As we age, our skin, features, and beauty routines evolve — and adapting your makeup techniques can make a night-and-day difference in how fresh, radiant, and youthful you look. That’s where expert guidance from someone like Risa, a professional makeup artist with decades of experience, comes in. In a recent video, she shared five essential makeup hacks she believes every woman over 50 should know, saying, “These are all must-try hacks that will improve your look — and in turn, your confidence.”
Let’s break down what she says are the most ‘beneficial,’ game-changing makeup techniques for maturing skin.
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1. Hydrate
While Risa notes she personally has oily skin even in her 50s, she’s well aware that “so many women struggle with dry, lackluster skin and a dull base.” Her solution? A hydrating serum spray — specifically the d’Alba White Truffle Spray Serum, which she says preps the skin for a glowing, long-lasting base. “It prevents makeup peeling, creasing, and caking… and gives you that glow-from-within look,” she explains. Used both before makeup and on a damp sponge during application, this serum transforms matte foundations into dewy perfection — even for under-eye concealer and powder touch-ups.
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2. Skip the Harsh Contour
Contouring doesn’t have to mean harsh lines or complex techniques. “Not everyone needs to contour — but when done subtly, it can work wonders,” says Risa. Rather than applying contour sticks directly to your face, she recommends dabbing the product on your hand or a mixing tray, then using the same foundation brush or sponge to gently tap it onto the skin. This method delivers a seamless, lifted effect without the heavy-handed finish that can age the face.
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3. Make Eyeshadow Work with Mature Lids
If you’ve noticed your eyeshadow looking patchy or dragging across crepey skin, Risa’s tip may change everything: “Push the pigment into your brush first — right into the palm of your hand.” This helps the shadow apply more evenly, blend more smoothly, and stay put longer. It’s a small tweak that offers a more professional, soft-focus finish — ideal for mature lids.
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4. Layer Your Blush
Traditionally, we’re taught to apply cream products first and then set with powder. But Risa references celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta’s technique of applying powder blush first, then layering cream blush on top for a more natural, flushed look. “I was always taught to set creams with powders — but this reversed method gives a beautiful cold-weather flush, like you just came in from the ski slopes,” she says. The double-layer approach also helps with staying power throughout the day.
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5. Don’t Draw Lip Liner All the Way to the Corners
One of the most subtle yet powerful hacks Risa swears by comes courtesy of another makeup pro, Erica Taylor: stop lining your lips all the way to the corners. Risa explains, “When you go all the way to the corners, it can actually drag the mouth down and make it look sad or aged.” Instead, stop short and softly smudge the edges with your finger. The result is a rounder, more youthful lip shape — and one you’ll notice instantly in photos.
The bottom line
Makeup over 50 isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about finding what enhances your features, feels good to wear, and adapts with your skin’s natural changes. With her refreshingly honest approach, Risa reminds viewers that “confidence is what it’s all about — and these hacks are here to help you feel your best.” Whether you adopt one tip or try them all, each of these techniques offers a fresh take on classic makeup that’s beautifully suited to mature skin.
