Makeup Over 50 Tutorial: How to Enhance Your Base Makeup

Tools and materials:

• Highlighter
• Blush
• Bronzer

This makeup hack enhances your base makeup, so apply your base as usual.

My base includes a continuous cover foundation mixed with a beauty balm to get my most accurate color.

I also applied concealer, warm brown eyeshadow, dark brown eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss.

1. Highlighter

Highlighter is a very clever product that can make a big difference to an older face.

Unfortunately, a lot of highlighters on the market are too white, shiny, and shimmery which can make your fine lines and wrinkles stand out more.

Find a highlighter with a bit of a sheen and dewiness rather than a shimmer.

Here’s where you should apply it for the best look.

On your cheekbone

Apply highlights on top of your cheekbones in a C-shape. You can simply dot it or draw a line.

This will highlight the top of your cheekbone so it catches the light and enhances any areas that may be hidden as we get older. 

Underneath your brow

Applying highlighter underneath your brows will make them look sharper and give more shape to the eye. 

On your nose bridge

Draw a little stripe of highlighter down the center of your nose.

It’s important to blend when you do this, and it will give you a slim nose.

Cupid’s bow

Lining your cupid’s bow with highlighter will bring that forward and make the area look fuller and pouty. 

Lines of the face

I sometimes like to put it in my frown lines to soften them. 

Some ladies also like to use it on their smile lines. Only do a small amount and then blend it in. 

Corner of the eyes

You can also use a little bit of highlighter in the inner corner of your eyes.

I like to use concealer here and then a dab of highlighter to brighten the eye.

2. Bronzer

Bronzer adds warmth to your face, so I love to use it when I need a bit of color in both the winter and summer.

There are different ways to wear bronzer. If you’re cool-toned and tend to wear cool blushes or lipsticks, start with powder and then layer on the bronzer and the blush.

If you’re warm-toned like I am, put bronzer on first. Then layer on the blush and add more bronzer on top.

Bronzer is a product you can build up, so don’t put a lot on the brush to start.

Use a big brush and apply it to these places for a sun-kissed look.

Hairline

If you don’t have a fringe, apply it to your hairline.

3-shape

Draw a 3-shape with your brush starting from your temple, to your cheekbone, and then finishing on the jawline. 

If your bronzer is matte, you can use it like a contour powder to push back and sharpen the jawline.

Use a slightly angled brush to contour.

Tip of the nose

If you want to shorten the nose, put a little bit of bronzer on the end of your nose to push it back.

Neck

I also like to apply bronzer to my neck because I don’t get a lot of sun. 

Eyelids

Use an eyeshadow brush and apply the bronzer to your eyelids.

If you don’t want to wear eyeshadow, this is a really quick and simple way to get a wash of warmth and color on your eyes

3. Blush

Blush gives you a pop of color to the cheeks to make you look healthier, fresher, and more alive. Blush is an essential product for every makeup look.

For older skin, you should use a cream blush with a powder finish.

Older skin is more porous and takes away moisture. Only powder blushes can look too dry, and only cream blushes will sink in too much. 

With your finger, apply blush to the apple of your cheeks. Sweep it upward just under where you placed your highlight.

Since you’re using your finger, you can slowly build it up to get the color you like.

Then, use a blush brush to blend it in with circular motions. Blush balances the eyes and the lips alongside the other colors on your face.

It’s such a quick way to add some life back to your skin. If you are warm-toned, go ahead and add bronzer on top of that.

Enhanced base makeup

Here’s the finished look! The highlighter, bronzer, and blush all work together to give your skin dimension and life.

These three products enhance what would otherwise be a slightly dull look.

Let me know what you think about this base makeup hack in the comments below!

Next, check out our Judi Dench-inspired Tutorial: Soft Glam Makeup Look.