The Ultimate Guide to Soft Glam Makeup for Mature Skin

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There’s a reason why the soft glam aesthetic is always trending. Never overdone or too minimal, it’s fitting for anyone and any skin type—even mature skin. As celebrity makeup artist and educator at LYS Beauty, MarQuis Ward puts it, soft glam is polished, not overpowering. While Millennials and Gen Z may have popularized the aesthetic, the look often dominates red carpets as one of the prettiest for mature skin. Defined by neutral tones and a naturally radiant finish, he explains that soft glam is as much a technique as it is a look. “The goal is to enhance the features with diffused definition rather than sharp lines or heavy coverage, which is done through seamless blending techniques,” he says. Professional makeup artist Fatima Thomas agrees, adding that the soft glam look is more about embracing the facial features—not transforming them. “Luminous skin, natural colors and expressive eye looks that magnify the eyelashes and eyebrows are all key elements of soft glam makeup,” she says. Ahead, they share their tips for avoiding common pitfalls and how to master this timeless makeup look.

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Soft glam makeup and mature skin challenges

“Mature skin presents a unique set of concerns, such as dullness, fine lines, enlarged pores, dryness and dehydration that can affect makeup looks,” says Thomas. When combined, these issues can amplify texture in the skin, making it difficult for products to lie seamlessly. For example, heavy foundations and powder formulas can settle into the skin, resulting in a cakey appearance. Maintaining the satin, glowy finish soft glam makeup is known for can also be challenging. “Radiance is a beautiful part of the look, but too much shimmer or glitter can emphasize texture instead of smoothing it,” says Ward.

What formulas work best for soft glam makeup?

Side-stepping any issues comes down to a few things, but formulation is at the top of the list. The pros agree that liquid and cream formulas are ideal for keeping the skin radiant and fresh. Thomas adds that they also provide more hydration than powder formulas. “Lightweight is best because it’s buildable,” says Ward. Mattifying makeup items tend to be heavier and can exaggerate areas of imperfection. Instead of reaching for ultra matte formulas, he recommends sticking to products that deliver a soft matte or slightly satin finish. “This keeps the radiance and helps refine the glowy aspect of the look,” he says.

How to do soft glam makeup on mature skin

Prepping the skin should always be the first step. “Begin by using a skin-care routine and priming products formulated for your skin type. Plumping and moisturizing products are great for hydrating and smoothing the skin,” says Thomas. Soft glam is all about emphasizing a healthy look, such as flushed cheeks and wide eyes. Opting for a neutral or muted color palette for your blush and eyeshadows is a good place to start. “Chocolatey browns, taupes and creamy beiges work well for the eyes, while a shade that reminds you of your skin’s natural flush is best for blush. If you want to experiment with color, she suggests leaning into muted tones of burgundy and navy as they can still deliver a soft look. Satin and shimmery shadows can also work when used correctly. The key, explains Ward, is avoiding chunky glitters that can cling to textured areas.

Since natural-looking skin is another defining element of soft glam, finding the right foundation is essential. “Mature skins often benefit from added luminosity, so you don’t have to be afraid of the glow,” says Thomas. Ward adds that choosing a buildable or full-coverage formula that’s breathable will ensure the skin looks soft and natural. To keep everything locked in place, he says, setting and finishing powders should be used sparingly. “Set strategically with a finely milled powder only where needed, such as the T-zone, to keep radiance on the high points of the face.”