There’s something that happens to us as we get older. Things tend to change. If they don’t then there’s something wrong with you. #KiddingNOTKidding Seriously, people tend to learn from the mistakes they’ve made as youths, and work on improving those things as they get older. The same thing goes for people in the makeup world, whether you’re a makeup artist or enthusiast, you’re sure to have noticed a change in the way your makeup looks now versus lets say, 5 to 10 years ago.
I didn’t start wearing makeup until I was 18, which was for my high school prom. This makeup consisted of powder, gold eye shadow, mascara, and a gloss. And then, something happened, I began to experiment with different colors, foundation, lipsticks, blushers and bronzers; I was obsessed. I turned my obsession into a passion, and began blogging and doing makeup. Now that I am fresh into my 30’s, it seems like I’m back to where I started – back to neutrals. One thing I noticed about my makeup versus then and now, is that I am more of a ‘Less is more’ kind of gal woman.
What am I doing differently with my makeup now that I’m in my 30’s? Keep reading to find out.
Looking back at my old makeup posts and tutorials, I was into very colorful makeup. I was younger, and didn’t I mind experimenting with color to create colorful [outrageous] looks. I remember the huge lashes I loved to wear. OMG! I look back at photos, and I think I look completely ridiculous. Even my eyebrows went through some major changes. They’re no longer heavily drawn on. They have a softer more natural look.
These days, I’m not sure if it’s the mom in me, or if I’m becoming more conservative, or maybe it can be attributed to me not having more time to dedicate to putting on loads of makeup, but one thing I noticed is that my makeup in my 30’s is more on the neutral side. Sure, I will add a pop of color with a colored eye pencil or even a bright lippie, but, that’s probably the most I will do. I honestly do not have the time for anything else, especially during the week.
My goal for my makeup look, especially for work and casual wear, is to look more polished than made up. Below are some of my makeup staples for an everyday face.
- NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (review)
- La Girl Pro Concealer (review)
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow (review) or IT Cosmetics YBBB Brow Pencil (review)
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (review) or tarte Lights Camera Lashes
- Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder #7
- Anyone of my favorite colored lippies for a pop of color or if I want a straight nude/neutral look, I opt for the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel (review).
I’ve shared how my makeup look and routine have changed since hitting 30. I would love to hear about your experiences, too.
Have you noticed that your makeup look has changed as you aged? If so, I’d like to hear how. If it hasn’t I’d love to hear about that, too!
New York City makeup artist, beauty and mom blogger . I immensely enjoy helping myself and others feel beautiful inside and out, which is why I started this blog and my YouTube channel. If you have a beauty or makeup related question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site! I also accept guest post submissions, check the guidelines.
***Brands and PR firms sometime provide press samples of products for review consideration. These brands are not guaranteed a review on Makeup by Kim Porter Blog, nor do we accept payment of any kind for our reviews. For more on our disclosure policies, please see my terms . 21 Comments on Then vs Now: How my makeup has changed in my 30’s
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While I do still play with color, I find it is in more of a wearable way. Great post! You look great in neutrals.
My recent post Beauty At Any Age With The Beauty Blogger Collaborative
I can pretty much relate to your makeup transition. That's what I call "growing old gracefully". Our tastes change so do makeups 🙂
My recent post Beauty at Any Age #foreveryoung
My makeup changed more so in my late 30s. I was always a basic person. Mascara, eye liner, and a pop of lip color but as the shade ranges have expanded in blush and foundation, I've experimented more in that area. I've never been a bright color person. Even when I wear it I feel silly. Now at 42, I concentrate more on looking polished.
Great post. I've noticed the transition too. For me, I am wearing more makeup in general. I do my face more often, but I try to keep it natural. Depending on the occasion I would do a little more. I go for a neutral face at work though. I try not to do too much, even a bright lippie, because some days I do not have time for touch ups. I know that I not only changed with my makeup routine, but also my fashion. I think as we get older we want a more polished look and there isn't anything wrong with that.
My recent post Fashion| Look for Less G by Giuliana Wrap Skort
I love the way you do your makeup. I think we all go through makeup transitions!
My recent post My Daily Essentials
Totally agree with you, things shift as we get older for the better I think, loved seeing your choices for makeup, I like them all 🙂
I like that you were adventuress when you were younger but I like your makeup better now.
My recent post Borghese Eclissare ColorStruck Lipsticks
I love your classy and classic looks now, but I also love the playfulness of your colorful eye makeup in your younger photos. Hope you still mix it up from time to time.
My recent post Tony Moly Peach Anti-aging Hand Cream
I didn't wear much makeup until after graduation and I only started because of where I worked. I love to play and have fun with color still but have learned that it's about how I feel, not how society has made me out to be. I love your photos – all of them. You are one beautiful lady girl 🙂
My recent post 5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 – Beauty At Any Age
Great post. You looked fabulous then, and you look fabulous now. It is so true how we change over the years.
I'm actually going through kinda the opposite! In my 30s, I wore a lot of professional, neutral makeup, and now I want to rock bold colors and bright lippies.
My recent post Softly Scented Citrus Body Lotion #blackcanyon
You look gorgeous! I'm still playing with color 🙂
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As I approach my mid-20s, I realize the art of office-friendly makeup. I used to feel super inspired to wear bright colors but I'm finding that I'm more down for low-key makeup nowadays (especially with grad school)
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My beauty routine changed when I was around 40 and I could finally afford better products, especially skincare.
My recent post Vapour Organic Beauty created some beautiful Vernissage Nail Lacquers
I love your makeup look now. You always look pulled together, with great skin and shades that compliment your skin tone.
Your look now is complete perfection! It's still fun to experiment with color, of course, but I love how you keep it natural and just play with the lip color a bit!
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My makeup went from full on color to neutral with pops of color as I transitioned from my 20's to 30's.
I have some older shots where I was a little active with color. Not many because I have always been a neutral lover but definitely more colorful before I hit my 30s
My recent post Clarins Everlasting Foundation+
It's good to play with color. Color is fun, but sometimes too much is bad lol Thank God for clarity.
This was such a great idea for a post! I love this one! "I look back at photos, and I think I look completely ridiculous. " omg that's me every time I look back at photos on Facebook. I'm always like what was I wearing, what was I thinking hahaha. I wonder 20 years from now if I'll think the same about me now lol hope not. I do notice as you get older your makeup changes. This girl in our college dorm use to ALWAYS wear bright multi colored eyeshadow with glitter and I noticed on Facebook recently she's completely toned it down. I almost didn't recognize her haha.
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LOL yes! WE have clarity, and we've grown. You know I'm going to ask who lol PM me please.