The make-up trends that actually work for midlife women

Let’s be honest: for the everyday woman, most make-up trends aren’t hugely relevant. Whether a fluoro-raspberry eyeshadow or an avant-garde glitter lipstick is big backstage at a fashion show doesn’t mean a great deal to most make-up wearers.

While certain trendy products come and go, there are new types of make-up that happen to work wonderfully for midlife women, the sorts of products that stick around beyond one season. In 2024, products are more luxurious, they often have added skincare benefits, and the tones are more chic and grown-up.

When it comes to these grown-up beauty trends-that-aren’t-trends, there is no-one better placed to comment than Terry Barber, the leading British make-up artist and global creative director of artistry for Mac Cosmetics. “For midlife women, I think there’s always that fear of looking a bit mumsy with make-up. You might want to experiment with make-up but don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard,” he says.

“At the same time, you don’t want to wear things that are supposed to look ‘appropriate’ for your age, because that’s no fun either. For the past 10 years, we couldn’t leave the house because people would judge you for less-than-perfect eyebrows, but now that’s all gone. It’s much freer and people wear things for themselves and not for the approval of others.”

Of course, while there are no rules with make-up, as you get older, you might want to find the right balance with beauty. “What is modern now is if you’re wearing a strong lip, tone down the eyes slightly, or if you’re wearing a strong eye you want to be quite effortless on the mouth,” says Barber. “There’s more of a consideration of balance in 2024.”

After a flurry of new beauty looks on the catwalks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, Barber shares his advice on how midlife women can make the most of their make-up – and we share what’s really worth investing in.

Skin-first textures

Celebrity inspiration: Natalia Vodianova and Jennifer Lopez

One of the biggest advances in beauty over the past year is in foundations. Out are the thick, matte and cakey textures that conceal the skin completely, and in are light, super-charged tinted moisturisers that act more like skincare.

“We are seeing a move towards all make-up having more of a skincare feel,” says Barber. “When skin is so covered and so opaque, it immediately dates your make-up.”

Good news for midlife skin, these skin-first bases create glowy, moisturised complexions that still look natural for day or evening wear.

Try these

Studio Radiance Serum Powered-Foundation by Mac, £39

If you are a die hard foundation wearer but want something with more of a glow, try this.

The Super Tinted Hydrator by U Beauty, £98

With excellent skincare benefits and ultra-hydrating formula, this product has been a sell-out success since launching last year.

Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF20 by Estée Lauder, £49

Applied with a dropper as you would a serum, this buildable formula makes your skin look like skin, just better.

The return of lipstick

Celebrity inspiration: Sabrina Elba

Lipstick is back, according to all the trend experts I’ve spoken to, who have all taken a big sigh of relief after a few seasons of just seeing more and more lip glosses hitting our beauty shelves. This is welcome news for grown-ups: you simply can’t beat a slick of bold, matte lipstick whether it’s a red, coral, pink or nude.

“We’ve seen a return to womanhood and people are ready to dress up again,” notes Barber. “Red lipstick is the one product that says: ‘I’m ready.’ You know when you have the right red for you because it will make your skin look fresher and your eyes brighter.”

Barber suggests a cranberry shade of lipstick for the spring, which can instantly re-energise your look.

Try these

Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in D for Danger, £25

Many matte lipsticks feel drying on the lips, but this formula is very comfortable to wear.

Lip Blush in Amber by Refy, £16

A red lipstick for women who don’t like traditional lipsticks, this balmy formula adds a pop of colour without the commitment.

Wondercolour Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick in Jude by Sam Chapman & Beauty Pie, £30

If your signature lipstick shade is a nude or pink, try this warm, suits-everyone nude-brown. It lasts for hours, too.

Cool-toned eye make-up

Celebrity inspiration: Julianne Moore

The past few years have seen an abundance of warm tones on the eyes: think chocolate browns, terracottas and warm taupes. While that works well for very glamorous make-up looks, Barber has noticed a midlife-friendly move towards cooler make-up tones such as gun metal greys and silvers. (A particularly excellent pairing if you have grey hair, too).

“This is welcome news too if you aren’t a big fan of bright eye-make-up, because you can wear colour but a murkier, darker version,” says Barber. For instance, trying a deep navy eyeliner if you like blue tones on the eye, or a cool-toned pink wash of eyeshadow that can be incredibly brightening for the eyes. “It’s a good way to wear colour in a mature way,” adds Barber.

Try these

Creamy Obsessions Greige Palette by Huda Beauty, £29

With nine shades of very wearable cool-tone eyeshadows, this palette is a great investment.

Satin Kajal Liner in Navy Noir by Victoria Beckham Beauty, £30

An interesting alternative to black or brown eyeliner, navy works brilliantly for both blue and brown eyes.

Solo Shadow in Social by Merit £26

This soft mauve colour is incredibly flattering and very easy to use. Simply smudge over the eyelid with your ring finger to add a subtle pop of colour.

Healthy-looking blush

Celebrity inspiration: Sienna Miller

Blusher is one of those products that can instantly transform your complexion, particularly if you are prone to dull or sallow-looking skin. While pink has been the of-the-moment colour in blush for a couple of seasons, Barber is forecasting peach as the colour of the year.

“Peach and apricot shades are more suited to the spring and summer,” says Barber, “whereas pink tones can look a little Marie Antoinette.”

There are lots of exciting blushers out at the moment that have enough warmth in them to negate the need for a separate bronzer, too. This is great news if you want a one-and-done product. The texture is important, too: we are seeing a move away from heavy powder blushers to flattering cream products, which work much better on mature skin.

Try these

Afterglow Liquid Blush in Brazen by Nars £33

Dot this liquid blusher on the apples of your cheeks and blend. It adds a pretty hint of coral blush.

Multi Mousse in Durazno Peach by Brulée Beauty £22

ou can apply this creamy blusher on the lips, too, as a subtle wash of colour.

Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Blush in Corail Givre by Chanel £54

Although it’s a powder texture, this blusher gives you a very natural-looking flush on the cheeks.