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Welcome back, beauty lovers! Today, we’re diving into fresh makeup tips straight from the pros. Makeup has no age limit, but adapting it to suit mature skin can truly enhance your natural beauty.
If you’re stuck in a routine and fancy trying something new, we’ve asked three makeup artists to break down a stunning over-50 makeup look created by others—one that’s absolutely worth copying. But not just any look! We wanted to know:
Which celebrity over-50 makeup look is a must-try?
The verdict? Three style icons—Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, and Michelle Pfeiffer—who consistently nail glowing, youthful, and effortlessly elegant makeup. Their looks offer the perfect inspiration to brighten the eyes, add radiance, and bring harmony to the face. Ready to steal their secrets? Let’s go!
Anna Marchese | Digital & Web Marketing – Beauty & Fashion Specialist | Make Up Artist
The common social convention is to go for a lighter makeup look as we age—and that’s generally a good rule to follow, especially when it comes to self-applied makeup and base products. After all, a thick, dry foundation applied with an unskilled hand can end up emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles rather than smoothing them out.
However, when it comes to anti-ageing makeup, there’s one golden rule: skin prep is everything. Hydration is key, and using skincare formulas designed to plump and firm can make all the difference in how your base sits. Lightweight, hydrating foundations—or even a BB cream—can even out the complexion while adding a fresh, radiant glow.
But if there’s one celebrity who has truly made her makeup a signature look, it’s Gwen Stefani! At almost 55—yes, with a little nip and tuck—she still teaches us how to be flawless and effortlessly cool.
Her timeless red lipstick, alternated with ultra-glossy nude lips with razor-sharp edges, instantly elevates any look. Then there’s the eyeliner: even a simple tightline (lining between the lashes) works wonders when the eyelids start to droop, making it tricky to create a sharp wing. This little trick enhances the eyes without needing intricate blending.
And of course, false lashes—an absolute must for elongating and defining the eyes. The best option? Half lashes applied just to the outer corners. They’re quicker and easier to use than individual clusters and add the perfect amount of lift without eating up too much time!
Make-up Artist Profile
“The brain doesn’t work in silos” has always been my mantra. I first started out as a content creator and web consultant for beauty brands back in 2009, combining my various skills and backgrounds—from creative writing to SEO—in the fields of makeup, fashion, and beauty.
It felt only natural in 2011 to take my passion further by training as a makeup artist at Make Up For Ever Academy. Since then, my work has continued to revolve around my biggest passions: from collaborating with major beauty blogs (Beautydea) and magazines to developing web marketing and communication strategies for professionals and beauty brands. I’ve also worked on complex rebranding projects, like the complete revamp of Mia Cosmetics.
Website: annamarchese.it
LinkedIn: Digital & Web Marketing Beauty & Fashion Consultant
Instagram: Anna Marchese MUA
Claudia Zambello | Makeup Artist
When it comes to celebrity makeup over 50, I just have to mention Jennifer Lopez—a true makeup icon for years, and even more so now at 54! She always looks effortlessly radiant, even with surprisingly natural makeup.
The focus is always on flawless, glowing skin. From legendary artists like Scott Barnes and Mary Phillips to rising talents like Roakel Lizama, JLo’s makeup team has perfected her signature glow, enhancing her natural beauty.
How to get the look:
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- Start with a lightweight foundation for an even complexion.
- Apply strategic highlighter on the cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, bridge of the nose and inner corners of the eyes for that signature luminosity.
- Warm, blended contouring sculpts the face naturally, avoiding harsh lines.
- A peachy or rosy blush adds a healthy, fresh-faced effect.
JLo’s smokey eyes are legendary—she often goes for neutral and warm tones like browns, bronze, and gold, blended seamlessly for depth. Her eyeliner is usually thin and elongated, sometimes more graphic, following the natural eye shape—proof that you can still rock bold eye looks after 50! (Just look at her stunning makeup for the This is Me… Now: A Love Story documentary premiere last year). Her lashes are always voluminous and curled, and her brows remain full yet natural.
The finishing touch? LIPS!
- JLo keeps it nude, with peachy or rosy undertones.
- A soft, precise lip liner defines without looking harsh.
- Layers of ultra-glossy lip gloss create a plump, full-lip effect, subtly overlining for a natural enhancement.
Make-up Artist Profile
I’ve been working as a freelance makeup artist since 2015, specialising in weddings, advertising, and events. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with leading names in the beauty and bridal industry, including Wella Hair, Diego Dalla Palma, and Pronovias. My work has also been featured in nationally renowned magazines such as Elle Spose and Estetica Magazine.
Over the years, I’ve built strong partnerships with top-tier wedding professionals, allowing me to refine and expand my expertise in bridal makeup. Thanks to my experience as a beauty consultant, I have developed a keen eye for identifying the best techniques and products to enhance each client’s natural beauty, ensuring they feel their absolute best on their special day.
Website: claudiazambello.com
Instagram: Claudia Zambello MUA
Antonio Priore | Pro Make-up Artist & Skincare Master
If I had to pick a beauty icon for makeup inspiration—not just over 50 but even over 60—it would have to be the eternally stunning Michelle Pfeiffer. Her look is a masterclass in flawless skincare as the foundation of great makeup. Her skin always appears toned, radiant, plumped, and smooth, proving that light, luminous bases are key—whether it’s a daytime fresh look or an evening glow.
Softly defined eyes: definition is key, but keep it soft. Depending on what suits your features, browns or soft blacks are ideal for enhancing the eyes without looking too harsh.
Plumped, youthful lips: the goal is to avoid lipsticks that make the lips look thinner or too “closed in”. Instead, opt for vibrant shades or even a glossy finish. Why not? A volumising gloss paired with a contrasting lip liner subtly defines and enhances the lips while keeping them fresh and natural.
Luminous, soft blush: blush should add a healthy glow without making the face appear too hollow or gaunt. A soft, radiant texture is best.
Eyeliner and shadows should be softly blended, focusing on subtle depth at the outer corners rather than overloading the inner eye area.
Make-up Artist Profile
I was fortunate enough to learn the fundamentals of corrective and morphological makeup from the great Stefano Anselmo at the very start of my career as a makeup artist. I later specialised in theatrical and SFX makeup, working on iconic productions such as Zeffirelli’s La Traviata and Aida.
My experience expanded further through collaborations with top fashion houses, working backstage at Givenchy, Prada, and Roberto Cavalli, as well as with some of the most prestigious beauty brands, including Elizabeth Arden, Guerlain, Shiseido, La Mer, and La Prairie.
With a specialisation in skin preparation for both audiovisual productions and runway shows, I’ve combined technical expertise with creativity in my role as artistic director, developing innovative cosmetics to fill industry gaps. This journey ultimately led me to create Priority, my own professional pre-makeup skincare line.
Additionally, through L’Accademia Make-up Itinerante, I share my expertise by training and mentoring new talents in the beauty industry.
Website: antoniopriore.it
Instagram: Priority Make Up
Youtube channel: Antonio Priore | Priority Make-Up & Skincare
Thank you to the makeup artists for their valuable advice! With extensive experience in the industry, Cantoni works alongside professional makeup artists, providing high-quality equipment, particularly the I-light illuminated mirrors, designed to ensure maximum precision in makeup application.
