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Thu, February 26, 2026 at 3:12 PM UTC
8 must-have beauty products for aging skin, according to a makeup artist
As you get older, your skin will inevitably start to change. With age, skin gets thinner and loses a lot of its elasticity, and you may find that your go-to makeup products don’t work as well as they used to. It can be quite frustrating, but the good news is that there are plenty of makeup products specially formulated for older adults — it’s just a matter of finding options that work for your needs.
To help you find the best beauty products to add to your makeup bag, we spoke with Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist, brow and beauty expert with 38 years of experience, and the owner of Pilar Beauty, an award-winning studio in Connecticut. “Mature skin is one of my specialities — I teach women how to look their best,” she explained. “Overall, less is more, but makeup is absolutely essential as we age.”
DeMann offered up a list of her favorite makeup products for older adults — they’re perfect for creating a natural look that enhances your natural beauty.
“As we get older, our skin loses its glow,” says DeMann. “This product adds a glow without a frost, a shimmer, or anything heavy or obvious. I love it.” This primer can be used underneath foundation or on its own, depending on how much coverage you prefer.
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NARS
Blush is a quick and easy way to bring color back to your face: “I like to use a color just above what we are naturally, just rosed up, and I like a liquid or a cream cheek — it’s easy to use smaller amounts and really blend into the skin,” DeMann explains. “My favorite is NARS Dolce Vita. It is pretty universal and works on most skin tones.”
“Lashes open our eyes and make our faces more alive!” says DeMann. “Not everyone is comfortable with a lash curler, but I love them. Tweezerman is my favorite, and I have tried them all.” This tool is a favorite among Amazon shoppers, as well, boasting more than 23,000 reviews.
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“I try all kinds of mascaras because I personally have very short, very thin, very sad eyelashes,” DeMann explains. “In my kit, I use L’Oreal Voluminous. Black mascara ONLY!” This formula helps separate and define lashes, and you can build it up for a more dramatic look, if needed.
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Another formula that DeMann “keeps going back to” is the ILIA Limitless Mascara. The ophthalmologist-tested formula is great for sensitive eyes, and the packaging contains a unique dual-sided wand that helps separate, curl, and define lashes during application.
e.l.f.
“Brows frame our faces. I think everyone should get regular brow maintenance, and a tinted brow gel is easy to use,” says DeMann. “My go-to is ELF Wow Brow.” This budget-friendly product has just a hint of color, and it helps lock hair into place throughout the day.
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“Lastly, lips. Sheer is best, so you can play with color. It really changes and brightens your face,” says DeMann, noting that her go-to is none other than Burt’s Bees! It has just a hint of color, and it won’t settle into creases like a traditional lipstick.
DeMann also gives a nod to this ILIA lip product, noting that it’s a “gorgeous balm.” It comes in several classic hues, and it has a nourishing formula that helps keep your lips hydrated.
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