Makeup Basics for Over 50: A Simple and Effective Routine
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Start with a Simple and Reliable Basic Makeup Kit
Makeup Application Tools Matter
Follow These Core Steps of Makeup
Makeup Routine Tips for Everyday Confidence
Best Makeup Items Recommended by Stephanie Rumble
Basic Makeup for Over 50: Focus on Skin, Eyes, and Confidence
Industry Snapshot: New Zealand's Growing Beauty Landscape
Final Thoughts: Makeup Should Empower, Not Overwhelm
Looking for a fresh approach to makeup basics that suits your age, lifestyle, and personality? In this episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble shares her best tips and insights for building confidence through makeup, especially for women over 50. Drawing on her decades of experience as a fashion stylist, health educator, and accountability coach, Stephanie walks us through the steps, mindset, and best makeup items for achieving a simple and empowering daily look.
Start with a Simple and Reliable Basic Makeup Kit
Whether you're a beginner or simply revisiting your routine, a well-curated basic makeup kit is essential. According to Stephanie, this doesn’t mean buying everything in sight. Instead, choose a handful of high-performing products that suit your skin type, coloring, and age.
"If it doesn’t work for your lifestyle or your skin, then it’s not the right makeup." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Your makeup kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, Stephanie encourages listeners to pare back and invest in products they truly love and will actually use. When you have reliable basics that work for your unique face and skin tone, applying makeup becomes enjoyable rather than stressful.
Here are the must-haves:
Moisturiser (and primer if needed)
Foundation or tinted moisturiser
Concealer
Blush or bronzer
Eyeshadow (at least three shades)
Eyeliner
Mascara (Stephanie recommends tubing mascara)
Brow pencil or gel
Lip liner and lipstick or gloss
Having the right makeup essentials kit on hand makes the entire process quicker and more enjoyable.
Makeup Application Tools Matter
Stephanie emphasises the importance of good brushes and lighting. Applying makeup with proper tools helps prevent patchiness and gives a more polished finish. These tools ensure that your products go on evenly, blend well, and last longer throughout the day.
She recommends a few key items that should be part of every routine:
Foundation sponge or fingers
Blush brush
Powder brush
Eyeshadow brush
Magnifying mirror for detail work
These tools support more even results when applying makeup and enhance your final look. Clean tools also help prevent skin irritation and breakouts, so regular cleaning with shampoo is a simple habit worth adopting.
Follow These Core Steps of Makeup
The order in which you apply your makeup can make a big difference in the result.
Stephanie shares her 10 top tips for success:
Moisturise first to prep the skin
Apply a primer (optional but helpful for mature skin)
Get good lighting and a clear mirror
Use clean brushes for better application
Do your eye makeup first to avoid fallout
Choose the right foundation for your skin tone
Add blush or bronzer to bring life to the face
Set with powder or highlighter if desired
Finish with lipstick or gloss
Optional: Use a makeup setting spray
Following these basic makeup steps ensures a consistent and flattering result. Each step plays a vital role in creating a look that feels fresh and confident, especially when tailored to mature skin.
Makeup Routine Tips for Everyday Confidence
If you want simple makeup for everyday wear, Stephanie says consistency and comfort are key. Start small, build confidence, and practice regularly. Your daily makeup routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming; it just needs to feel good.
"Find the colours that make you feel alive. That’s what makeup is about." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Try this basic outline:
Foundation or tinted base
Concealer (only if needed)
Blush or bronzer
Simple eyeshadow trio (base, crease, depth)
Mascara (avoid clumpy formulas)
Lip color that flatters your undertone
Pair this approach with good lighting and a quiet moment for yourself each morning. With repetition and a few easy adjustments, your everyday makeup will become a seamless part of your wellness habits.
Remember, the goal is to feel refreshed and radiant, not overdone. Even a simple, consistent basic makeup routine can elevate your day.
Best Makeup Items Recommended by Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie highlights a mix of high-end and accessible brands that she loves. Just like makeup, professional presentation matters in the workplace too. Stephanie's education workshops on conflict de-escalation and resilience help individuals and teams show up with confidence and composure—whether in meetings or in front of a mirror. She encourages experimentation but also advises finding brands that perform well for your individual skin tone, texture, and age.
