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.

10 Comments
  1. You obviously take excellent care of your skin……………..you are lovely!
    I would be interested in knowing your about the type of products you use and your skin care routine. The new web site is wonderful. I look forward to following you into new horizions.

  2. You are my favorite!

    Thanks for the good information. I am happy to be 65 and it’s partly because of you. I also have another webpage I like a lot but it’s mostly about psychological wellbeing after 50-60 y.o.

    So thanks again. Keep on the good work.

  3. You have beautiful skin for your age. I respect your decision to not have any fillers etc., but then unless the picture is touched up…..you don’t need any. I never thought I would be serious about it either, but at 65 the wrinkles and jowls are changing my mind about it all.
    Our styles may be different, but I love reading your thoughts and routines encouraging us to be our best at whatever age.
    Thank you, Shirley Riley

  4. Hello from Australia. I discovered your lovely blog recently and just wanted to comment on how beautiful and gracious you are. I am in my early 50s, so going through the style transition myself and I can see that your blog will be a wonderful mentor for me as I embrace the next season of my life. Best wishes for a wonderful new decade.
    Thea

  5. Hi Susan! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now. So nice to find one for women our age. Just wanted to comment that I have been a faithful user of coconut oil for over 20 years, using it as a face and body moisturizer (helps to fade age or wisdom spots too) as well as in cooking. I swear by it. Thanks for the larger font. Lol!

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.