How Old Is Too Old For Make-Up?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
February 12, 2011 6:52pm CST
I don't know about you girls but I love putting make-up on. Now, I'm not one of those ladies who HAS to wear make-up every day but Mum bought me a rather nice Lancome make-up set plus foundation for Christmas and I love it. I behave like a kid trying out all these new goodies, it's great!
I've always had skin problems and I think that is why I prefer the dearer brands. It's not a snobby thing, please don't think that. I have used cheaper versions and they don't suit my skin, unfortunately.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your stories about make-up. Whether or not you are a fan or prefer the "natural look." Do you believe in the adage (as I do) that "less is more" and, maybe just concentrate on a bright lipstick or eye make-up to be dramatic. My Aunty Enid has always slapped on loads of make-up and there's no sign of her giving up her panda eyes anytime soon. Dad once saw her without make-up on. She was mortified, he said to my Mum that she looked "better without all that sh*t on her face" lol.
How old will you be when you stop applying make-up?
Are you a big fan of moisturisers and do you think the anti-aging ones are any good? I do use moisturiser as I reckon it keeps the spots at bay (something I have suffered from all my life, it seems) but I don't possess an expensive one. I don't have both a day and a night-time moisturiser either. Currently, I use a day-time one at night and it's fine.
Do you find it therapeutic applying make-up? I do..until the mascara goes in my eyes and I utter the words, "Oh, shhhhiiiit!"
Haha!
How old will you be when you stop applying make-up?
Are you a big fan of moisturisers and do you think the anti-aging ones are any good? I do use moisturiser as I reckon it keeps the spots at bay (something I have suffered from all my life, it seems) but I don't possess an expensive one. I don't have both a day and a night-time moisturiser either. Currently, I use a day-time one at night and it's fine.
Do you find it therapeutic applying make-up? I do..until the mascara goes in my eyes and I utter the words, "Oh, shhhhiiiit!"
Haha!5 people like this
22 responses
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
13 Feb 11
I stopped using make-up regularly in my 30's. I only use it now on very special occasions once in a great while. Sometimes it's been so long between applications, the mascara has dried up! When I do use it, it's very very little. I'd prefer "whoever" doesn't even know I'm wearing it, since I usually don't. And I hate it when people say, "Are you wearing make-up?"
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
Fancy asking "Are you wearing make-up?" Are they being sarcastic or what? I wouldn't like anyone saying that to me either.
My Mum doesn't wear make-up very often but she has nice eyes so if she does choose to put some eye make-up on it brightens them up. The pair of us wear glasses as well. If I go out at night-time I choose not to wear glasses so I look different with the make-up then, if that makes sense.
Can't get away with that at the football though because I wouldn't be able to see the players on the pitch lol.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I'm glad I don't have any friends. Coming out with catty comments I can do without.
@lilredhead23 (194)
• United States
13 Feb 11
My mom quit when she had kids because she didn't have the energy. She always wore lipstick, but didnt bother with much eye makeup until my brother & I were more independant. I don't wear it every day, more so if I feel like it, so I don't know if I'll ever really quit wearing it, unless I'm in a nursing home & too old to feed myself!
random BUT I don't wanna forget: If you need a reeeeeeeeally good moisturizer, or skin care line, try Clinique. I have really sensitive skin, and my brother had reeeally bad acne in school & my mom discovered clinique from the make up counter & the moisturizer immediately softens your skin. I love it!
**If you get the yellow moisturizer, get the GEL not the lotion, its says on teh bottle which it is, but in small letters. the lotion is more likely to clog pores than the gel. ;]
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I'm aware of the site. Brilliant isn't it? I've ordered stuff from there in the past.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
13 Feb 11
A little lipstick now and then and occasionally a hint of light eye shadow. I have slightly sunken eyes and they'd disappear if I wore dark war paint! My moisturizer costs quite a lot. We pay monthly to the water board and we can have as much as we like. It comes from the tap! LOL. Sorry couldn't resist replying. I do know that the Boss blew the end if our wedding budget on Clinique make up. £75 in 1986. Seemed like a lot of money then. Still does actually.
