Remember when all we heard about from beauty outlets and social media was the phrase “clean girl makeup”?
For a while, it seemed like the beauty world had collectively decided that the ultimate goal was to look like you weren’t wearing makeup at all. Think skin-like tinted moisturizers, brushed-up brows, neutral lips, barely-there bronzer and just enough concealer to look “not AS tired.” It was fresh and minimalist—and for a lot of women, it was a welcome break from heavy makeup.
But somewhere along the way, I think some of us got a little TOO good at disappearing. And I’m here to say: I’m kind of over it. Because maybe I don’t want to look like I woke up like this. Maybe I actually want to look like I got ready.
| Key Takeaways |
| Mature women can absolutely wear color, shimmer, liner, and bold lips. |
| “Clean girl makeup” is optional — not a rule. |
| Makeup should make you feel alive, not invisible. |
| You don’t need maximalist techniques; you only need permission to enjoy makeup again. |
| The real trend for mature women is individuality, not minimalism. |
Dolly, Pamela, and the Beauty Rules We’re Breaking
Then again, I’ve always been a little more Dolly Parton than present-day Pamela Anderson, who has gone the opposite way by showing up on red carpets with zero makeup on.
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Wear the Makeup You Actually Like
Maybe I want to wear black or blue eyeliner (I’m wearing the prettiest denim blue liner in today’s post by Maybelline Tattoo Studio gel pencil in “Striking Navy”, $9). Maybe I want to wear shimmery eyeshadow (case in point – today’s look is a full mermaid teal shimmery shadow moment!). Maybe I want a bold red lip, a bright blush, or a little more bronzer than the beauty police would recommend (just last week, I showed you how to wear the fall shades of berry and burgundy on your eyes, cheeks, and lips). And maybe you do, too.
You Don’t Have to Be a “Makeup Girl”
Embracing more makeup doesn’t mean you suddenly need to become someone who spends an hour contouring her face every morning.
You can switch from tinted moisturizer to full coverage for special events. You can finally try that colorful eyeshadow sitting in your makeup bag. You can be the woman who normally just wears mascara but decides today is a lipstick day. Or you can wear absolutely no makeup at all.
In today’s post, I chose to pair Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation ($69) in shade 4.5 with their Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Concealer ($42) in shade 4. It gives camera-worthy coverage!
You can finally try that colorful eyeshadow you’ve had sitting in your makeup bag for six months. I chose to finally wear the “Peacock” teal blue shade from my Anastasia Beverly Hills Nouveau Palette ($55) right in the center of my lid and grounded it with a neutral warm brown around the crease. The shimmery blue I put on top of my teal eyeshadow was from this fun sparkly Anastasia Beverly Hills “Sugar” Mini Palette ($32) I’ve had since last holiday season. I have fallen in LOVE with the way this eyeshadow look turned out!
You can be the woman who normally just wears mascara but decides that today you’re putting on lipstick AND lipliner, instead of your usual chapstick.
I decided to wear this iconic duo of the lip liner every gal should own, the MAC “Spice” lip liner, $25, and the Anastasia Beverly Hills lip mousse velvet in “Hush Rose,” $28. It’s a very sophisticated looking lip combo in my opinion.
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And that’s my point. The goal isn’t to trade one set of beauty rules for another. It’s to stop letting somebody else decide what you’re “allowed” to wear or what is deemed “appropriate” for your age.
And Who Made the Rules Anyway?
For years, women have been told that certain makeup and even clothing is “too much” after a certain age.
Too much highlighter shows off wrinkles. Too much jewelry (nope, I’ll actually probably add a bigger piece, like this Banana Republic mixed metal choker, $50). Too short of a skirt. Too much blush.
I push back on all of it!
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Start Small: Easy Ways to Reclaim Makeup
If you’re curious about makeup but have never really considered yourself a “makeup person,” start small.
Try eyeliner again. Try a lipstick shade you’ve admired. Apply that second coat of mascara. Add a little more blush.
The Real Trend for Mature Women
Maybe the beauty trend mature women should embrace isn’t “clean girl,” maximalist, or minimalist makeup.
Maybe it’s simply this:
Wear what makes you feel alive.
The rest of my look details:
Can you believe this structured denim corset top ($30) is from Walmart?? It fits like a glove, wearing an XS here (usually I’m a small though but I wanted this to fit tight!).
Wearing mixed metal pieces of silver AND gold, so that you’ll always have some jewelry that goes with any outfit! Mine are these Banana Republic Factorymixed metal necklace, ($50) and mixed metal bracelet ($40)
One of my MOST worn blush shades is this Patrick Ta Double Take creme and powder blush ($40) in shade “She’s That Girl” which is the perfect warm, soft pink.
Similar disc earrings to mine from Revolve hammered stud earrings ($78) or these Amazon oversized shield earrings ($20).
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Alright friends, what’s your “I’m wearing it because I LIKE it” makeup or style move?? Tell me in the comments because I love reading them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mature women wear colorful eyeshadow?
Yes — teal, navy, burgundy, and shimmer all look beautiful when placed strategically.
Is full‑coverage foundation aging?
Not when paired with a luminous formula like Armani Luminous Silk.
Can mature women wear bold lips?
Absolutely. A defined lipline + velvet finish is flattering and polished.
What if I prefer minimal makeup?
Then wear none — the point is freedom, not rules.
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