Happy Wednesday and welcome back to Fashion over 50. Â I’ve shared some of my makeup favorites with you before, but I’ve got a few new things in my arsenal lately, so thought I’d do a new post about that for y’all.
Now, let me start by saying, I’m not an expert on applying makeup. Â I see women who are far more adept at it than I am and they probably spend a lot longer applying than I do. Â I can put on my makeup in about 10 minutes. Â I don’t go for a heavy hand in using makeup and nowadays lighter and more natural is the best look for me. Â I have always loved makeup back to my teenage years and spent lots of time buying makeup and beauty products and practicing putting on eye shadow and mascara, so I know the basics of highlighting and contouring my eyes and face. Â Back in the 80’s, I was wearing a lot heavier makeup, but not anymore.
I am not loyal to one particular brand and as I’ve gotten older, I’m all over the board with brands of makeup. Â I’ve been using Bare Minerals powder makeup for probably 10 years now, but recently have tried out some new items that have hit the market.
I was recently at a shopping event in Buckhead and stopped in the Nars store for a little makeup session and I tried out some new products that I’ll share with you below. Â One little thing she did that I liked and had done before, but gotten away from, is adding just a bit of navy or blue shade of eye pencil right at the outside bottom corner of my eyes to bring out the blue. Â I use brown creme eye liner, but adding that bit of blue really makes the eyes pop more.
So, today, I’m sharing a few new products I’ve been using the last few months.
One of them is called CC cream, which is a glorified tinted moisturizer, but it’s supposed to have anti-aging qualities to it also with serum and brighteners added. Â Just a note that I’m not really a complete purist on my makeup. Â I know that there are bad ingredients in makeup and skin care and I haven’t gotten to the point that I don’t use things out there even if they have lots of ingredients I can’t pronounce in them. Â So, keep that in mind as you go through my list. Â These are well known brands, but they might not be as pure as you want, if you are into really natural ingredients in your makeup.
I figure something’s going to get us all, but I don’t think it’s going to be my makeup that brings me down in the end.
These are a few of my favorites at the moment for makeup, including lipsticks, mascara, blush and eye shadow.  Keep in mind that these colors work well for my skin tone and eye color, so you’ll have to take your own into consideration when you are choosing colors.
#1 It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Blush  – Pretty in Peony is the color I’m using now and it’s a pretty coral shade.  Adds some vitality to the face.
#2Â Nars Creamy Concealer – in Custard – I started using this over a year ago and I really do love it. A little goes a long ways and it lasts a long time.
#3 Nars Blush – In Orgasm (yes, that’s the name, everyone run out and get that one!) 🙂  I tried this out on my shopping trip in Nars and when I bought mascara, we got samples of this one, so I’ll be using it some this summer. It’s a pretty pink with soft glimmer.
#4Â Nars Audacious Mascara – In Black – I really liked this mascara after trying it in the Nars store and it did lengthen my lashes more than normal, so I bought it.
#5 It Cosmetics CC Cream – In Light.  CC stands for Correcting Cream. I bought this on the recommendation of another fashion/beauty blogger and really do like it.  It doesn’t take a lot and I apply it with a makeup sponge, but it goes on light and creamy and the finish is very soft and natural.  It’s not heavy like old liquid makeups, but very light feeling when on.  It doesn’t cover every single flaw either, but I don’t mind that. Gone are the days of heavy caked makeup for me.  I still like the Bare Minerals powder for some days, but I’m using this one more and more.  There’s an illuminating version of this too, but I haven’t tried that one yet.  What I really like is the SPF 50 that it features.  I like to protect my face from the sun.
#6 Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturizer  – In Alaska – One of my friends passed this to me and I’ve enjoyed it too.  It’s also light and creamy and is a tinted moisturizer.  It’s a bit more expensive than the IT CC cream, so I’ll probably stick with that one when it’s time to buy more, since I like it a bit better anyway.
#7Â Diandra Eye Shadow palette – In Toast of the Town – I don’t remember where I got this trio, but I’ve started using it lately and like the brown/copper tones with my blue eyes. Â Not very expensive either.
