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Do beauty trends make you cringe or run to try the newest thing? As a professional inhaler of fashion and beauty trends, I can say that the majority are ghastly and make me wonder how 99% of the western world could wear them, especially if you have mature skin!
On the flip side, keeping up with trends can keep you looking current and stylish in an otherwise repetitive and doldrum makeup world. 2024’s spring/summer beauty trends do not disappoint with statement looks like crazy blue eyeshadow, fake shiny doll-like skin, and black death lipstick. (Gotta try the last one and scare my kids).
All of this begs the question, what trends can you actually wear?
In this video/article, we highlight three fun and functional makeup looks that mature women can wear and look fabulous. My model is Laura, a retired archeologist who now lives in Ecuador. We connected over the challenges of raising teenagers, the freedom of being an empty-nester, and life on the other side of the world.
TREND #1: Minimalistic and Monochromatic Makeup (Without Being Boring)
Minimalistic makeup is a double-edged sword: you either look on trend or dead, without much wiggle room in between. Monochromatic makeup can be stunning or look like you only had one color in your makeup collection and decided to overuse it. How can you avoid the pitfalls?
To address these issues on Laura, we started with the color palette. She arrived at our video shoot wearing a lovely terracotta top that went beautifully with her skin. Because of this, I went with the earthy peach color trend in her makeup for a monochromatic, minimalistic look. This meant that I used a bright terracotta blush, sheer lip gloss (more on that in a minute) and warm bronze colored eyeshadow.
The secret to not looking either dead or boring is in the brightness and saturation of the colors. As we age, we need a little extra pop, so opting for colors that are NOT neutral, but have some liveliness and playfulness to them is so important. I can’t tell you how many women show me their makeup and it’s all mundane brown tones! Add some zest with colors that are a touch brighter and more intense than normal.
TREND #2: Nude Lips (Not Vanishing Lips)
Have you ever applied lip gloss and a minute later you look like you have no lips? The trick is to use a colorful shade with a matching or slightly darker lip liner. You could also use a pretty lip liner with a clear gloss, and it will add dimension and depth to your lips.
But how do you keep lip gloss from rubbing off? Try adding foundation to your lips + a little powder + lip liner + gloss (in that order) and see if it lasts a longer time period! However, if you’re like me and you incessantly roll your lips, then there is not much you can do. I think I have a lipstick tree growing in my stomach with the many years of chewing everything off!
TREND #3: Bright Blush (Not Clown Blush)
Do you remember the 1980s when bright pink blush was all the rage? Well, it’s back, with a twist. Instead of having bright lipstick and strong eyeshadow to go with it, blush is now a stand-alone item. This look, however, can be clown-like if not done well.
To apply this look, have your blush be a bit stronger and pull it up into your brow bone and on the high points of your forehead. For Laura, I tried two different blush shades, one powder and one cream, before I found the one that stood out without taking over her face.
By taking the usually cringe-worthy trends and then twisting them to work for you, you spice-up your potentially humdrum makeup into a fun, playful, and current look. What aspect of these ideas do you think will work for you? What do you like most?
Also read, BEGINNER MAKEUP OVER 70.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you ever feel curious about current trends in makeup – and who comes up with them? Have you wondered which trends are actually wearable? Which trend have you embraced openheartedly because it worked for you?
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