As we gracefully move through our 40s, 50s, and above, our approach to makeup should evolve just like our style and confidence. The “quiet luxury trend” is all the buzz right now in fashion as we head into the fall season. But it can also apply to our makeup style, which in my opinion, is perfect for this stage of life!
So what exactly does QUIET LUXURY mean, and how can it apply to our beauty routines?
Although it’s not a super simple aesthetic to pin down, some would say it’s more of "a mood.” It’s more of a polished and accessorized approach than say a minimalist look. However, it’s not over the top or ostentatious. Let’s go with an elevated basics look that mixes the look of luxury (expensive) yet with accessible pieces (and price points) thrown in!
Just like the idea of carrying an investment piece like a Tory Burch handbag while you’re wearing your favorite worn-in Levi denim jeans. Or in this instance for beauty, wear your splurge Clé de Peau foundation with your go-to drugstore lipgloss by Maybelline!
In this blog post, we'll explore how to embrace the quiet luxury trend in our beauty routines. We’ll do this by focusing on makeup tips specifically tailored to the mature woman with a sophisticated and timeless look.
Jennifer shares strategies for achieving a Quiet Luxury Makeup Look
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
The foundation of any makeup look, especially for mature skin, is a solid skincare routine. I know I sound like a broken record, but we need to prioritize hydration, sun protection, and age-defying products.
Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid for plumping and hydration, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, $100, because it truly is a magic formula and you won’t believe what a dream it feels like on the skin. Also choose serums like the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $38, with antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and radiant. (Extra luxury points if you store your skincare in its own tiny skincare fridge in the bathroom like I do!)
Sunscreen is non-negotiable to prevent further sun damage - but y’all know that by now! This skincare area of your beauty routine is where I believe that splurging can be justified if you can. But if you can only use budget skincare products, that’s certainly okay. It’s more about the consistency of a skincare routine than anything.
For the quiet luxury trend, opt for a lightweight, hydrating foundation or a tinted moisturizer to create a natural, dewy finish. Avoid heavy, matte formulas that can settle into fine lines and make you look older. Use a damp beauty blender or a buffing makeup brush, $29, to blend it evenly for a flawless base.
My secret weapon lately has been the affordable and brand-new Maybelline Super Stay 24Hr. Skin Tint, $14. It’s a beautiful addition to my makeup routine that is so easy to wear. I highly recommend you give it a try if you want a weightless foundation that looks like your skin, just elevated.
Concealer can be a game-changer for mature skin. Use it sparingly to cover dark circles, redness, or any imperfections. Avoid over-applying, as heavy concealer can emphasize wrinkles.
If you haven’t tried the latest magic wand of makeup from Rare Beauty, the Positive Light Under Eye Brightener, $29, just do it. It gives the "no-makeup makeup" look but visibly reduces dark circles and discoloration for a refreshed look fast for the under eyes.
It’s crazy how awake it’ll make your eyes without looking like heavy concealer. The cooling steel wand makes it dreamy to stroke back and forth under your eye beds. I wear the shade “light medium” for reference.
Eyes are the windows to the soul, and they deserve special attention. Start with a neutral eyeshadow palette, featuring soft, earthy tones like taupes, beiges, and brown. I am HUGE fan of the uber-popular Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Palette, $50, because the color range inspired by human skin tones is unbeatable.
I applied the matte ivory shade to my brow bone, then the peachy shade to lower half of lid. Then mixed a couple of the lighter browns together and dusted them just along the outer corners of my crease and blended well.
Eyeliner should be soft and smudged, not harsh. Curl your lashes and add mascara to open up your eyes. Maybelline’s the Falsies Surreal mascara, $10, gives amazing length and volume - I use it daily lately.
Don’t forget the brows. Full, clean, and defined brows give the impression of youth and self-care. Some of us lose our brow color and brow hairs as we age, it’s a fact of life, but we can deal with it. Just make sure you’ve paid attention to fill them in a bit with a brow powder kit like this one, or pencil or pomade. They’re the framework of your face!
Your cheeks are an important part of the equation. First, apply bronzer sparingly to the high points of your face for a subtle sun-kissed glow to make it look like you took a luxurious trip to the Bahamas! To achieve this I like to use the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer, $58. I wear shade 2 medium for reference.
A touch of blush on the highest parts of the apples of your cheeks can instantly brighten your complexion. Opt for a rosy or peachy shade that complements your skin tone. I’m wearing Makeup By Mario Soft pop powder blush in shade “Creamy Peach,” $26.
Also add a subtle shimmer with your favorite highlighter to the tear ducts and cheekbones for a refreshed look! My go-to of the moment is the Divine Glow highlighter in “Lunar” by Pat McGrath, $48.
Choose lipstick or gloss shades that are elegant and not too fussy in soft muted colors. Creamy + glossy formulas are more forgiving on mature lips and provide a hydrating finish. Lip liners can help define your lips and prevent feathering if needed.
I chose a more effortless lip look by just swiping on one of the sheer gloss formulas I always talk about! The new Candy Collection shades of Lifter Glosses from Maybelline are so pretty! I chose the shade “Sweetheart,” $7, which looks like a neon orange in tube, but on the lips is a gorgeous sheer peachy vibe.
The quiet luxury trend in makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty without overwhelming your features. For women over 40, but really ANY age, this trend is a perfect fit, allowing you to look and feel your best. By prioritizing skincare, using the right products and techniques, and embracing subtlety, you can achieve an expensive look without actually breaking the bank!
Nine West ribbed black + white striped tank | Soft faux black leather jacket (similar) | Love AJ earrings I always wear, now 50% off
You might also like to add one or two of the 10 Iconic Makeup Products Of All Time to your quiet luxury routine!
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared a Georgia Bulldog Red Mezcal Negroni and an easy recipe for a group in their Tailgate Get Together post on Fridays with Oscar. Click the title or image below to read the article.
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