Can Older Women Wear Makeup? Absolutely – Here’s How!

Can Older Women Wear Makeup? Absolutely – Here’s How!

Radiant Skin at Any Age: The Ultimate Mineral Makeup Guide for Mature Skin

Lots of our customers who have older, or more experienced skin sometimes shy away from wearing makeup because it they feel it exacerbates the very issues they wish to conceal. While we think healthy skin looks beautiful at whatever age, as skin ages and collagen production slows down, it tends to become drier and loses its natural elasticity, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Traditional makeup products can settle into these lines, making them more pronounced and giving the skin a dehydrated, cakey appearance. This can leave many feeling that makeup highlights imperfections rather than enhances their natural beauty. However, with the right techniques and products, it's possible to achieve a radiant and youthful look without compromising on comfort or hydration.

We're here to help by sharing our skincare and make up wisdom to help you feel confident wearing make up at whatever age. 

photographic portrait of a woman with grey hair smiling and wearing natural make up

What causes dehydration in skin as we age?

There are several factors that can cause dehydration and deeper lines to form as we age which make up can get clogged in. 

Collagen, a vital component of youthful skin, diminishes as we age. The decline starts in our mid-twenties, dips significantly in our thirties, and plummets dramatically during menopause. But today, we’re not just discussing the science of skin ageing; we’re focusing on how your makeup choices might be accelerating this process, especially if you have older or drier skin.

While collagen plays a significant role in skin ageing, dehydration is another silent offender. Dehydrated skin ages faster, and it’s crucial to address this issue, particularly in older or drier skin. Dehydration can be caused by diet, not drinking enough water, too much sugar or lifestyle choices like too much sun exposure or smoking. 

hand with fake french manicured nails showing damage caused to skin by sun

Pair any of these factors with harsh chemical-laden skincare and makeup, can lead to accelerated ageing. For those with mature or dry skin, the challenge is even greater so understanding what you’re applying to your skin becomes essential.

The Problem with Traditional Foundations

swatches of cream foundation in 3 shades for caucasian skin

Many liquid foundations are packed with parabens, harmful chemicals, talc, lanolin, and other ingredients that contribute to dehydration. These substances strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially speeding up premature ageing. For older or drier skin, this can be particularly detrimental. But fear not, there’s a solution – 100% pure mineral foundation.

Why Mineral Foundation is Your Skin’s Best Friend

pot of mineral foundation resting on its side so you can see the colour and some of the texture of the powder as it is spilling out

Choosing mineral powder foundation over creams for older skin offers several benefits that cater specifically to the needs of mature skin. Here's why:

  1. Hydration: Mineral powder foundations often contain natural, hydrating ingredients that help maintain moisture levels in the skin, unlike many cream foundations which can sometimes clog pores and exacerbate dryness.

  2. Lightweight Coverage: Mineral powders provide lightweight yet buildable coverage, which can help even out skin tone without settling into fine lines and wrinkles. This contrasts with heavier cream foundations that can cake up and highlight skin imperfections.

  3. Natural Ingredients: High-quality mineral foundations are typically free of harsh chemicals, preservatives, and fillers that can irritate sensitive or ageing skin. They are made from natural minerals that are gentle and beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

  4. Non-Comedogenic: Mineral powders are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores, which is essential for mature skin that may be more prone to sensitivity and breakouts. 

  5. Oil Control: Mineral powder foundations can help control excess oil and shine without drying out the skin, providing a balanced and natural finish that enhances the skin’s appearance.

  6. Long-Lasting Wear: Mineral foundations typically offer long-lasting wear that stays put throughout the day, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups that can disrupt the skin's natural barrier.

Choosing mineral powder foundation can help achieve a smooth, radiant finish that complements older skin's unique needs, promoting a youthful and healthy appearance.

Tips for a Hydration-Boosting Makeup Routine

  1. Start by priming your skin: Priming is essentially smoothing out open pores and texture. Instead of mainstream primers that act in similar ways to synthetic foundations, why not opt for a skincare balm, like Inlight Beauty's Deep Moisture Balm to give the skin a glowy, dewy look. Or, to minimise pore size combine Casa Mencarelli's Clay Mask as a pre-make up ritual and finish with a spritz of their Honey and Orange Toner. These steps will help you to create a smooth, moisturised base. 
  2. Choose Mineral Foundation: Opt for a 100% pure mineral foundation to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. We love BareFaced Beauty for oilier skin types as it has a more matte finish, they also have a wide variety of shades. For drier skin types choose Bomonde for a dewy, silky look as it contains added natural silica which hydrates the skin. 
  3. Always use a setting powder: Finish your makeup with a setting or finishing powder to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
  4. Regular Skin Care: Having a good base for make up is the first line of defence for experienced skin. Maintain a skincare routine that includes hydrating serums, moisturisers, and regular exfoliation to keep your skin in peak condition.
  5. Find the perfect shade for you: mismatched make up can do more harm than good and highlight skin concerns rather than conceal them. Getting properly colour matched ensures your natural beauty shines through. 

Embrace the Change

So, whether you're in your twenties or beyond, make informed decisions about what you apply to your skin. Embrace 100% pure, natural ingredients, and witness the transformative effect on your skin’s health. Knowledge is power when it comes to skincare and makeup and properly understanding the impact of your beauty and lifestyle choices can slow down the ageing process, keeping your skin radiant and healthy.

Take a moment to scrutinise your makeup ingredients and make choices that contribute to your timeless beauty. And don't forget, we're here to help answer any questions you have via our live chat, email or virtual and in person make up consultations

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