With Picasso inspired shoes and “hip” clothes, my Mom, Nancy Nehlsen, never fails to do something wrong with her make-up everyday. I am writing to address this tragic deficiency. Just because you’re over 50, it’s no excuse to do a truly terrible job with your make-up. Make-up isn’t a burden, it’s an art. You just need the right tools, colors, and a touch of style.
When I first read my Mom’s “Make-up” entry, I was appalled. Granted, some of the tips were good advice, but I’m going to fix, rewrite, or add some tips that may help you. Pay attention now…
- Eyeliner: Wow, Mother was right. No wings for women over 50. But in my opinion, I don’t think wings work for anyone. A very thin line, almost inside the lashes, is the way to go. On the bottom, try just to fill the inside lower lid with a dark color. Blacks or browns, never blues. But for some people, that technique is uncomfortable. If so, then you should try the 209 Eyeliner Brush from MAC Cosmetics. Just do a very thin line with a black or brown shadow (Examples: Brown Down or Carbon, from MAC) or Fluidliners by MAC (Examples: Dipdown or Backtrack). Or, as always, you can use an eye pencil.
- Eyebrows: I agree that a small eyebrow brush dipped in an eyeshadow a shade lighter than your natural hair color works best for fading eyebrows. There are also soft pencils that you can use if you are very careful to feather in the look of individual hairs. You don’t have to do the entire brow, just the areas that look a little bare.
- Like she said, blue is alright if it’s light and soft. But NEVER NEVER NEVER EVER! – use a creamy yellow under the brow bone. Yes, you should use a shadow under the brow bone, but never a creamy yellow. I think what my Mom meant to say was always wear a nice shimmery tan. This will result in your eyes seeming more open, more awake. (Example: MAC Base, Pearl.) Of course the smokey eye look is a plus, it will never go out of style.
- Lip Liner: For information in this department, read my Moms Blog. I personally don’t like liners – it’s too hard to get a natural look. I like a light colored gloss. Lancome’s Juicy Tubes are great, but nearly every cosmetic company has them.
- Blush: I agree that cheek stains are better than most blushes. I think all-over color, like Bare Minerals “Warmth” gives a more natural look than any blush that is applied just to the cheek. This is another product that most cosmetic companies offer now. It gives you the look of having a tan, rather than those perfect round roses in your cheeks.
- Mascara: As my mother said, never give up on mascara. If your eyes water a lot Definicils by Lancome does work best. But, if they don’t, use L’Extreme by Lancome. It really does make your lashes look fuller and longer.
- If your eyelids crease use MAC Paints. Apply a nude color such as “Bare Canvas” to the eyelid, with a brush, not with your fingers. Then, go over it with any color you want. They also carry a variety of different colors in the paints.
- Last but not least: brushes. Brushes keep your fingers out of your makeup, and fingers add oil that ruins the makeup and makes it harder to apply. Brushes also blend colors better than your fingers or those awful little sponge applicators that come with eyeshadows.
Eyeshadow Brushes I recommend: 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush By MAC; 217 Blending Brush by MAC; 209 Eyeliner Brush by MAC
Eyeshadow Colors I that look good on nearly everyone:
LIGHT purples (lavender, lilac, so on.) [Beautiful Iris, or Pink Freeze by MAC]
LIGHT Blues [Fade and Surreal by MAC]
Greens are always nice [Humid and Swimming by MAC]
Yellows can be nice, but you need to pay attention to your skin tone.
Browns – Always okay. You can never go wrong with brown.Don’t use shimmery dark colors on the lid, you may be able to get away with light ones though. If you want a natural look, go with the color Saddle by Mac. It’s perfect for any occasion.
I guess it was harsh that I made my Mom seem like a dufus, since she does manage to look pretty good most of the time – but some of her suggestions made me panic! I hope I have cleared up her somewhat misguided attempt at make-up advice. And I apologize if any of you have gone outside since my mother’s make-up entry. Comment if you have any questions or just something to say. We love to hear from you!
Comments