Young Makeup Artists: Please Learn to Beat Faces That Have Lived

(This is not shade. This is a midlife PSA.)

Let’s just go ahead and say it: Not all makeup artists are created equal. And when it comes to doing makeup on mature skin—skin that’s lived, loved, cried, laughed, stretched, wrinkled, and kept receipts, we need more than someone who can beat a 23-year-old’s face to the gods.

Because let me tell you something—what works on Zendaya does not work on Viola Davis. And I say that with love and a little bit of pore trauma.

The Face Has Changed, Darling

Our skin isn’t as tight.

Gravity? Yeah, she’s not playing fair. We need makeup artists who know how to lift—not just emotionally, but literally. Eyeshadow placement matters. Brows can make or break your whole mood. And blending? Oh baby, blend like your life depends on it.

We’re Grown—We Don’t Need Caterpillar Lashes

Can we please stop with the lashes that look like windshield wipers? I don’t need lashes that can dust my ceiling fan. Our lashes should enhance, not overpower. I want to look radiant and rested—not like I’m about to take flight in the middle of Sunday service.

Glow, Not Glitter

Listen, I love a glow. A dewy, hydrated, youthful finish? Yes, please. But don’t come at me with chunky glitter highlighter that settles into every line like it’s mapping out my last 10 years of life. Give me radiance. Give me hydration. Give me skin that says I’ve lived, and I've still got it.

It’s About Skill—Not Age

Now, this isn’t an age thing—it’s an experience thing. I’ve met young makeup artists who get it. Who study the face in front of them instead of trying to recreate the same Instagram look on everyone who sits in their chair. And I’ve met some that clearly think “mature skin” is just another filter to fix. (It's not.)

If you find one with the skill, humility, and artistry to work with skin that’s earned its laugh lines and survived a hot flash or two—keep them on speed dial. They are gems.

Midlife Faces Deserve Respect

Our faces are powerful. They’ve witnessed decades of life. And when we sit down in that makeup chair, we don’t want to be erased—we want to be enhanced. Lift us. Light us. Let us leave the room looking like ourselves—just slightly more fabulous.

And for the love of setting spray—don’t drag us down.

Until the next hot flash…

 💋 LB