Three Beauty Changes Every Woman Over 50 Should Expect
We’re not just losing collagen as we age. We’re losing pigment, contrast, and color. Here’s your front row seat…
Earlier this year, a friend invited me to be the makeup artist on a panel for her nonprofit. The event was called Aging with Grace.
I said no.
Not because I don’t love my friend. But because I’ve spent years doing the same beauty event over and over again.
One lady sits in my chair.
I do her makeup.
The audience watches.
Everyone takes notes.
Then they ask what products they should buy.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
I lovingly refer to this as Beauty Groundhog Day.
*I just re-read that, and oh boy, do I sound like a snob. Please read on to hear my heart…
I politely declined and told her my daughter was expecting a baby girl and I was about to enter full-blown Grandma Mode for the third time.
A few weeks later, my granddaughter arrived, and I spent three glorious weeks covering her in lipstick kisses.
Then I got a text.
“The makeup artist canceled. Can you help?”
Now, I need to confess something.
When my friend first told me she’d found another makeup artist lady (who worked behind a makeup counter), I was concerned.
Not because I wanted the job.
Because I wanted the women to hear the truth about aging and not about buying more makeup.
I worried they would hear the same old beauty advice that works great when you’re 25 but falls apart somewhere around disappearing eyebrows, droopy eyelids, mystery chin hairs, and lips that seem to vanish into your face.
Menopause changes everything.
Including your makeup.
Thankfully, my friend wasn’t asking me to do makeovers.
She had three questions for the panel.
And those three questions led to one of the best conversations I’ve ever had about aging, beauty, and confidence.
Question #1: What’s One Thing Women Misunderstand About Aging?
“Let me start by saying, I cover all my problems with concealer.”
The room laughed.
Then I shared something I’ve learned the hard way.
I think we’ve been taught that our job is to hold onto our youth at all costs:
Cover the wrinkles, hide the age spots, and erase every sign that we’ve actually lived a life.
But I don’t think that’s the goal anymore.
Don’t try to erase who you were.
Embrace who you’re becoming.
It reminds me of the day my six-year-old grandson was watching me put on makeup, before my birthday dinner.
When I finished, he looked at me and said:
“Neena (that’s my Grandma name), you still look old. And look at your neck!!” (Double exclamation point)
Ouch.
Kids are tiny truth tellers, aren’t they?
I laughed and told him something that took me years to learn:
The purpose of my makeup isn’t to look younger. It’s to look fancy.
I’m seriously considering putting that on my birthday cake when I turn 63 this summer.
Why You Suddenly Look Tired After 50
Let’s talk about what is actually happening.
As we move through perimenopause and menopause, we lose pigment.
Color fades from our skin. Color fades from our lips, and our hair changes.
Our eyebrows get lighter, thinner and start to disappear.
Many women think they’re aging overnight.
What they’re really seeing is a loss of contrast.
And that’s exactly why color matters more now than it ever has before.
Watch This 2-Minute Video: Why Color Matters More After 50
Question #2: What’s One Small Practice Women Should Adopt?
My answer was simple.
Create contrast with color.
Not more makeup.
Not heavier makeup.
Color.
A few places to start:
- Add dimension to your hair with highlights or lowlights instead of one flat color.
- Recreate your eyebrows. They frame your face and provide structure. Use the darkest strand of your hair as a guide to your best brow color.
- Wear lipstick. Your lips are the focal point of your face, and the right color can instantly make you look more vibrant.
- Add a touch of highlighter. Think less disco ball and more well-rested woman.
The secret isn’t wearing more makeup.
The secret is wearing the right colors.
Question #3: Does Aging Affect Self-Esteem?
Absolutely!!!!!
In fact, it’s one of the reasons I ran away from home for five days when I was 50 years old. Gone for two days before my husband even knew I was missing!
Inspired by the true story of Queen Esther who spent 12 months with beauty treatments and instruction on how to become a queen, I too spent an entire year discovering and developing my personal image, my purpose and my potential.
As a result, God transformed my personal appearance, my mental and emotional health, and my marriage.
I LOVE how God uses beauty to transform his people.
Some people create beauty brands because they love makeup.
I created one because my face was changing and I felt like my beauty was fading and I was becoming invisible.
I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and wonder where “you” went.
That’s why I teach color.
Because when you understand how to restore color, contrast, and brightness to your face, you stop feeling invisible.
You start feeling like yourself again.
Maybe even a fancier version!
Your Next Step: Discover Your Best Colors
I think you’re going to really like this… If you’ve been feeling washed out, tired, invisible, or frustrated that your old makeup isn’t working anymore, start with color.
Not trends.
Not another miracle neck cream.
Not whatever an influencer or celebrity is selling this week.
Color.
Take my FREE Color Quiz and discover your COLOR CODE and learn the colors that naturally bring life, brightness, and contrast back to your face.
The goal isn’t to look younger, friend.
The goal is to look incredible, feel fantastic, and fully embrace the woman God created you to be RIGHT NOW.
P.S.
On my two-hour drive home, my friend—the president of the nonprofit—called me.
She said, “That was the best Nancy I’ve ever heard.”
I asked what was different.
She said, “You told your story.”
And that’s exactly what you’ll find here on this blog.
Real life.
Real wrinkles.
A little bit of menopause.
A whole lot of color.
And beauty advice from someone who’s actually living it.
Thank you for visiting my blog where I love celebrating and supporting women through midlife and beyond. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below – it’s your first step to reclaiming your glow. I’ll also stay connected with you through my newsletter, sharing beauty tips, business wisdom, and faith-filled encouragement. Make it a beautiful day! Nancy (Lipstick Boss)
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