One of the biggest makeup mistakes you can make as an older woman is applying the same techniques that you used as a teenager. In this makeup tips video, we discuss why blue is a great choice for your next mascara. When it comes to makeup for older women, blue really is the new black!

Blue is an Amazing Color When it Comes to Makeup for Older Women

I always love talking with Ariane. Not only does she take a refreshingly positive approach to makeup, but, her tips are so useful! I hope that you enjoy our latest interview!

Margaret:

What I love about your approach is that you are always looking for ways to innovate. You don’t care about following trends, when it comes to makeup for older women. You care about adjusting your techniques to your changing face.

Ariane:

Just because we get older doesn’t mean that we can’t use modern products. You may just need to use them in a different way.

Margaret:

Being a bit bold is actually one of the characteristics of older women. We’ve followed the rules our entire lives and now it’s time to do our own thing. I’m actually interested in getting your opinion on a trend that I heard about.

We’re always using the same old black mascara. I know that there is now a spectrum of colors coming out for mascara. Tell us your thoughts on this

Ariane:

There are some great colors. My favorite – and the one that works best for our age group – is navy blue. To me, navy is the new black. Don’t think about the blues that we saw in the 70s and 80s – the ones that you could see from a mile away. I’m talking about a deep, rich, night-sky navy blue.

When we use a navy blue mascara, or liner, it reflects the light back into the eyes, making them appear whiter. As you know, as we get a little older, our eyes have a tendency to get a little “dull looking.” Navy blue offers a solution.

Let me show you a variety of things. I have some eye shadows here. There are quite a few companies doing navy blue liners. Here’s one. This is called Voyage and I’ve actually got this on myself. This is one of mine.

Margaret:

This is really nice and rich. It actually looks a little purple from this angle.

Ariane:

It’s a really nice dark blue. Again, like I said, this reflects light well. This is a great product to use if you want to try blue, but, you only want to dip your foot in the water. A pencil is a great place to start.

Margaret:

Did you smudge this a bit in the corner of your eye?

Ariane:

I ran it like this, along the base of my lashes. This way, you don’t get a “hard line.” Along the top, I did it here. Then, I smudged it with my finger tip, like this. Now, I’ve got brown eyes. It also looks good on green and hazel eyes. It doesn’t matter what your eye color is… it won’t fight against it. It’s also not too bold. It’s not like the products from the 60s, 70s or 80s.

The other way you can dip your foot in the water is by using navy-blue mascara.

Margaret:

Now, navy mascara is a bit more dramatic. Would you wear blue mascara during the day?

Ariane:

Navy blue mascara (during the day) is absolutely fantastic. What I love about navy blue is that – if you are not very confident about using an eye liner – you will be able to manage with a mascara. Go for a really nice, dark navy.

Then there are the gel eye-liners. There are several companies that do them, including Bobby Brown.

Margaret:

Now, these dry when you put them on. They’re not very smudgy.

Ariane:

Now, that’s a really nice, dark navy. If you want to experiment with a liner, these ones are really nice and water-proof. They stay put.

Margaret:

So, what about eye-shadow? Is that over the top? Or would you use this too?

Ariane:

I’ve got two navy eye shadow pallets. This one’s called Riviera. You start off with this color. Then, you use this one. Now, that looks quite bold. Let me put this on my hand there.

I’ve had so many ladies who try this and come back again and again. You can put this with a navy blue mascara.

Margaret:

So, blue really is the new black!

Ariane:

Now, this is a darker one. This one would be for someone who has a slightly darker complexion. Obviously, you want to choose the right tone for your complexion.

Margaret:

To be honest with you, I’m quite surprised. I’ve always thought about blue mascara being an evening things. But, it sounds like you could use it any time.

Ariane:

I use this as an eye shadow. Then, I use this pencil. These two together just look really smart. They are very elegant and understated. You don’t look like you’re wearing blue eye-shadow. It’s a really beautiful look.

Margaret:

Well, you’ve inspired me! I want to try this for myself. This is all about helping women in their 60s to try something new and modern – without looking overly “made-up.”

Ariane:

You’re not trying to be “on trend.” You’re just trying to look your best.

Margaret:

I hope that you found this useful. Give it a try and let us know how you get on in the comments below.

If you are ready to take the next step in developing your own makeup style, please check out the exclusive makeup for older women series of videos that Ariane and I recorded.

Also, don’t forget to visit Ariane’s website to find out more about her products.

Do you prefer to use black or navy blue mascara? Why? What did you think of Ariane’s makeup tips for older women? Please join the conversation.