how to put on make-up, that’s cool.

Makeup all over topped with more makeup to give dimension still looks like you are covered in makeup. It doesn’t look natural to anyone within 10 feet of you and it ages you, but maybe it is a better look than your natural skin if you don’t have good skin In the first place. Not everyone does, but if you do, you will look better And younger without a full face of it.

+1

Same with that orange "oompa loompa" fake tan look. What in the actual? Who ever thought that looked good? It looks orange. Not good, just orange.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of these tips are for white women.

+100.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Refusing to do anything fun/avoiding brights because they're over 40. Morphing themselves into some depressing Karen cookie cutter look that really isn't as flattering as anyone thinks it is.

I'm good with not looking like an extra from a "Hunger Games" movie.

I think that woman looks gorgeous and find it interesting -- but not surprising -- that "how can I look as drab and dry as possible DCUM" is throwing rocks at her.

We know. It's because your conformity type is I'm Not Like Other GirlsTM.

DP here. I agree with other PP. If you are an adult and dressing like everyone else, you have a problem.

Except for guess what everyone else was doing for a while because it was literally a trend? Pink hair/colored hair/color streaks.

You're like the goth/grunge/prep kids in high school who think you're sooooo different...except goth and grunge and preppy all have attendant "uniforms"!

I'm So Different is a uniform. Wowwwww, a color streak AND an astrological sign wrist tattoo? Original. Tell me all about kombucha.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of these tips are for white women.

+100.

So contribute. Add something. Share.

[Anonymous]

I just hit 60 and my skin looks great. I have never owned/used makeup. I have alwys been a competitive athlete so it would have been a ridiculous waste of time and money.

Since my 30s I don't leave the house without wearing Clinique CityBlock. (Tinted non-chemical sunscreen.) My kids (high school) always tell me how good I look for being "so old".

I use Alba scrub once per day and Aveeno baby creamy oatmeal cleanser 2x per day. I have used baby-type products since college.

And again no makeup. Stop puling and tugging and patting your skin!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just hit 60 and my skin looks great. I have never owned/used makeup. I have alwys been a competitive athlete so it would have been a ridiculous waste of time and money.

Since my 30s I don't leave the house without wearing Clinique CityBlock. (Tinted non-chemical sunscreen.) My kids (high school) always tell me how good I look for being "so old".

I use Alba scrub once per day and Aveeno baby creamy oatmeal cleanser 2x per day. I have used baby-type products since college.

And again no makeup. Stop puling and tugging and patting your skin!

How about I look great, feel great, and do whatever I want?

P.S. Tinted moisturizer is makeup, so get over yourself.

I have fun with makeup. If you have fun with baby products, great, but I have zero interest in some boring 60yo telling me what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Refusing to do anything fun/avoiding brights because they're over 40. Morphing themselves into some depressing Karen cookie cutter look that really isn't as flattering as anyone thinks it is.

I'm good with not looking like an extra from a "Hunger Games" movie.

I think that woman looks gorgeous and find it interesting -- but not surprising -- that "how can I look as drab and dry as possible DCUM" is throwing rocks at her.

We know. It's because your conformity type is I'm Not Like Other GirlsTM.

DP here. I agree with other PP. If you are an adult and dressing like everyone else, you have a problem.

Except for guess what everyone else was doing for a while because it was literally a trend? Pink hair/colored hair/color streaks.

You're like the goth/grunge/prep kids in high school who think you're sooooo different...except goth and grunge and preppy all have attendant "uniforms"!

I'm So Different is a uniform. Wowwwww, a color streak AND an astrological sign wrist tattoo? Original. Tell me all about kombucha.

You sound pleasant, and are completely inaccurate, to boot.

[Anonymous]

The grey hair skunk stripe and bald spot combo. It's one thing if you are growing out your grey, but when you look completely put together otherwise but don't take the 5 minutes to fix these. I do not understand. All I can see is that stripe and grey yamaka

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The grey hair skunk stripe and bald spot combo. It's one thing if you are growing out your grey, but when you look completely put together otherwise but don't take the 5 minutes to fix these. I do not understand. All I can see is that stripe and grey yamaka

I bet you are one of those starfishes in bed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The grey hair skunk stripe and bald spot combo. It's one thing if you are growing out your grey, but when you look completely put together otherwise but don't take the 5 minutes to fix these. I do not understand. All I can see is that stripe and grey yamaka

Um what..?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just hit 60 and my skin looks great. I have never owned/used makeup. I have alwys been a competitive athlete so it would have been a ridiculous waste of time and money.

Since my 30s I don't leave the house without wearing Clinique CityBlock. (Tinted non-chemical sunscreen.) My kids (high school) always tell me how good I look for being "so old".

I use Alba scrub once per day and Aveeno baby creamy oatmeal cleanser 2x per day. I have used baby-type products since college.

And again no makeup. Stop puling and tugging and patting your skin!

The Williams sisters as well as many professional athletes wear makeup, so I have no idea what you’re talking about. I doubt you are on their level. Being an athlete doesn’t make you any more attractive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just hit 60 and my skin looks great. I have never owned/used makeup. I have alwys been a competitive athlete so it would have been a ridiculous waste of time and money.

Since my 30s I don't leave the house without wearing Clinique CityBlock. (Tinted non-chemical sunscreen.) My kids (high school) always tell me how good I look for being "so old".

I use Alba scrub once per day and Aveeno baby creamy oatmeal cleanser 2x per day. I have used baby-type products since college.

And again no makeup. Stop puling and tugging and patting your skin!

The Williams sisters as well as many professional athletes wear makeup, so I have no idea what you’re talking about. I doubt you are on their level. Being an athlete doesn’t make you any more attractive.

+1. Tessa Virtue wears makeup, Katie Ledecky wears makeup, Simone Biles wears makeup...

Hell, my friend ran the NYC Marathon and wore makeup doing it.