When it comes to make-up for over 50s, no one is better at giving advice than Andrea Q. Robinson. A leader in the cosmetics industry, she has gone from magazine editor for Vogue to CMO of Estée Lauder, all while being a mom!

Instead of maximizing time spent in front of the mirror, Andrea gives tips and tricks for maximizing natural features in her new book Toss the Gloss: Beauty Tips, Tricks & Truths for Women 50+.

Closer Weekly had the opportunity to chat with the author, mom and mogul, who shared her top 5 tips with us.

  1. Wear less not more, especially when it comes to foundation. Heavy foundation tends to settle on the rough patches or into the lines on the face. What is needed at 50 and over is a good transparent moisturizing foundation or tinted moisturizer. Avoid anything with a powder base.

  2. One of the most important tips for women 50 and over is to “go for the gold”! Because skin can loose its robust color and vigorous glow following menopause, going a few shades darker in foundation or tinted moisturizer in a more golden tone will help counteract a grey pallor and restore the look of a healthy complexion.

  3. Avoid lip gloss and darker shades of lipstick, both of which emphasize chapped lips and may migrate into vertical lines around the mouth. Dark lipstick can also make lips look thinner. Stick to soft neutral lipstick in a good satin moisturizing formula and line lips (on the outside of the lips) lightly with a neutral lip liner.

  4. Use cream blush, not powder, for a vigorous healthy look and apply on the “apple” of the cheek. Cream blush will smooth and blend more easily over rough patches or lines. Apply in a circular motion with your finger and blend the edges for a natural glow.

  5. Your best bet for eye shadow at 50 and over is a duo eye shadow palette in a neutral pair of light and medium to dark tones (browns, greys, blacks). Avoid bright colors and shimmer where possible as they call attention to lined or crepey lids. Line eyes close to the lashes with a smudgy liner and finish with a good lash separating mascara.

andrea q. robinson