1 person likes this
@free_man (7330)
• United States
13 Feb 11
I have uttered those words many times.....LOL 
I am like you less is more. During the summer I never use foundation because I always have a nice natural tan. I use mascara a little eye shadow and blush just a touch of the eye shadow and blush, and a little eye liner. You can hardly tell I have on make up. And I am in my 50's but my husband is younger (sexy younger man) then me and I will always do my best to look my best.
I am like you less is more. During the summer I never use foundation because I always have a nice natural tan. I use mascara a little eye shadow and blush just a touch of the eye shadow and blush, and a little eye liner. You can hardly tell I have on make up. And I am in my 50's but my husband is younger (sexy younger man) then me and I will always do my best to look my best. 1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
One has to be careful with foundation and I can understand why you don't use it in the summer. No point is there? I'm like that on holiday. Once my face tans there is no need for foundation as nature has done it for me (with protection of course) lol.
It's a shame guys don't have the same rituals as us girls as it's great just pampering oneself. I'm lucky if hubby showers these days.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
16 Feb 11
I know what you mean about moisturisers. I can honestly say that, since I've been using a really cheap one (due to financial constraints) I can't tell the difference between that and a dearer one I used a few years ago. It took me a while finding the right one - as I do have sensitive skin - but it's fine and I'm really pleased about it.
I used to wear make-up every day for work too. I don't really know why, to be honest. It's not as though I was meeting members of the public or anything. Air-conditioning would play havoc with my skin but make-up didn't really help that much if I'm being honest. Ironically, now that I'm at home I don't have breakouts as much although I'll be looking forward to the day we don't need the central heating on.
I used to wear make-up every day for work too. I don't really know why, to be honest. It's not as though I was meeting members of the public or anything. Air-conditioning would play havoc with my skin but make-up didn't really help that much if I'm being honest. Ironically, now that I'm at home I don't have breakouts as much although I'll be looking forward to the day we don't need the central heating on.1 person likes this
@marapplestiffy (2182)
• Philippines
13 Feb 11
I love painting my face!!!(that's how my friends and I call putting on make-up)I think I experimented on make-up at the age of 11, out of creativity and a dollop of mischief my friends and I kissed the walls of my bedroom wall...can't forget that, since I still see the remnants of those till now...well, back to the topic, my usual beauty tools are the foundation, mascara and lipstick, sometimes a dab of eyeliner but not always since I hate looking like the ghost of Christmas's past, but for special occasions I put on some smoky looking eyeshadow...I never use blush on, since I never knew and still don't know how to apply it without making me look too painted, or a clown!!! I keep on practicing but still to no avail, so blush ons are never present inside my make-up kit...1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I'm the same! 
I only used blusher (really) in the 80s as everyone wore it, even blokes lol. I do have high cheekbones but they are lost in my chubby face now so to use blusher..well, it would look all wrong!
I've got more into mascara too as a friend of mine seems to just use that and nothing else. She has amazing eyelashes but there again she's only about 23 so has a good excuse! Mine have thinned out a bit but mascaras seem to have improved. The two I have in my make-up kit from Lancome (well, the Hypnose one in particular) are amazing. I would love to know how much the full size version is but I reckon I'd fall off my chair once I found out!
I only used blusher (really) in the 80s as everyone wore it, even blokes lol. I do have high cheekbones but they are lost in my chubby face now so to use blusher..well, it would look all wrong!
