Applying makeup is a skill that takes practice and guidance. While we can’t train you in person, we can offer a guide to which makeup is best for older women.

I know, “older women” sounds so 1940. But what is important to hear in that statement is all makeup is not created equal, nor are all trends appropriate for women over (or nearing) 50. Don’t expect anything boring here, though. Spring is a great opportunity to showcase color and healthy, glowing skin.

We’re going to break down which brands offer the best makeup for older women that are worth the hype (and the time spent perfecting them). Note that this list does not include concealers or foundation, but you can find our faves in our List of Best Foundations for Mature Skin.

Blush / Highlighter

M·A·C Powder Blush, $25

M·A·C powder blush comes in a variety of shades and is designed by and for professionals. It’s easy to apply and goes on evenly, allowing for a natural look that stays on all day. 

Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $20

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez is a liquid blush that’s easy to blend and gives you a soft, healthy look. It’s weightless and long-lasting and is available in matte and dewy finishes.

Lips

Ultimate Lipstick Love, $17

Becca Cosmetic’s Ultimate lipstick is infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate. It moisturizes and provides pure color in one tiny package.

Double Duty Beauty Glide & Go Buttery Lipstick, $16

Double duty glide & go buttery lipstick from Tarte feels like a balm while delivering a vibrant color. It’s ultra-creamy and hydrates all day long. 

Maracuja Glossy Lip Oil, $15

Maracuja glossy lip oil is infused with fruit to hydrate and make your lips look fuller and plumper. It’s also full of essential fatty acids and vitamin C to nourish your lips while making them look fabulous.   

M·A·C Lipstick Cream, $19

M·A·C Lipstick Cream is the iconic product that made M·A·C famous. The balmy formula gives a comfortable feel that moisturizes and colors at the same time and ranges from semi-lustrous to glossy. 

Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick Balm, $38

Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm hydrates lips while giving them a perfect shine. It’s infused with six natural oils to hydrate for balm-like comfort and smoothness.

Color Design Lipstick – Spring Color Collection, $22.10

Lancôme’s Color Design Lipstick gives fade-free color all day. It’s infused with soothing ingredients that make your lips feel soft and smooth and won’t dry your lips out. 

SEA Color Splash Lipstick, $21

Tarte’s Sea Color Splash Lipstick comes in a variety of creamy shades and is designed to give long-lasting, moisture-rich color. 

Even Better Pop Lip Colour Foundation, $20

Clinique’s Even Better Pop Lip Colour Foundation is designed to flatter your individual complexion and gives three different looks: naked, casual, and glam.

L’Absolu Rouge Hydrating Shaping Lipcolor, 0.14 oz, $27.20

Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge Hydrating Shaping Lipcolor is an ultra-luxurious, hydrating lip color that lasts all day. Available in a whopping 44 shades, it’s versatile enough for any look or skin tone!

Eyeshadow

Naturally Pretty Essentials Eyeshadow Palette, $14.50

Discover your most naturally pretty eyes with this must-have palette that’s perfectly sized to go wherever you do. Naturally Pretty Essentials features six all-new, full-size, anti-aging shadows that, with a tap of the bonus Transforming Hello Light shade, transform from matte to radiant satin for a total of 13 eye-opening colors! Infused with hydrolyzed collagen, real silk, peptides and proprietary No-Tug Technology, each talc-free shadow glides on beautifully to brighten your eyes and smooth your lids. A must-have for every IT Girl’s makeup bag!

Eyeshadow Palette, $80

A coveted, professional eyeshadow palette that can be used for shading, highlighting, and defining eyes, brows, and the contours of the face.

No Shimmer Eye Shade Trio, $37

Palettes of 3 complementary eye shades. Completely matte, so they flatter mature eyes by covering creases rather than drawing attention to them. Prep with our primer so your eyeshadow lasts longer and doesn’t migrate into fine lines. Use the 3 shades to shape, enhance and define your eyes, opening them up to look bigger and prettier.

Eyeliners and Shadows

Fake Awake Eyeliner, $20

Tarte’s Fake Awake eyeliner is a gel eyeliner available in a nude shade that makes it look like you got a full night’s sleep. Because some days you’ve just got to fake it to make it. 

Epic Wear Liner Stick Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil, $8

NYX Epic Liner Sticks come in a variety of shades, from nudes to intense bold colors. They glide on effortlessly and are waterproof and long-lasting.

Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner, $28

Bobbi Brown’s gel eyeliner is a unique gel-based pencil that delivers richly pigmented color and precision lining with sweat-resistant 12-hour wear.

Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner, $26

Marc Jacob’s highlighter gel eye crayon has intense color and 12-hour waterproof wear. It’s available in shimmer and matte finishes. 

Not all skin tones, complexions, or styles are the same, and makeup is definitely not one size fits all. Despite the fact that not all makeup is created equal, the many varieties and types are what make it fun because we can try out new things and do some experimenting. As we’re heading into warmer weather and a long-awaited spring, it’s a good time to seek out some new looks and color palettes, and just have a little fun!

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