If I asked each of you to choose the makeup products you’d use for a minimalist makeup look, I imagine I’d see quite a variation not only in the number of products each of you would use – but also the specific products you’d choose. Because a “minimalist makeup look” can certainly mean different things to different people.

If you haven’t worn makeup up to this point – or have worn very little makeup – a minimalist makeup look might mean two or three makeup products. For those of us who are used to wearing a bit more makeup, a minimalist makeup routine might mean paring down to four or five products.

The 2 Most Import Factors to Consider

Today I’m going to choose makeup products for a minimalist look based on two factors. The first factor involves looking at the results of two research studies that determined what helps us look our best and the second factor involves taking a look at how some of our facial features have changed over the decades and what products will help us the most to deal with these changes.

First Research Study Conclusion

First, let’s look at the research studies. In one study several years ago, researchers wanted to discover what makes us most attractive to other people. What they discovered was extremely interesting – and especially relevant for those of us over 50. Their research determined that what makes us most attractive to other people is the amount of facial contrast we have.

But, as we get older, we lose that facial contrast because our skin and lips get paler, and we all know what happens to our brows. So based on these research results, what will help us look our best is to create more facial contrast.

Thus, if our brows have gotten sparser and are starting to blend into our skin because of the white and grey brow hairs, we need to fill in our brows with the help of some makeup products. We also need to create more contrast on our skin and lips by adding some blush and lipstick.

Second Research Study Conclusion

The second study was done in Germany and determined that the most important thing we can do to look our best is to even out our skin tone. In fact, this study even concluded that we can look 5 to 20 years younger by doing this.

We may not care about looking younger, but many of us like the thought of looking like the very best version of ourselves now. We often see discoloration on our lids and veins that starts to show through. On the rest of our face, we may see redness, age spots, or other types of discoloration. So, the makeup products to create a more even skin tone are concealer or foundation.

Makeup That Addresses the Research Conclusions

So in the video above I’m going to go ahead and add some makeup that addresses the conclusions of these research studies. But I’ll only apply the makeup to one side of my face so we can compare the two sides when we finish.

I’m first going to add more facial contrast by filling in the brow on one side of my face, by covering the discoloration on my eyelid with eye primer and the discoloration on my face with concealer. I’ll also add blush and lipstick. I’m going to start by filling in my brows, but if your brows haven’t become sparser or more populated with white and grey brow hairs, you can certainly skip this step.

Next, I’m going to even out my skin tone by covering up the discoloration on my eyelids and my face. For my eyelids, I’m using an eye primer that matches the color of my eyelids.

To cover up my age spots and other discoloration on my face, I’m going to use Clinique’s Even Better Concealer in the shade “Alabaster” which is a good match for my skin. This concealer has particularly good coverage.

Next comes adding in more facial contrast by applying blush and lipstick. Two of my absolute favorite blushes are from the Rare Beauty makeup line – their cream blush in the shade “Nearly Neutral” – which is a soft, neutral pink – and their liquid blush in the shade “Encourage” which is also a soft, neutral pink. I’m going to go with the cream version.

Since I have the most product on my brush now, I’m going to start my blush application at the temple and then bring it down along the center of my cheekbone until I get to the middle of my eye. This application method helps work against gravity and lift the face.

I have a major problem with my lipstick migrating into those fine lines which is why I have to take two extra steps before applying lipstick. To create a barrier on the outer part of my lips to help prevent the lipstick from feathering, I’m first going to apply my Clinique concealer on my outstretched lips and then apply a lip liner.

Next comes lipstick and I’m going to apply a wonderfully inexpensive lipstick from the drugstore line Wet and Wild in the shade “Retro Pink.”  

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

The Second Important Factor

Now let’s focus on the second factor which involves taking a look at how some of our facial features have changed over the decades and what products will help us the most to deal with these changes. For most of us, the greatest amount of change has occurred in our eye area – such as under eye circles, hooded eyelids and crepey texture.

If you feel you want to address these changes, the four different makeup products you can use – which I demonstrate in the video – are eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and color corrector. But what’s most important is to use the techniques that work best for us now when applying these.

The Techniques That Work for Us Now

To make my eyes look bigger, I’m going to apply a light matte shade of eyeshadow across the entire mobile lid. Since I have hooded eyes, I want to create a new crease with one of my stick eyeshadows in a darker color which will give more depth and definition to my eye.