I've got more into mascara too as a friend of mine seems to just use that and nothing else. She has amazing eyelashes but there again she's only about 23 so has a good excuse! Mine have thinned out a bit but mascaras seem to have improved. The two I have in my make-up kit from Lancome (well, the Hypnose one in particular) are amazing. I would love to know how much the full size version is but I reckon I'd fall off my chair once I found out!1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
13 Feb 11
When it comes to make-up I prefer the 'natural' look. My skin is very sensitive and most products don't suit me. So, I'm not a regular make-up person. Earlier, a lipstick and eyeliner was my make-up routine. Moisturiser is a must and daily use product. After I've had my kids, there's no time for eye-liner so it's often just the lipstick. I use a regular moisturiser both day and night. I wear contacts and am very scared about eye make-up (atleast the ones I have to do myself..lol).
But I do like to use make-up on occassions and do so at family functions.
I don't know when I will stop using make-up...maybe when my skin gets too sensitive to take it? :P
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I use an eyeliner pencil on the inner lid. When I was younger I was so squeemish I couldn't bear to use it! Now I'm ok with it. Has to be a really soft kohl pencil though..and those pens, well, forget that lol.
It's good that you can use the basics and I agree that moisturiser is a must. Never bothered with it in my 20s and perhaps I should, but there again they are better now than 20-odd years ago so I'm glad I've caught up!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
13 Feb 11
I still wear makeup. Less now than before, and not real often anymore. I guess we should start with the idea of moisturizer. I use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it. Instead of using a makeup base, I use a tinted moisturizer when I am going to wear makeup. It is light, but it lasts all day and I feel that it makes my skin look fresh. I learned last week that you should not use a moisturizer with SPF at night. I switched and found that it is helping my skin. I have had some issues for the last few months, not sure why. I love pretty makeup kits, they are like my paint box.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
It's interesting what you say about moisturisers with SPF in them. I agree with you. They seem to be more popular now and my daytime one (that I use at night) has an SPF of about 12 I think. They do work too. Maybe they are more potent I don't know. Mine is only about £4 so very good value for money. When I HAD money I would buy the dearer ones and I can honestly say there's not much difference - if any. There is in make-up though as it lasts longer in my case and is kinder on my skin.
I love getting my make-up kit out. It has two mascaras, two lipsticks, an adorable eye-shadow compact with four colours in it that is worth about £22 on its own, apparently..er, one eyliner that I don't use yet as I have a wonderful Bourjois one (my favourite brand of kohl eyeliner) that I sharpen so it lasts and lasts..er, what else...toner (who uses that) and a night moisturiser, youth serum (haha) eye gel..allsorts, including eyelash curlers that I'm not brave enough to use.
I think that covers everything!
The fact that Mum bought the liquid foundation seperately meant the make-up box was cheaper and I am so grateful to her as all my make-up was running out, all at the same time!!
I think that covers everything!
The fact that Mum bought the liquid foundation seperately meant the make-up box was cheaper and I am so grateful to her as all my make-up was running out, all at the same time!!1 person likes this
@shaggin (71663)
• United States
17 Feb 11
I dont think there is ever an age that is to old for makeup! I worked at a hospital with the elderly residents and some of them would come in with a light splash of makeup on and look just radiant. I've worn makeup since I was 12. Full makeup. If I leave the house I HAVE to have makeup on. Some days its nice to just know that I wont be going anywhere and stay inside and let my face go free. I used to have terrible acne but anymore my skin is so much better. The only time I really get pimples is if I dont have time to take a shower before bed and go to bed with makeup on my face. The next day I will be broken out with pimples ick.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Feb 11
I've been to bed with make-up on before now..usually when I'm a bit drunk lol. Always regret it in the morning though, Panda Eyes and all that.
@dawnald (85136)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
Wear it rarely. Didn't wear it much when I was younger - good skin. And now I just find that the time is more important to me than the teensy little improvement in my appearance. I just don't find it all that important.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
15 Feb 11
Hubby would be even more paranoid than he is already if you did start wearing it.
