Beauty Routines After 60

Many of you have written to ask for tips on makeup and hairstyles that respect our changing faces. So I am sharing my step-by-step routine with you here.

Permanent makeup, fillers, Botox, and plastic surgery are not options I am considering. I don’t mind the character and expression lines my face has developed over the years. However, I firmly believe that healthy eating, lots of water, and regular exercise are the best beauty routines one can follow.

After my fiftieth birthday, I stopped coloring my hair and found a great stylist who gave me a softly layered bob that frames and slims my roundish face. Ask your stylist for a cut that works with your hair’s natural tendency and one that complements the shape of your face. A good stylist will also consider if your style complements your body’s size and shape. For example, a petite woman peering out from a massive bush of long hair is not balanced with her proportions.

I don’t use anything but a gentle sulfate-free shampoo three times a week. I sometimes rinse my hair in the shower and then reshape it for the day but skip the products on most days. My thinning hair and dry scalp do not respond well to most products. A build-up of styling products adds too much weight making my hair flat. It also gets trimmed about every two months. I don’t allow my hair to get too long or get it cut too short. Both extremes add years to my face.

I’ve also streamlined my makeup routine. For example, I use a moisturizer in winter but only a tinted moisturizer with a high SPF in summer.

I have been using and selling Beautycounter skincare and haircare products for a few years. I am delighted with the results. You can find the products here.

I use makeup brushes rather than sponge applicators. They allow for better blending and less tugging on the skin. I use a liquid eyeliner applied into and under my upper eyelashes (on the waterline). I don’t apply liner or mascara to my lower lashes because this looks very harsh on me. My eyeshadow is always the same in varying degrees of depth of color for the day versus evening and includes a very pale gray, a darker gray, and a rosy brown that complements my cool skin tone. I start with the darkest gray in my lash line and above it.

I use a gray pencil or powder from Merle Norman to fill in my thin brows, but I’m careful to blend and brush that out. Finally, I use black mascara, and that’s it for the eyes.

I brush a bit of blush in a rose-tone high on the cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and my chin. If your skin is dehydrated, cream blush might be best for you. But, once again, blend, blend, blend!

I apply a lip liner over my whole lip and then a very similar color of lipstick. My lip colors are never harsh or dark. I may wear brighter lip color during the evening, but I apply and blot it several times while applying my makeup to stain my lips rather than slide around on top. I will use a similar color lip balm to touch up during the evening.

I almost always wear sunglasses outdoors, and if I am in the sun for more than a few minutes, I also wear a hat. Skin cancer is no fun, and I hope never to have it again.

I hope these tips are helpful to you.