I’ll apply it slightly above the crease. If I applied it just in the crease and not also above the crease, the eyeshadow wouldn’t show up.

A second way to give definition to the eyes and make them stand out is to use eyeliner. I’ll show you two different ways to apply eyeliner which makes it far easier to do. The first way is to tightline and the second way is to apply eyeliner by using an angled eyebrow brush, rubbing it across the eyeliner and then applying the eyeliner as close to the base of the lashes as possible.

Using a brush rather than an eyeliner pencil makes eyeliner application much easier since he brush smooths everything together so the eyeliner looks perfect.

The third product we can choose to use is mascara. After the first application, wait for it to dry and apply a second coat. And an easy technique to curl the lashes is to hold your index finger up against the lash horizontally while the mascara is still wet and hold it there until it dries.

The fourth and last thing we can do to help our eye area is to cover up the dark circles under our eyes. The best way to do this is to first use a concealer in a shade that color corrects the dark circles. The best shade to use is a peach or salmon colored concealer. Then dot on a concealer shade over the corrector which is slightly lighter than your skin tone.

Which of these four products you choose to use – if any of them – depends on the specific challenges you have with your eyes and which product – or products – you feel will be most helpful.

In the video I take a close up look at both sides of my face. On one side I didn’t use any makeup and on the other side I used the products and techniques that help me look my best based on the conclusions from the two research studies and the eye makeup products.

I hope you found this article and video helpful in deciding what products and techniques will work best for you to create your most flattering and beautiful minimalist makeup look.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like to create a minimalist makeup look? If so, what products do you feel are most important for you to use? Are there any special application techniques that work best for you?

What are the best things to shop for in January? Well, this year, almost everything! Almost all stores and websites were already offering some pretty deep discounts before and throughout the holidays.

But if you’re in need of some winter items, now is a great time to shop. Actually, January and February are always good months to take advantage of sales on winter items. The drawback, of course, is that if it doesn’t fit or is in the wrong color for you, it might be non-returnable.

Also, it will be much harder to find your favorite color and size in some items. One way to avoid that problem is to set up sale alerts through one of the many online services that does this. (If you do a web search on “sale alert websites” you can find them.)

Some online stores have downloadable apps that will notify you when an item you have your eye on has dropped in price. Others will send you an email or text when the specific brands you like are having a sale.

You have to put in a little effort to create a user profile, but in the long run, they can be a great time- and money-saver. And some will let you know if an item that has been out of stock is back in your size. Occasionally, this also happens when someone returns an item in your size.

Online Shopping

Of course, there is Amazon, the company that many of us love to hate. The love part is the variety, the speed of delivery and, often, the price. The hate part is that you never know whether or not you’re supporting child or slave labor somewhere in the world or what the size and quality of an item might actually be.

And, frankly, it did put a lot of brick-and-mortar stores out of business when it started up. But that’s, sadly, been the tendency worldwide anyway as a lot of us are shopping online due to necessity.

Except for personal care and pharmaceutical items (which are too often knock-offs) Amazon was a godsend for a lot of us during the pandemic lockdowns. And, frankly, it’s given a distribution platform to small and larger boutique brick-and-mortar outlets as well.

If you are willing to do a little hunting around the website, you can get some really good deals there. Apply some criteria to your searches. Specify the color, size, amount you’re willing to pay, and for some types of clothing you can also add the specific textile you want.

But definitely read the reviews carefully. Look for the dates on the best and worst ratings. Something may have been a lemon a couple of years ago, but the manufacturer seems to have improved it currently. And too often, the reverse is the case. And do check the return policy on each item.

Outerwear

Except for the very high-quality classic trench coats – which are a perennial and rarely, if ever, go on sale – you’re going to find a lot of puffer coats, lined winter or faux-fur trimmed coats and jackets, plus wool and wool blend longer winter coats this month.

Many mid-level sites that are known for winter jackets and coats, such as Eddie Bauer, LL Bean and Lands’ End, are offering from 40% to up to 80% off of some items. But actually, all the major department stores and discount chains are featuring them as well.

It’s highly unlikely anything you buy in this category would ever become passe or unfashionable in the foreseeable future. You’ll likely get a lot of use out of it.