@my_name_is_coco (4334)
• Philippines
13 Feb 11
in terms of make up,I am a fan of mascara and eyebrow pencil.this is due to my obsession with long,thick eyelashes and thick,shapely brows.other than those 2 items,I am fine without a make-up set.I think it will really depend on how you put make up on and which features you highlight.some older women look great with strong make up;some look better with natural or matte look.in terms of beauty products,I am a fan.I love moisturizers,toners,creams,and lotions.for me,beauty products are more of maintenance;make up is for aesthetics.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
How interesting! Beauty products are more of maintenance; make up is for aesthetics. How true! I do think that make-up does care for the skin a bit better, especially the mineral foundations, etc. A lot of them protect the skin from the sun as well, something not really thought of in the 80s lol.
You're the first person to say that you use toner. What does it do exactly? I've had toner included in make-up kits (and have one now) but have never felt the need to use it.
You're the first person to say that you use toner. What does it do exactly? I've had toner included in make-up kits (and have one now) but have never felt the need to use it.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
13 Feb 11
Hiya Janey,
Sometimes I will put make up on if I am looking a little "peaky" or if I think I am. Most times I use a very basic Cream and a bit of blusher and that´s it. I use Sun protector in the Summer here as the Sun is very very strong even on a clouded Day so that is a must again I use that sparingly too as I don´t like that greasy skin feeling it leaves if you use it on it´s own.
Putting a bit of make up does make me feel better but I don´t use that much really.
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
21 Apr 11
Hiya Janey,
Mainly as well I wash my face all over again sometimes with cleansing Milk but keeping it out of my eyes it is great base for when you have really dry skin days.
Then I use a different Cream to the usual one and a bit of colour not too strong though and that´s about it.
A few times a tiny finger tip of make up mixed with the Cream I am using mix it in on my hand like the Artists painting a Picture and away I go.
and away I go.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
24 Apr 11
Wow, you've got a lot of patience to do that! Sometimes, I will do a "Joan Collins" and take 6 minutes or so to put make-up on. That's all it takes her, apparently and she's in her 70s I think.
Good on yer Joanie!
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I know what you mean about not using much. Sometimes (especially if I haven't really got much time) I will just use mascara and lipstick, that's it. Amazing how that little touch perks me up!
1 person likes this
@zralte (4178)
• India
13 Feb 11
I am the sort of person that does not know how to apply make up. I never get them right. So I ended up rarely putting make up on. I do use Lip Gloss extensively.
When I was a teenager, I used everything. But then all my friends do. And they loved to help me out by applying them on me. I guess when I really stopped using make up was when I started my Post Graduation. Not enough time, and definitely not enough money, and not many of my friends were living nearby.
My husband's grandmother, who is now in her late eighties is still using make up, as are her two sisters who are also in their eighties. It suits her. As she herself says, she looks totally drab without makeup on. I think it is lovely that she still wants to look her best even at that age. I can only hope I look and act as young as she is when I get to be her age (if I do at all).
As far as brand goes, I like Clinique, YSL, and Elizabeth Arden for the Suncreen Lip gloss. I tend to buy the 'brands' because I reasoned that I buy them very rarely, so, I deserved what I want.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I'm no expert either when it comes to applying make-up. I have learned to tone it down as I look like a clown otherwise, lol.
It is lovely that your Gran stills likes to apply make-up. I always remember smelling my Nan's powder foundation, it had a nice smell..and her bright red lipstick which looked really good on her. I try to think of her that way plus her hair up in a beehive style) as, once her health deteriorated, obviously looking good was the last thing on her mind and she also lost weight.
I know what you mean about deserving the best. I'm the same. I would much rather pay a little extra for something I know is going to last ages to buying something cheaper that I know nothing about. I did have one of those YSL Touche Eclat pens and it looked MILES more expensive than what it cost - all the branded cosmetics are like that..very well thought out and last a long time...thankfully!
I always remember smelling my Nan's powder foundation, it had a nice smell..and her bright red lipstick which looked really good on her. I try to think of her that way plus her hair up in a beehive style) as, once her health deteriorated, obviously looking good was the last thing on her mind and she also lost weight.
