Makeup After 60: 5 Expert Tips for a Fresh, Radiant Look

Aging is a privilege, but no one said we can’t age stylishly. As we step into our 60s, our skin changes — and so should the way we approach makeup. The goal? Not to hide age, but to enhance natural beauty with a touch of sophistication and a lot of grace.

We spoke to professional makeup artists who specialize in mature beauty to gather five genuinely useful tips that actually make a difference. Whether you're a makeup minimalist or love a full face, these expert-approved tricks will help you feel confident, fresh, and fabulous.

1. Prioritize Skin Preparation

Good makeup starts with good skin, and in your 60s, hydration is non-negotiable. Makeup artist Jo Levy explains: “Mature skin tends to be drier, so prepping with a rich moisturizer and hydrating primer is essential. It gives foundation something smooth to cling to, instead of settling into lines.”

Look for products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gentle antioxidants. Don’t skip a lightweight SPF either — protection remains your skin’s best friend.

Pro Tip: Warm a small amount of moisturizer between your fingers and press it gently into the skin rather than rubbing. It promotes absorption without tugging.

2. Switch to a Lightweight Foundation

Heavy, matte foundations can emphasize texture and wrinkles. Instead, opt for a lightweight, dewy formula that enhances your skin’s natural glow.

Celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter advises: “Use sheer coverage foundations or tinted moisturizers. Let your skin breathe. You don’t have to cover everything — just even out your complexion and let your features shine.”

Pro Tip: Apply foundation sparingly and only where needed — around the nose, under the eyes, and across the chin. Blend outward with a damp sponge for a soft, natural finish.

3. Define (Don’t Overdo) the Eyes

As lashes thin and lids become more hooded with age, heavy eye makeup can make eyes appear smaller. Instead, focus on soft definition.

Stick to neutral tones like taupe, soft brown, and muted plum. A gentle sweep of matte shadow, tightlining the lash line with a pencil, and a good lift from mascara will open up the eyes beautifully.

Pro Tip: Choose a brown or deep gray eyeliner instead of black for a softer, more flattering look. And always curl your lashes before applying mascara to create the illusion of a wider, more awake eye.

4. Bring Back Your Brows

Brows naturally thin out with age, but they frame your face — and a well-shaped brow can take years off your appearance.

Use a fine-tip pencil or a brow powder to fill in sparse areas with soft, feathered strokes. Stay away from overly dark shades; choose a tone that matches your natural hair or is one shade lighter.

Pro Tip: Focus on the arch — lifting it slightly can subtly lift the whole face. A little brow gel will also help keep stray hairs in check and add a polished finish.

5. Choose Creams Over Powders

Cream formulas are a mature skin’s best friend. Cream blushes, highlighters, and even cream eyeshadows melt seamlessly into the skin, creating a youthful, hydrated appearance.

Blush is especially important — a hint of soft peach, rose, or coral on the apples of the cheeks brings warmth and vitality back to the complexion.

Pro Tip: Smile gently and tap the blush on the fullest part of your cheeks, blending upward toward the temples. This lifting motion brightens the whole face instantly.

Final Thought

Makeup after 60 isn’t about masking who you are — it’s about celebrating it. The beauty industry is finally waking up to the idea that there’s no age limit on feeling (and looking) amazing.

So whether you’re experimenting with a new bright lipstick, perfecting your liner technique, or just adding an extra touch of glow to your skin, remember: you’re not trying to look younger. You’re embracing your beauty, exactly as you are.

And nothing is more radiant than that.