Makeup for mature skin: less is more
With age, the skin becomes thinner and drier, and heavy layers of cosmetics start to emphasise what we want to soften. That is why, when doing makeup for mums, I follow a few principles:
- Hydration first. I prepare the skin carefully so that the foundation melts into it well.
- Light foundation, targeted coverage. Instead of a thick layer over the whole face, I even out the skin tone thinly and cover pigmentation and redness only where needed.
- Less powder. I mattify only the T-zone. Too much powder settles in fine lines and adds years.
- Cream products. Cream blush and highlighter look more natural on mature skin than loose, very shimmery particles.
Eyes and brows: a gentle lift
Hooded eyelids and lighter, sparser brows are the topics mums ask me about most often. A few approaches that work well:
- matte eyeshadows in warm, earthy shades instead of very pearly ones,
- eyeshadow blended upwards and outwards, which optically lifts the eyelid,
- a thin line of eyeliner drawn close to the lashes, without a long wing,
- filled-in brows, which frame the face and make the eyes look younger,
- waterproof mascara, because emotions during the ceremony are almost a certainty.
Lips and colours matched to the outfit
Over time the lip line becomes less defined, and lipstick tends to bleed into fine lines. That is why I start with a lip liner in the colour of the lips or the lipstick, and then apply a creamy but long-wearing lipstick. We choose the shades to suit the dress: pinks and raspberries for cool colours, peaches and warm nudes for beiges and gold.
It is also worth looking at the bride’s makeup. The mother does not need to have the same, but in photos together it is nice when both looks have a similar feel, for example both natural and glowing.
The wedding day: when I do the mother’s makeup
On the wedding day I come to wherever the bride is getting ready and also do makeup for her loved ones. I usually do the mother’s makeup before the bride’s, so that she is ready for the preparation photos and the parents’ blessing. It is worth planning about an hour for the makeup.
If the groom’s mother is getting ready in another place, tell me when you book, and we will plan the drive. I work in Giżycko, Mikołajki, Mrągowo, Ryn and throughout Warmia and Masuria. You can read more about the plan for the day in the article Bridal makeup in Masuria.
Makeup for a mum who wears glasses
Many mums wear glasses every day and keep them on during the wedding. The makeup then needs to suit the frames and lenses:
- lenses for short-sightedness optically make the eyes smaller, so it is worth defining them a little more, for example with a thin line of eyeliner and mascara,
- lenses for long-sightedness magnify the eyes and every detail of the makeup, so I go for matte eyeshadows and very careful blending,
- the frames cover part of the brows, so I make sure their shape is defined but soft,
- glasses can rub off foundation on the nose, so I set the makeup thoroughly there.
Bring your glasses to the makeup appointment, so that I can check the whole look with the frames on.
Makeup colours for a dress or a suit
A mother’s wedding outfit is often a skirt suit, a dress with a jacket or an elegant two-piece. A few tried and tested combinations:
- Navy and bottle green. Warm browns on the eyelids and lips in a raspberry or rose shade.
- Pastels and powder pink. Soft pink and peach shades, fresh skin, lips in a colour close to natural.
- Beige, gold and ivory. Warm nudes, peach and a golden note on the eyelids.
- Grey and silver. Cooler pinks and taupe on the eyelids.
In the outfit, it is worth avoiding shades too close to the white of the wedding dress, but in makeup there are no restrictions: what matters is that you feel good.
Makeup for the groom’s mother and for grandmothers
On the wedding day I often do makeup not only for the mother of the bride, but also for the mother of the groom and the grandmothers. The mothers on both sides appear together in many photos, so it is nice when their makeup has a similar, elegant feel, even if each has different features and a different outfit.
With a grandmother’s makeup I work even more gently: the skin is thinner and more sensitive, so I choose light, hydrating products and a minimal amount of powder. Often an even skin tone, a touch of blush, defined brows and lips in her favourite colour are enough. The most important thing is that grandma feels comfortable all day and recognises herself in the mirror.
If several family members would like makeup, tell me when you book. I will plan the time so that everyone is ready for the blessing.
How to prepare for the makeup
- In the weeks before the wedding, moisturise your skin regularly and do not test new creams or treatments just before the celebration.
- If you colour your hair, do it a few days in advance, and shape your brows two or three days before the wedding at the latest.
- On the wedding day, come to the makeup with a washed, moisturised face, with no foundation or powder.
- Have a photo of your dress or suit and jewellery ready.
- If you wear glasses, tell me: I will match the intensity of the eye makeup to the frames.
Frequently asked questions
Will you do the mother’s makeup together with the bride’s?
Yes. On the wedding day I also do makeup for the bride’s loved ones. We agree on the number of people when you book, so that we can plan the time well.
How long does the mother of the bride’s makeup take?
About an hour. I usually do the mother’s makeup before the bride’s, so that she is ready for the blessing and the photos.
Will the makeup look good on mature skin?
Yes. I use light, hydrating products, limit the powder and cover only where needed, so the makeup does not emphasise wrinkles.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not for a single makeup appointment for the mother. If the mother’s makeup is part of the bridal package, the package terms apply: I book the date once we have agreed the terms of our cooperation and you have paid a deposit, which counts towards the price of the service.
Can the mother have makeup similar to her everyday look?
Of course. Many mums ask for makeup similar to their everyday look, just more polished and longer-lasting. Then I enhance what you like and make sure it lasts all day.
See also the bridal makeup page and my portfolio.