Belted Stretch Heavyweight Puffer Coat | Luxury Gifts | Marshalls

Women’s Insulated Cozy Fleece Lined Primaloft Coat | Lands’ End

Wantdo Women’s packable down Light Weight Puffer Jacket

The recent trends for winter wool and wool-blend coats are oversized, patterned, or the no-button, wrap and tie “bathrobe” style coats. (That style best suits anyone who is more relaxed and laid-back than buttoned-down and classic, a style that requires buttons and more fitted tailoring.)

But, as it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and we’re still looking for warm coats and jackets, prices haven’t come down a whole lot, and availability is sparse. Still, there are bargains to be had. Expect to pay anywhere from $45 at discount shops like TJ Maxx, from $90 -$300 at places like Macy’s and Nordstrom, and at the higher end from about $125-$450 and up at Saks and Bloomingdale’s.

Tahari Women’s Faux-Leather-Trim Belted Wrap Coat at Macy’s

Allegra K Women’s Double Breasted Raglan Sleeve Winter Trench Plaid Coat

If you want a little more edge to your wardrobe, Zara is showing a lot of super cute winter coats on sale in boucle, fleece, and wool/wool-blend longer coats, both in the bathrobe-type style and more traditional fits.

LONG BOUCLÉ COAT LIMITED EDITION – Gray | ZARA United States

Sweaters

This is a terrific time of the year to find great deals on cashmere sweaters. But pay attention to the multiple images of any item displayed from different angles. Sometimes you’ll see a sweater that looks terrific in the close-up photo but in the longer view you can see through the material to the pants or skirt underneath it. That means it’s made of really thin cashmere.

Unless it is specifically advertised as “feather” or “light-weight” cashmere, it’s probably pretty flimsy and won’t likely hold up or look great over time.

Macy’s Cashmere sweater

Saks Fifth Avenue Signature cashmere crew neck sweater

Talbot’s Funnel neck cashmere pullover

Dressy Blouses

We usually associate bling and shine with the holidays; that time of year when we want to sparkle a bit. That’s why you see a lot of sequins and shiny metallic leather goods around the end of the year. But this year we’re seeing a lot of shimmer, glittery clothing in the spring and summer ready-to-wear pages!

Now, if you’re not a glitter-ball type, you can certainly check out some of the beautiful satin blouses, dresses and skirts that brightened up the holidays. You will definitely see a lot more of the satin trend that came on strong starting in the late summer last year. And a beautiful silk blouse will last and look elegant for a very long time.

Real silk blouses on sale will likely start around $100 US and shouldn’t go beyond about $150. But as with wools and cashmeres, check the textile. The heavier the weight, the longer it will last. When you see the word “silky” in the description that tells you it’s made of polyester. (As in, “What is Victoria’s Secret? Polyester.”)

Silk Satin Shirt

Both those last two from LilySilk

Accessories

Cashmere lined leather gloves, typically around $100 US are going for about $58 on sites like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. And target has them for around $63. But they all sell out really fast. So, if you see something you like, don’t hesitate.

9″ Long Leather Gloves

Another thing to keep an eye out for are “sets” – gloves and hats and hats and scarves, and of course, jewelry sets. For fine jewelry you’re not going to see a lot of big markdowns. But you can still pick up some nice things – and some great gifts – now.

Fisher’s Finery Cashmere Slouchy Beanie & Knit Scarf Set

Macy’s Kensie Fringe post earrings and choker necklace

Macy’s Swarovski Milenia earrings and necklace

Shoes

Winter boots and leather booties are a great bargain item that are also a great investment. Unless you go for something extremely trendy (like stiletto pink metallic over-the-knee boots in flashy colors or weird shaped heels) ankle boots, knee-high boots, and booties are items that will be in fashion next winter and for several winters to come.

Stuart Weitzman leather and stretch boots at Saks Fifth Avenue

Emmanuel Castro Italian Leather boots at TJ Maxx

Michael Kors Braden heeled boot

Macy’s Alfani suede dress booties

Talbot’s Waterproof suede bootie

Shop Now for Summer!

But if you are planning a winter vacation to a warmer climate, keep your eye out for some amazing finds in sandals. On higher end sites, like Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s, they are getting ready to fill the shelves with trendier summer flats and sandals and still have inventory in last summer’s styles that they really want to move. This includes everything from high heeled strappy sandals for dressier outfits to platform/flatform sandals, slides, plus Birkenstock-type styles.

Macy’s Sam Edelman Ruched slides

Saks Fifth Avenue Kate Spade Seville Raffia Sandals

Saks Proto Fiori Lizard Embossed Apple Skin Flat Sandals

Seasonal Items

If you have the storage space and the idea isn’t abhorrent to you, yeah, buy Christmas cards and decorations now!

