My 5-minute, “no makeup look” for mature skin
Just as with my outfits most days, I take a no-fuss approach to my makeup. I’ve always preferred more of a natural, “no makeup look” for daytime, and I think that’s a look that often works better for mature skin.
Last week as part of a collaboration with Nordstrom Beauty, I created this reel using some of my favorite makeup products.
I’ve received several requests to share my 5-minute routine and product details here on the blog, so am happy to oblige!
My 5-minute, “no makeup” routine (for mature skin)
After cleansing and moisturizing, I always apply a sunscreen. I prefer 100% mineral formulations. I currently use one of these two: ISDIN Photo 100% Mineral SPF50+ or Kosas Dream Beam SPF 40 (this one has a slight tint, but it’s not noticeable on my skin). Both work well under makeup. I usually wait about 15-20 minutes after applying sunscreen before applying makeup.
Face
Next, I apply the Jane Iredale “Illuminating Glow” Face Primer. This feels very cooling and refreshing, and provides a base for the next step.
I’ve been using the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation myself and on my color clients lately. The color I’m wearing is “Warm Silk.” I use this brush, and tap off the excess powder for a light application. (You can build more coverage if you need.)
What I like about this mineral powder foundation compared to other powders I’ve used is that it doesn’t look dry or cakey, even after several hours. It’s also a very “clean” formula, and won’t clog pores. I suggest purchasing the refillable compact which makes it fabulous for travel.
I just recently tried this Westman Atelier “Lit Up” Highlight Stick, and find it’s a nice alternative to blush. It adds a some glow and a very subtle bit of color. (I’m wearing “Nectar.”)
For those days when I want a little more color, I like Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Powder Blush. (“Whisper” is great for Springs, “Copper Wind” for Autumns, “Clearly Pink” for Summers and Winters, and “Mocha” is a neutral shade that’s great on darker skin tones.) If you prefer a cream blush, I really like By Brian “Cheeky Glow”.
For a lifting effect, apply blush to the “apple” of your cheeks or just above, never below!
Eyes
Even if I’m wearing no other makeup, I always “do” my brows. In the video, I used Kosas Air Brow Tinted Voluminzing Gel in Taupe. (For those of you who have been asking, this one is also available in grey!) And for a little more definition, I like this Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer.
I don’t bother with eye shadow most days, but find a hit of mascara really helps open up and define my eyes. In the video, I’ve used Jane Iredale Pure Lash Lengthening Mascara in Brown Black. Or for fun, try By Brian Max Defining Lash Mascara in Navy. (Always curl lashes before applying mascara. Everyone has a different curler preference, mine’s this one.)
Lips
While some might argue that a true “no makeup look” eschews lip color, I do find that a little color really brightens up a mature face. Some days I’ll just wear brow gel and lipstick, nothing else, besides sunscreen. Above I’m wearing Jane Iredale ColorLuxe Hydrating Cream Lipstick in “Sorbet.”
I love, love, LOVE this formula! It has just enough pigment to provide even color, but not so much that it requires a super-precise application. It’s moisturizing, but stays on a good long time.
- Autumns, try “Bellini” for a daytime look, “Poppy” for a knockout red.
- Summers, go with “Peony.”
- Winters, you’ll like “Peony” or “Candy Apple.”
- Springs, “Sorbet” is great for you, and “Poppy” is OUR red!
But if you prefer a more subtle lip color, Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm is a nice sheer one, and comes in a bunch of shades. And of course, there’s always Burt’s Bees Tinted Balm, a fan favorite.
I’ve linked to Nordstrom for a lot of these products, because if you’re a Nordy Club member you can earn 5x points on Beauty for a limited time.
Are you a fan of the “no makeup look?” What are some of your favorite makeup products for mature skin?
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I just ordered the Peony. I think your “no makeup” look is very attractive and “put together”.
At the moment, I’m frustrated trying to find a new lipstick or two. My favorite shade was discontinued, of course — and I’ve never understood the point of the online color samples put onto people’s forearms. Huh? The forearm is nothing like the face, or esp, the lips. Why is that done, I wonder — just because it’s a foot-long canvas on which to compare multiple shades? Anyway, thanks for the rec, off to check colors.
Interesting what you say about the pressed foundation. I’ve been using the Bare Minerals powder foundation for years and years: have tried other makeup and always come back to this! I find it light but with great coverage. I’m 76 and my 39 yr daughter is also a huge fan. Anything liquid at all is a no for both of us. But I might try this as the compact is appealing for travel.
As an aside: I purchased the much hyped One Jones Road products two weeks ago: the foundation, blusher and then mascara. No no no!!!!!! The foundation is SO oily (and I have dry skin!) and they are all just sort of a mess to use. Thought you might like to know!
Hi Libby, yes, the compact is great for travel! I had the same experience with Jones Road foundation. Not for me.
I ordered the Jane Iredale lipstick in Sorbet and it is now my favorite. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you very much for this step by step information about how and when to use each product. I’m not sure how I missed it over the years but I have no idea what a “highlighter” is supposed to be used for…is it a blush alternative? And where/how are you supposed to apply it, exactly? I’ve used highlighter eye shadows on my browbone and inner eye but I presume that’s not the same as this product. Any advice would be appreciated as it seems everyone is using them except me at this point.
I too am a Jane Iredale fan…The smooth affair primer is wonderful, finished with the mineral powder, pressed blush powder and lipstick. I find a subtle glow on my cheekbones with these products. Happily , available nearby , so helping local business when there’s a promotion of 20% off. I enjoyed your Instagram, Susan.
Thanks so much, Cath!
Susan, your routine is very similar to mine. I, too, have stopped the eye shadow, but do use a brow product and mascara. Being naturally pale, I need some blush and lipstick.
Hi, Susan! I love how you do a “no makeup” look. The simplicity is right up my alley. Is the Nectar highlight stick strictly for warm undertones or is it neutral? I’m a Winter and wonder if it would work with my cool undertones.
Thank you!
Heidi
Hi Heidi, thanks! The color reads as neutral to slightly warm to me. But the color is very, very subtle, so you probably could layer it over a cool pink blush.
Great post! Hair style looks awesome.
Thank you!
Thanks for the lipstick recommendations! I rarely leave the house without lipstick, but choosing a good shade is hard. One question: do you not use an undereye concealer? The circles under my eyes have recently made a concealer my ‘desert island must-have’.
I don’t usually use an under eye concealer, just a little bit of foundation. (This one works well for that.)
Wendy, I had to LOL at your post as I feel the same about undereye concealers. I won’t leave the house without it! The most recent product I tried was Fiera. It got a lot of hype and I had high hopes for it. But I didn’t get the coverage I wanted from it. I’m back to the product I’ve used (on and off) for several years by Bye Bye Undereye. My (Jane Iredale) mineral powder is Warm Sienna which is one step above Susan’s color. I use medium in Bye Bye. So far, it’s the one that works the best for me.
Your complexion is beautiful! What skin care products do you use?
Hi Judy, thanks so much! I’ll cover my current skincare favorites in an upcoming post.
Just catching up on posts, and this was very helpful. I’m all for a no-makeup look, whatever that means to each one of us. Thank you especially for sharing which shades to try for each color season. I’m going to try some of the Jane Iredale products.