The best makeup for women over 50 meets a particular set of standards—and traditionally, it’s not been easy to find. That’s why in 2024, product developer Sarah Creal launched her eponymous label, a high-performance beauty brand for women over 40. At the time, she told Vogue: “I couldn’t think of a single luxury brand specifically creating products for women like me. So this brand is about me saying, right, fuck it.”

With skincare and makeup focused on “wear, repair, and moisturization,” Creal’s collection belongs to a coveted class of products aimed at pampering and soothing aging skin while playing up one’s best features. Meanwhile, Jones Road, Victoria Beckham, Chanel, Westman Atelier, and even a few choice drugstore brands are also up to the task of helping women over 50 look and feel their best.

The only trick is knowing exactly which products to use—and, of course, how to use them. That’s why we’ve called in the pros. Ahead, celebrity makeup artists share a complete guide to best-in-class makeup for women over 50, with product recommendations for every step from skin care to setting spray.

Vogue’s Favorite Makeup for Women Over 50:

Featured in this article

The Hydrating Moisturizer

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Jump to review

As you work through the steps, remember that the right mindset is as important as any blush or mascara. “Makeup after 50 is about highlighting your features and feeling good,” says makeup artist Leah Rial, who works with Sharon Stone. “Let your story show; let makeup enhance, not hide. You’ve earned the right to be seen, your way.”

In This Story

Skin Care Prep

“I find that the better the skin prep, the less makeup I need to use,” says celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. For women over 50, “my focus is to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin as much as possible,” she says. “I’ll often start with a sheet mask or serum as it delivers the product more deeply. Then I tend to massage on a heavier cream or oil, or apply a mask that can be left on under makeup to ensure a healthy glow.”

She gravitates toward brightening creams for the eyes. “Just don’t use anything too heavy as the makeup can slip and settle in any fine lines,” she instructs. Aharon is in favor of using the fingers or hands to apply skin care products; a brush will also do the trick.

Next Up, Priming

“The right primer can really help blur fine lines and pores, and extend the life of your makeup,” Aharon says. She recommends brushing on a thin layer of primer after your skin care products have set in. “Let it settle for a minute before applying foundation,” she says.

Concealer for Women Over 50

The best concealers for women over 50 meld hydrating ingredients with actives, such as peptides, for anti-aging benefits. When it comes to application, a gentle approach pays off. “On the delicate under-eye area, less is always more,” says celebrity makeup artist Azra Red, who works with Isabella Rossellini. “Proper hydration is essential, so start with a hydrating eye cream and incorporate eye masks into your routine—they make a noticeable difference. I like to keep my eye patches in the fridge and apply them in the morning while going about my daily tasks.”