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These Makeup Artist Tips for Mature Skin Will Help You Nail Your Routine

 It’s all about hydrated skin. 

Gorgeous model with mature skin poses against a white background Gorgeous model with mature skin poses against a white background

Our makeup routines evolve over time—not just because trends come and go, but also because our skin changes as time goes on. So while it may seem like doing makeup for mature skin isn’t all that different from makeup at any other age, there are still a few key steps to consider.

As for specific mature makeup tips, Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren has two words to keep in mind: skin prep. “Mature skin tends to be drier and needs some extra love,” she says. “Skincare is a huge part of that; a rich moisturizer like Vegan Milk Moisturizer is ideal because it not only helps hydrate and calm skin, but also smooths skin texture if it is feeling rough or dry.”

One thing to keep in mind is that while skincare may be in, we wouldn’t consider any specific makeup looks “out”—especially not because of age. If you feel confident in your makeup, that’s the most important thing. Read on for our tips for creating a makeup look on mature skin.

Prime + set your base

Sara recommends letting your skincare absorb in for three to five minutes before moving on to makeup. Then grab your primer: “It's an essential for all skin types, but great for that mature skin  experiencing ‘makeup fade’ with their blush or complexion products,” she says, adding that our Hydro Grip Primer is especially great for mature skin types. The pro uses one to two pumps, adding that “it creates a grippy barrier that locks in skincare while keeping makeup in place.” 

After you’ve let your primer set for one minute, apply your foundation or skin tint of choice. Look for something with a hydrating formula that nourishes skin as it lends weightless, even coverage. 

Close-up artistic shot of the upper part of a Hydro Grip Primer bottle on a white background

All about under eyes

“Again, skin prep is vital to how our makeup goes on and wears throughout the day,” says Sara, who adds that eye primer can be your best friend for smooth, long-lasting coverage. “Hydro Grip Eye Primer is so unique because it is designed to work on the eyelids as well as under eyes (or even on blemishes) by smoothing the skin texture’s appearance—thank you blurring microspheres—while adding moisture,” she says. Then it’s time for concealer. “I would recommend following with a liquid-based concealer, like Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer, for buildable coverage that doesn’t get creasey or cakey,” says Sara.

Close-up of Hydro Grip Eye Pimer applicator coming out of the tube on a white background

Focus on eye makeup

Painting on eye makeup is way easier on a smooth surface. Start with eye primer for extra grip, then move onto your color products. When applying eyeliner, “Use your free hand to pull that skin taut, or try looking downward into a mirror to help ‘stretch’ the skin over the eye,” recommends Sara. “This will make a better surface for applying liner to avoid skipping.” As for products, the pro says to “make sure to use a creamy waterproof gel pencil, like Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner, that glides on without tugging.”

As for specific looks, Sara says to do you. “I hear a lot about what textures and finishes more mature skin should ‘stick to,’ but I don’t believe in an age limit on glitter, frosts, or colors,” she says. The limit does not exist!

Flying Milk Makeup Infinity Long Wear Eyeliners on a white backround

Line + define lips

Lip liner doesn’t just keep lip color from bleeding, but it can also help define your lip shape. “Sometimes a lip liner can be really helpful for defining lips that have lost volume,” explains Sara. “Pairing a nude-toned lip liner with a gloss is a great everyday lip look.” Prefer a matte finish? All good—just remember to keep lips moisturized. “I love to hydrate lips with a lip oil or balm prior to lipstick application,” says Sara. Our Milk Makeup X Awake Lip Balm is a great option if you want something that will give you that moisture for the long haul.

Product shot of Milk Makeup X Awake Lip Balm on a white background

Set your look

If you’re worried that powder could dry out your skin, you may not be using the right one. “Sometimes, powder can make mature skin look or feel textured or dry, but I love talc-free Pore Eclipse Setting Powder because it doesn’t zap skin of moisture—it just sets and controls oil,” says Sara. Still, if you want a little extra zip of hydration, there’s a solution. “If your look is ever feeling too dry or overly powdered, I recommend a couple spritzes of Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray to add moisture to skin without disrupting makeup,” says the pro, adding that, “In fact, it keeps it locked on.”

See? With the right prep and tips, makeup for mature skin is super easy. Just remember: hydrate, prep, set—and always live your look.

Flying shot of Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Powder alongside Pore Eclipse Powder Brush on a white background

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.

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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

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Lindy Segal (she/her) is a freelance beauty writer and editor. She has held editor roles at Glamour and People, and regularly contributes to Harper’s BAZAAR, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney. See more of her work at lindysegal.com.

All information is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.