#8 Gelaze Gel polish – I think I’ve mentioned before that I ruined my nails about 10 years ago when I was doing acrylics for over a year.  Those drills they use messed up my nail bed, so I have ridges and my nails grow with some defects now.  Gel nails are the only thing I can get to stay on my nails now and I bought my own LED light and do them at home.  Gelaze gel polishes are my favorites so far and I’m using White and Pink shades most of the time.  I can keep them on for 7 to 10 days before they start peeling. I haven’t mastered removing them the correct way, so once they start peeling, I just pick at them until it’s all peeled off and then I start over.  Not the best method, but it works for me!  It does dry out my nails a bit, but not at all like acrylic nails will do.  My nails are actually pretty strong and they grow like crazy with the gel nails and I keep them cut to a good length. I like the Gelaze Clear top coat to finish it off too.  I usually do 2 coats of color and the clear top coat.  I set them for 60 seconds for each coat and then when finished, rub them with alcohol to take off the sticky residue that is left.  My nails are instantly set and dry and I can continue on my way.  It really is fast once you master it.  I’ve always been good with polishing my nails  myself since I was a teen.  Some people are good at it and others are not.  One note is that gel polish goes on a little different than regular polish so you have to get used to that too.  It moves a bit before the LED light sets it and can look a little streaky, so just be aware of that.  Once you get used to using it, it’s not so bad. The main thing is to try to keep it off your cuticles when applying to your nails.
#9Â Sensational LED light for gel nails – I bought my light kit at Walgreens about 3 years ago, but this is the same light I have. This is what sets the gel polish instantly. Â I set mine for 60 seconds for each coat I do and I can be all finished and dry in about 15 minutes.
#10Â Bare Minerals Mineral Veil – I still love this lightweight finish after I put on my makeup and blush. I use a soft natural bristle brush to buff it over my face and it gives a nice sheer look and sort of sets my makeup for the day.
#11Â Boots No. 7 Crayon – I really like the Statement color, a nice sheer coral/red. Â I like colors that I can swipe on and go. Â This lip shine doesn’t stay on all day though, so be aware of that. You have to reapply often.
#12 Calvin Klein CK lip shine – this one is no longer available, but I loved Alarm 600. Â I found a couple of colors on Ebay, but not this one. Â Too bad, it was a nice coral red shade and went on nicely.
Note: Â Affiliate links used above.Â
I tried to show some up close pics of my makeup lately. Â I’m wearing the Boots No. 7 lip shine in Statement in this pic, as well as the Toast of the Town eye shadows. My skin is far from perfect, I have freckles and age spots, but I like the CC cream a lot.
I don’t remember which lipstick this is, but it has a little more pink in it.
Again, this one is the Boots No. 7 lip shine and eye shadows in Toast of the Town.
And here’s a shot of my gel nails in White on White. Â Oh yuck, at my aging hands! I don’t do a perfect job, but it looks decent to me.
So, that’s a few of the beauty products in my makeup case right now that I’m using and enjoying. Â Hope you got some good ideas for yourself. Â I do think that we as women want to still look good no matter our age and makeup is part of that for me. Â I feel so much better when I have on my full face of makeup. Â Makeup improves everyone to me!
Feel free to add your faves in the comments and share with everyone!
I too, have been changing my makeup a bit, since I’ve hit 50. My daughter has been helping me out with suggestions. Love your attitude about the ingredients. Purist, I am not:) I’ve started using quite a few of the same type of products as you also. And love how you embrace all of our 50+ “imperfections” .
Have a great day!!!
BTW–I like to use a lash primer before my mascara. It seems to make my lashes fuller and longer. I’m not sure of the brand since I try whatever. But, try the primer next time you are out and about:)
I LOVE lash primer. I use Urban Decay Subversion. (I hate the names of these cosmetics, how can you be on the side of Truth and Beauty with Urban Decay, barf). And Tweezerman iLash comb, that comb is a game changer. My daughter and I got some 3D mascara which we both really liked and neither of us ever use it! It seems like a great idea but I never want to fool with it when I sit down in the morning, and it’s little too dramatic for me for every day.
Thanks for this post, I have never used much makeup and now at 63, I am all interested.
I love the IT CC!! It goes on really pretty and the SPF 50 is great. 🙂
You look mahvelous!!
Looking beautiful as always, Rhoda! I’m a fan of CC creams as well — not too light, not too heavy. Thanks for sharing!
xo Heidi
Wow, you look fantastic! I love the subtle makeup that highlights your features. And one of these days I am going to buy that “Orgasm” blush! 🙂 I have a product for you to try! I’ll be 52 this year, an d I’ve noticed that my eyelashes have gotten so short and not curly. I bought a tube of Sephora Outrageous Curl mascara, and I love it. It brings back my youthful lashes. 🙂
Gorgeous girl! You look so pretty! I have the same skin and coloring…fair, blue eyes, freckled, burn easily. Chanel was doing a makeover event and completely changed my palette. My sister, who is the only person I trust to be honest, is still saying Wow! They switched me to a CC creme, corals and Browns. Two years ago I treated myself to having the freckles lasered off my hands; they look 20 years younger now. Now I am diligent about sunscreen on my hands all the time and gardening gloves for the yard.
Hi Roxanne, I’d like to get my hands done too. Do you mind telling us what type laser was used to do yours? I bet your hands look pretty. Thanks.
