Long-Lasting Makeup Tips For Mature Skin
Amanda Ramsay is an award-winning professional makeup artist who specialises in makeup content and education for mature skin. Known as your over 40s makeup expert, Amanda has worked with thousands of Aussie women, including celebrities and personalities like Julia Gillard, Sophie Monk, Delta Goodrem, Collette Dinnigan, Jackie O, Miranda Kerr and Mia Freedman.
Hot flushes? Humidity? Scorching sun? Let’s make sure your makeup isn’t another thing melting away this summer.
We’ve all been there: standing in front of the mirror on a scorching summer day, watching our makeup slowly slip away as the heat takes over.
And if you’re a seasoned 50+ beauty like me, you know that sweaty skin and melting makeup is not the vibe we’re going for, we’ve enough to deal with in mid-life right? Your summer glow shouldn’t come with a side of streaky foundation or patchy powder—let’s fix that...
Let me introduce you to your survival kit for the summer party season: sweat-proof, long-lasting makeup that works with your mature skin, not against it. Grab your fan, a glass of something cold, and let’s dive in!
Start In The Cool Zone.
The tough truth: makeup and sweaty skin are not friends. Trying to apply foundation or powder to hot, damp skin is a recipe for streaks and frustration. So, before you reach for your makeup bag, get yourself into the coolest room possible.
Pro Tip 1: Skip the steamy bathroom and head to an air-conditioned space, pop a fan in front of you, stick your feet in cold water, have a hand-held fan on stand-by, whatever you need to do to get cooled down. I have been known to sit in my car with the air-con running, needs must as they say!
Pro Tip 2: If a hot flush hits, take a beat, get out the other side of the intense heatwave, gently blot away any sweat droplets with a tissue, cool down and crack on. Once your skin is cool, and you’re calm, your makeup will apply more evenly and stay put longer.
Prep Like A Pro (Hydration Is Your Best Friend).
A quick word on skin prep. In summer, your glorious mature skin needs hydration—think of it as giving your skin a big, refreshing glass of water before the big event. Start with a gentle micellar water to cleanse (such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser 250ml), follow with a hydrating mist like the Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist , a plumping serum (like the Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum 30ml) , and a gel-based moisturiser (try the AB LAB by Adore Beauty B3 Balance Water Gel Moisturiser 50mL with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid).
Then apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 that doubles as a primer, such as Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml
Choose Your Base Wisely.
When it comes to foundation in summer, you’ve got options.
For a quick, natural look: A quality loose mineral powder foundation is your BFF.
I love asap pure mineral foundation - available in 5 shades - it’s light as air, blends beautifully, and gives your skin that radiant “no-makeup makeup” finish. Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres prevent this light powder from appearing chalky or visibly powdery on the skin, attracting and holding moisture for a more even “air brushed” finish.
Mineral Pigments calm your skin, minimise irritation and inflammation providing a safe option for mature skin that tends to become more sensitive with age.
Bonus tip: If you’ve got dry skin, mix a couple of drops of face oil into your moisturiser before applying powder for a smoother finish.
For all-day glam: Enter the Holy Grail of long-wear foundations - Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation. It’s sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and stays put no matter what. The downside? It can feel a little flat on mature skin. My solution? Mix it with a water-based liquid highlighter (like L'Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer) to add some glow and dimension.
Set It And Forget It.
The secret to sweat-proof summer makeup? Layering your products like a pro.
Step 1: Set your foundation in high wear and tear zones, like your forehead, chin, upper lip, nose, and that area between your nose and cheek, with a light dusting of invisible powder (try Make Up For Ever HD SKIN Setting Powder 18g ) using a gentle pressing motion starting at the bottom of your nose, working upwards with a makeup puff (like the Kryolan Powder Puff - Triangular White).
Step 2: Lock it all in with a setting spray. My current favourite is L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist 75ml (find the red can—it’s magic!). It’s like insurance for your face, refreshing and hydrating while keeping your makeup in place.
Don’t Forget Your Eyes.
Creased eyeshadow is a summer no-go, which is why every woman over 40 needs a long-wear cream eyeshadow in her bag of tricks. These beauties do it all: prime, color, and stay put. My go-tos include MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick, and the iconic M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot.
The Finishing Touches.
Lastly, don’t leave home without a touch-up kit.
A folding handheld fan is a lifesaver for hot flushes and sweaty moments. (We are starting a movement ladies, where the fan is making a chic comeback!) Tissues or blotting papers are essential - dab, don’t rub, to absorb any shine.
Own The Summer Glow.
Makeup mishaps in the summer heat are inevitable, but with the right products and a touch of light humour, you can take on the world (or at least the dance floor) with greater confidence.
Remember: your beauty is timeless, and your makeup is there to help you feel just as fabulous as you already are.
Stay cool, stay radiant, and most importantly, have fun!
For more over 40s and 50s beauty tips, check out the below articles:
