Makeup advice for women over 50

I am 54 and have just returned to the work force after a number of years at home. What advice about makeup do you have for a woman my age? I want to look stylish at work without looking inappropriate.

The most important thing for a woman in her 50s to remember about makeup is to apply it sparingly. Follow these steps for a soft, attractive daytime makeup: After moisturizing, apply cream foundation (to combat dry skin) with a damp spunge for an even, lightly-textured finish, making sure to blend foundation under your jawline and slightly onto your neck.

Lightly pat concealing cream a shade or two lighter than your foundation on dark under-eye circles (not puffiness above circles), nose to mouth creases, forehead lines, furrows between brows, sunken cheeks, and inner hollows of deepset eyes.

Set foundation and concealer with a light dusting of loose powder.

For a little lift, stroke powder blush in a bright, matte color – pink, coral, or red – on the “apple” of cheeks, sweeping color up to temples and hairline.

Define eyes with a thin line of dark grey liner on top and bottom lids.

Color upper lids with taupe, matte shadow (frosted shadow emphasizes puffiness), sweeping color up at the outer corners to “lift” eyes.

b After crimping with an eyelash curler, brush black mascara on lashes.

Lightly powder lips to prevent lip color from running.

Outline lips with pencil a shade darker than natural lip color, then fill in with a warm, non-iridescent color.