Hi Kay! I believe it was called Gentle Lase by Candela. It treats brown age spots and freckles. It took about 15 minutes and felt like a rubber band being snapped against my hands….not bad. The spots turn into little brown scans and fell off within a week. It cost about $150. It was truly amazing the difference it made!
Scabs not scans!
Thank you, Roxanne. I really want to do this.
Hey we all need to look good ! Don’t we. No matter our age a little looks better than none!
You look fabulous!
I’ll have to check some of these out. You should see your dermatologist about the age spots. You can get rid of them pretty easily! Freckles are here to stay though. LOL (Nothing wrong with freckles!!) Use some of your anti-aging products on your hands – it helps!!! (and sunscreen too) I continue my anti-aging face products onto my neck and tops of hands also.
Hi Tina, I did buy some retinol cream from my dermatologist, it tends to dry me out, so I use it sparingly. Most of what’s on my face is freckles so I live with them. I do use sunscreen on my hands all the time too.
Something that really bothers me is my eyebrows, I don’t have any wings and they are too thin now. I really love the Two Faced brand. They have brow wax in colors, their mascara is wonderful and they have a highly rated blush that I love. My lipstick is YBF from QVC. Stacy Sheffler (sp) makes some great eyebrow pencils as well and some yellow face powder that I love. I could go on and on because I love make-up as well. I use Loreals Magic BB cream and I love it for $8. it’s great.
HI, Angie, I haven’t heard of Two-Faced. There are so many brands out there now. I don’t use pencils on my brows or do much more than pluck and brush them with a brush. I didn’t over pluck my brows so still have plenty left.
Hey Rhoda, I really enjoy your blog. I am 52 and have been switching my make up routine also. I have been a Marie Norman girl for ever and love their mascara primer they also have a good tinted moisturizer but a suggestion from a blogger was Kat Von D make up at Sephoa. I tried a eye shadow palette in Smoke and it is one of the best I have used in a long time. She has a palette in the brown’s too. Give it a try I think you’ll love it .
Hugs, Teresa
Hey, Teresa, thanks I’ll check that out.
Rhoda, be thankful it’s just freckles you have to deal with. I inherited dreadful ‘under eye dark circles’ from my mom’s side of the family. People who tell me they have under eye darkness make me laugh. Painfully, too, as I have aged (61) they’ve darkened even more since the elasticity of the skin around my eyes has thinned out, and trying to ‘hide’ them with any sort of cover up is a waste of time…wrinkly under-eye skin is not a good pallet for any sort of heavy coverage. I just try to live with it. The effects of aging are merciless and you either accept them or make yourself crazy (or if you have the $$ you get the scary “Joker” look of over done injections and surgery. LOL) I also run if anyone points a cell phone camera in my direction. I would NEVER post any pictures of myself on social media. Looking the mirror is hard enough. You look great and very photogenic. (dewy and fresh and that’s a step in the right direction) Thanks for the tips.
Hi, Becky, I know aren’t we all hard on ourselves sometimes. Aging is not for the faint of heart. We do have to just accept and do the best with what we have as we get older. I’m just trying to do it as gracefully as possible and I know you are too. I do not want to do plastic surgery ever, that is not something that I think is attractive most of the time. And yes, it certainly is prevalent out there, injections and surgery.
Lasers and fillers can do wonders for undereye circles if they are really bothersome. I’ve even seen some young beauty bloggers with the same issue have them done. If you don’t want to go that far, try using an orange concealer over the dark areas and then apply your regular concealer. You might also have to use a heavier concealer than normal. Just blend well!
Hi Becky! I have suffered from hereditary raccoon eyes forever! A huge problem. I have been using Nars concealer in Honey for the past 2 years and what a game changer. The problem I had was I was using a shade that was too light for me so I suggest you have one of the ladies at Sephora help you find the right one. It’s the concealer in the tube with the sponge applicator.
After getting the circles under control I started getting the lines under my eyes. That’s not something you can cover up and a light concealer can make them seem worse. Thankfully my dermatologist advised me to use an eye cream with hyaluronic acid in it. It is all the rage in top scientific research and I believe it. It plumps up the cells deep in your skin and that then smoothes out the lines on the surface. I’ve used several creates…Cere Ve is very good…drugstores have it and for a bit more money I bought Lancome’s Regenerist. My under~eye area feels like silk and looks so much better.
Good luck!
Jane
Jane, all you have to do is put on a big smile and some sunglasses then post your picture on line. There you go!!!
I meant that answer for Becky in ‘Bama. Sorry.
I meant Merle Norman. Sorry for spelling mistake.