And for all of you smarties, who bought your raffia and bamboo handled summer bags on sale last October, you’ll thank yourself come spring!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What have you bought on sale recently? Was it hard to find in your size? Are you happy with the quality?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

When we want to stock up on all the candles and bath products, we head to Bath & Body Works for…Bath & Body Works. The retailer hawks its own line of body, skin and home products with a few diffusion brands like White Barn. But this is the first time Bath & Body Works has launched an entirely new brand, Moxy, available online and in stores now. Moxy also features new categories for the retailer, such as hair products for textured hair, legit skincare and even gummy vitamins.

Moxy is a vegan and cruelty-free brand with a product collection for everyone. Under the skincare category, there are face moisturizers (with refills), scrubs, cleansers and face masks made without fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil and artificial dyes. All skin types should try the All Skin line featuring skin-brightening ingredients. Dry Skin has more hydration, Oily Skin balances skin and reduces the appearance of pores and Sensitive Skin calms with cucumber extract.

Skincare runs from $10.95-$20.95.

Moxy.

Bath & Body Works has sold a few random hair products in the past but Moxy has a line for everyone. There’s Shampoo ($14.95), Conditioner ($14.95) and Hair Masks ($18.95) for Curly, Straight, Wavy and Coily hair types.

Moxy.

To found out Moxy’s current offerings, you’ve got Dietary Supplement Gummies ($18.95 for 60) including Stress-Less, Hair/Skin/Nails, Sweet Dreams Sleep, Apple Cider Vinegar and Immunity Support. As always, chat with your doctor before starting a new supplement program.

Moxy.

This fun, colorful brand is available to shop now at Bath & Body Works. We can’t wait to see what else Moxy comes up with.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Chanel is kicking off 2023 with a slew of new products that should definitely be on your radar. You might’ve already heard about the anti-aging cream that tackles winter skin, but if you’re in the market for makeup products in particular, we have the lowdown on a must-have.

The Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick promises rich color and comfortable wear, on top of beautiful packaging (of course). What’s special about this formula is that it contains highly concentrated pigments that coat your lips with a smooth layer of product that won’t budge. Meanwhile, soft-focus microspheres and ultra-fine pearly particles mix together to make your pout pop with a gorgeous luminous matte finish.

This lipstick isn’t just about appearances, though. It’s packed with a jojoba oil derivative and shea butter, which both deliver moisture. Jojoba oil is known for its skin-softening abilities that prevent lips from drying, while shea butter, an emollient, provides soothing and antioxidant properties that are key to making your lips soft and hydrated.

These skin-loving ingredients make this lipstick so easy and comfortable to apply. The lipstick “wears like a second skin,” per the brand. Not to mention, it comes in the iconic Chanel black and gold click case.

Coming in 20 stunning shades, the Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick needs to be in your daily rotation because it has the color payoff and skincare ingredients to back it up. 

RELATED: TikTokers Are Buying the ‘Cheapest’ Thing at Chanel for the Luxe Packaging & Free Samples 

Photo: Chanel.

To get the most irresistible pout, the brand suggests applying your lipstick from the center outward. You can use Chanel’s lip liner in a similar shade to get an even more defined look. 

Although this lip product is new, it’s already earned a 4.1-star rating. One five-star reviewer raved, “Wonderful color. The perfect deep red when built up and applied. Lasts longer than any lipstick I have ever tried! Lasts me an entire day at work! Can’t recommend this enough!”

Another shopper gave their stamp of approval to shade 69 Abstrait: “My favorite lip color for me by Chanel so far. Very reminiscent of rum raisin colors of the 90s.”

Treat yourself to any of the 20 shades of the new Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick—from bright reds to rosy pinks, and more.

Whitney Rose’s Eyeshadow Palette and Leopard Pajamas

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 Finale

A lot of people didn’t get exactly get what they wanted out of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 finale—ie who the f*ck gave Heather that black eye. I have my theories, but what is fact is that that I’ve been able to identify Whitney Rose’s eyeshadow palette. And I’ll take a bold, smokey eye over a black eye any day.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her MAC Eyeshadow Palette

Click Here for Additional Stock

Leopard Pajamas Sold Out by Ganni

Originally posted at: Whitney Rose’s Eyeshadow Palette