Once you hit 50, makeup starts to feel a little different. What worked in your 30s or 40s doesn’t always give the same results anymore—foundation looks heavier, skin feels drier, and your usual go-to tricks don’t seem to blend as easily. According to celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass, the biggest shift isn’t about buying more makeup. It’s about giving your skin what it needs before you even pick up a brush.
Here, we’ll talk about the one skincare step Bass says every woman over 50 should make part of her routine: adding a vitamin C serum. We’ll also share a few other pro-approved tips from artists like Laura Geller, Tim Quinn, and Jenna Anton to help your makeup look fresh, luminous, and flattering, no matter your age.
Start with healthy skin, not more makeup
If your foundation doesn’t sit right or your skin looks dull even after applying blush and bronzer, the problem probably isn’t the makeup itself. Bass explains that when skin becomes dry, rough, or uneven, makeup can only do so much to hide it. That’s why her number one beauty tip is simple: use a vitamin C serum before applying anything else.
Vitamin C helps fade dark spots, stimulate collagen, and bring back that natural glow your skin might have lost over time. “Minimizing discoloration starts with high concentrations of vitamin C to lighten and brighten skin so less makeup is needed”, says Bass. Think of it as skin prep: it lays the foundation for everything you put on top.
Tim Quinn, another veteran makeup artist, agrees. He says improving your skincare makes it easier to switch to modern, skin-enhancing foundations that are sheer and forgiving rather than thick or mask-like.
His pick is the Vi Derm Vitamin C Brightening Concentrate, which targets dullness and uneven tone. If you want a drugstore alternative, try Olay Regenerist Tone Perfection Serum with Vitamin B3 + C. Use it under your moisturizer in the morning, and within a few weeks, you’ll notice that your makeup blends better and your skin needs less coverage.
More makeup tips worth trying after 50
Once your skin is hydrated and bright, the rest of your makeup routine can be lighter and easier. Here’s what top pros recommend:
- Make primer part of your prep. A hydrating or illuminating primer smooths the surface of your skin so foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines.
- Switch to a luminous foundation. Instead of matte, look for formulas with a radiant finish. Pair it with a creamy full-coverage concealer where you need it most.
- Go for brown eyeliner instead of black. It softens your look while still defining your eyes. Gel pencils glide on easily and flatter different eye colors.
- Choose shimmer shadow, not glitter or matte. A soft taupe or champagne shimmer opens up hooded eyes and gives lids a subtle lift. Avoid heavy matte shadows that can accentuate texture.
- Keep lips soft and bright. Skip dry matte lipsticks and use tinted oils or stains for color with hydration. Shades of berry, coral, or red bring life to the face and feel more modern.
Small tweaks like these can completely change how makeup looks on mature skin. It’s not about covering up, but creating glow, softness, and balance.