I know what you mean about deserving the best. I'm the same. I would much rather pay a little extra for something I know is going to last ages to buying something cheaper that I know nothing about. I did have one of those YSL Touche Eclat pens and it looked MILES more expensive than what it cost - all the branded cosmetics are like that..very well thought out and last a long time...thankfully!@zralte (4178)
• India
13 Feb 11
Isn't that the truth!! Much better to buy something I know I am going to like rather than buy something and never use it. When I was younger, I used to buy the cheaper ones and find out later that I don't like them, so most of them ended up as junk and given away.
I do agree with you about 'Less is More'. Make-ups do make women look more beautiful, as proven by the models. But then there is also such a thing as 'too much'. I guess the trick is to understand how much to apply so that it enhances your beauty.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
13 Feb 11
I like and wear make up often. I like it and take very good care of my facial skin by cleansing it well so my complexion is not affected by it. Wearing make up is certainly a preference. Some like it and some don't.
I love experimenting with my eyes as I wear the smoky look a great deal and I especially like it when I meet up with friends and notice their styles changing as they attempt to do as I do with my make up. I never say anything about the fact that they are wearing it like me, it simply makes me feel good that they must like my style. LOL..
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I have the perfect 4 colour eye compact for the smoky look but I only tend to use two at a time and one covers the other. My eyes look small in my chubby face so to make my eyes stand out is difficult. This is why I like my new, bright pink lipstick as it takes me back to years ago, when colour was sooo in.
I'm not surprised your friends copy you. You must be very good at putting make-up on, otherwise they wouldn't.
Good for you!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
13 Feb 11
Personally for me, I am one that has not worn any makeup for yrs. due to Religious beliefs, and actually enjoy the natural look. Maybe that continues to be one of the reasons most people never guess me to be in my 40s. I actually think any woman does have their own natural beauty within if they choose to show it, and so it is up to a person whether makeup is a Big issue for any person as well.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I do agree that beauty does come from within. No point slapping make-up on if you are a horrible person inside, it's kinda crude that way isn't it? Bit like the Joker in Batman lol.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
That's very true. Make-up is ageless isn't it? There is always something out there whatever age one may be. Good for your Mum that she still wears it. I hope I'm confident enough to do so at that age.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
13 Feb 11
I am a boy, so I don't need make up at all. For my mom, she doesn't need make up either at her age, she is over 56 already. She looks natural, and she is okay. I do think some girls can't live without make up, and some looks really good and natural without them. It really depends on people right?
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
Of course it does, I agree. Some women just don't suit make-up at all and that's fine too. I don't wear it every day as there's no point doing so. Central heating can play havoc with make-up if there's too much of it on my face, so I've learned to use it sparingly.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16529)
• China
13 Feb 11
I only have a son.Everyone hopes to have a good looks.That you love putting make-up on gives no cause for much criticism,moreover you have always had skin problems.Make mention of make-up,what I say is natural look or "less is more",In addition,It must be suitable to oneself that puts make-up on instead of blinding imitation with ludicrous effect,because"beauty is in the eye of the beholder."It is undeniable that some cosmetics have treatment effects.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I'm not obsessed with make-up. It just makes me feel good whenever I do use it. Not got any on today, for example. I like to wear it if I go to the football match as I feel I am doing something different on the day, otherwise it would be like any other day here.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
I guess it's all about taste. We have a model here called Jordan aka Katie Price. She has one of those fake tans and it doesn't actually suit her, in my opinion. If she went more natural I reckon she'd look better.
@LTL143 (57)
• Philippines
13 Feb 11
I am not totally good in applying make up although i am teaching cosmetology. But nothing is wrong when you apply make-up no matter how old you are as long as it will match and look nice to your face and wont harm you due to allergy. About moisturizer, I prefer to use natural materials which could be found at home like fruits, honey, natural yogurt or milk. It is really nice on skin and helps your skin to make smoother, fairer and look younger and harmless, it's true.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Feb 11
Wow, you certainly know your "stuff" my friend and welcome to MyLot!