I too was excited over the gel nail products when they first came out. However, they ruined my nails by making them paper thin. I didn’t know what was wrong at first until a lady asked me if I was using the nail gel. And that was what the problem was, so be careful. I was told that it helps to use a base coat first, but haven’t tried that yet.
Cindy, they do dry out my nails some, but without any polish my nails are really hideous, so at least the gel will stay on for several days. The gel doesn’t damage my nails like the old acrylics did. They were really paper thin then and I’ll never do that again. My nails actually grow out now and I have to cut them back.
I have really good skin at almost 55 and only wear a little eye liner, mascara, blush and lipstick every day and only wear foundation for weddings and such. I always moisturize though! I work in the flower beds and gardens a lot and wear leather gloves and a broad brimmed visor, but am bad about sunscreen because the ones I have tried burn my eyes , even if I try to stay away from them when applying it! Most of the women I know wear no makeup at all so its nice to here from other women who still enjoy wearing some as I do. I just don’t like anything heavy. Bye the way, I like your freckles and you look like your Daddy with your height from him and his freckles! I just adore your articles about your Dad and Mom! Wearing a little makeup makes me feel a little more “girly” and not so plain. If that makes a women feel good throughout her day then I say “go for it”. Life is too short to be boring or not feeling “yourself”!!! You look beautiful as always, bell of the south!
Your Loyal Reader Up North
Jamie 🙂
Hi, Jamie, thank you so much! I try to protect my skin, but it’s not always easy living in the South and I like to be outdoors in a pool or at the beach. And yes, it’s nice to put on the makeup and look our best, I still love doing that. I do favor my Daddy and definitely got his skin and height.
Rhoda, thank you for putting yourself out here and showing women that we should love ourselves just the way we are…aging hands/face/body and all! I am already 60 and love following your blog. The decor, fashion, family and trips are fun to see. I am also so happy you found a nice guy…not that we need one…but it’s nice to have one once we’ve shown the world we are fine on our own!
Laura
Thank you, Laura! I appreciate that. Life is much more fun when someone to share it with.
Love this, Rhoda! You look beautiful & confident! Thanks to advice from beauty consultants at Sephora as well as my 27-year-old daughter, I’m learning to use a lighter hand with my make-up (since too much really does make us look older). I, too, use Nars creamy concealer & Nars blush in orgasm — they’re some of my tried-and-true favorites. I’m going to check out some of your other recommendations. Thanks!
I’ll be 53 next month, but look younger. Part of that is genetics and I also take great care of my skin.
IT has some great products! I use their CC cream regularly as well as the Tarte Amazonian clay full-coverage foundation. Apply with a damp sponge for lighter coverage. IT has fantastic concealers as well. I really like the Bye Bye eye. Using less or no powder helps as well because powder settles into lines. There are some powderless products out there that help combat shine.
Been using Nars orgasm for years. It is a pretty coral/pink that I found out about from Kim Kardashian. It is one of her favorites.
As far as hyperpigmentation, and this includes freckles, there are many products out there to help you lighten them. There are more natural products like kojic acid and licorice as well as hydroquinone. You can get the latter OTC or by prescription. Lasers and chemical peels can help as well. Vitamin C products also help lighten and brighten skin. Be sure you are exfoliating manually or through your products. As far as retinols, they are the absolute best product for anti-aging! Retin-A (tretinoin) can be very drying to some people, but there are ways to apply it to help with that. If nothing else, ROC or similar products are great and less harsh.
It’s definitely important to remember to treat your necks and chests as well as your hands and always use SPF. Don’t rely on the SPF in your makeup to protect you. Apply SPF separately. The sun is not our friend! I also put SPF on top of my feet if I am wearing sandals as I hate those “strappy” tan lines.
I agree….less is more when it comes to makeup as we get older, especially during the day. There’s a time and place for a smokey eye and dark lip, though!
Love the photos with the different eye shadows, lipsticks and the happy smile ………just couldn’t figure out
whether it was the makeup or with the twinkle in your eyes…….love! 🙂
Hehe, Rene, I think it might be both!
You look so pretty, Rhoda. I also love makeup and skin care. And I agree w/you about feeling better when I have all my makeup on! I have recently started using a few of the Perricone products and they are great. The cost may be prohibitive though. By the way, your neck looks really good!!
Thank you, Kay, I appreciate that!
I don’t worry too much about chemicals in make up either. You look great and unfortunately – hands and necks alawys give away our age but I’d rather age gracefully (there are plenty of people my age who are not around to age gracefully with me) than that over surgery puffy look people love today. The chemicals in my makeup are safer than injecting botox or other bad ideas under the skin.
I have switched from Bare Minerals powder to It CC creme. I was finding my skin getting drier at 73. The IT creme works great. I too like the 50 SPF. It isn’t heavy and covers just enough.