"Gone are the days of just shoving a bit of blue eyeshadow on and hoping for the best." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Some of her favourites include:
Foundation: Chanel, Dior
Blush & Powder: Laura Mercier, MAC
Eyeshadow & Liners: MAC, Kiko, Bobby Brown
Mascara: Tubing mascaras from Chemist Warehouse
Lip Products: Revlon, Charlotte Tilbury, Clinique
When choosing your own best makeup items, think about what feels good to wear and what lasts through your day. Don’t be afraid to mix brands or price points—performance matters more than packaging.
Basic Makeup for Over 50: Focus on Skin, Eyes, and Confidence
As we age, our skin changes—and so should our routine. Stephanie recommends choosing hydrating products with a dewy finish for a youthful glow. Products that were once reliable may no longer suit your skin’s evolving needs, so staying adaptable is key.
"Makeup should never feel like a mask. It should feel like you." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Here are a few additional insights from the podcast:
Avoid harsh lines: use softer pencils and blend well
Skip heavy lower-lid liner to open the eyes
Go for cream-based blushes or tinted moisturisers
Be mindful of your undertone when choosing colours
She reminds listeners that basic makeup for over 50 isn't about hiding flaws—it’s about enhancing what already makes you beautiful. For those wanting to feel more confident not only in their makeup but also in everyday life and health, Stephanie's holistic accountability coaching for health and wellness can support long-lasting change from the inside out.—it’s about enhancing what already makes you beautiful. Prioritising comfort and wearability helps build confidence and joy in the process of getting ready each day.
Industry Snapshot: New Zealand's Growing Beauty Landscape
New Zealand's beauty and cosmetics industry is not just evolving—it’s booming. Whether you’re interested in makeup as a personal passion or exploring it professionally, the data reveals a promising future for beauty in Aotearoa.
As of the 2018 Census, 540 makeup artists were employed in New Zealand, with demand rising due to expanding local film, TV, and fashion industries (source).
In 2023, New Zealand exported $65.4 million worth of beauty products, ranking 46th globally in beauty exports (source).
The New Zealand Cosmetics Market is projected to reach USD 668.10 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.85% between 2025 and 2032 (source).
Natural cosmetics currently account for 8% of global industry turnover and are forecast to grow at 8% annually over the next decade—indicating a shift toward clean, conscious beauty (source).
From artistry to exports, New Zealand’s beauty industry is gaining momentum—making now an ideal time to refine your personal makeup routine or even consider stepping into the professional side of beauty.
Final Thoughts: Makeup Should Empower, Not Overwhelm
Stephanie's message is clear: basic makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty and feeling like your best self. Whether you’re just starting out or updating your routine, choose products and techniques that reflect your lifestyle and values.
Use these makeup tips and tricks for a natural look to simplify your day and feel confident in your skin. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on progress. If you’re feeling stuck, a consultation with a stylist or makeup professional can make a big difference.
Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. You might also consider joining one of Stephanie's interactive personal development workshops to deepen your confidence, mindset, and overall presentation skills.. Your face is your canvas—treat it with care, creativity, and confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential items in a basic makeup kit?
A basic makeup kit should include just the essentials: moisturiser or primer, foundation or tinted moisturiser, concealer, blush or bronzer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow pencil or gel, and lip products like lipstick and lip liner. These core items give you the flexibility to create a polished look without overloading your vanity.
If you're starting from scratch or want a fresh perspective, a professional styling session can help match makeup tones to your wardrobe and overall look. Explore Stephanie’s styling consults here.
What type of makeup works best for mature skin?
Mature skin tends to benefit from hydrating, dewy-finish products that don’t settle into fine lines. Cream-based formulas for blush and foundation are often better choices than powders, as they create a more natural and youthful appearance.
Stephanie recommends focusing on products that work with your undertone, avoid harsh liners, and blend well. It’s also worth getting help from a professional to identify what works best for your changing skin.
How can I apply makeup more effectively as I get older?
Start with good lighting and skin prep—moisturiser and primer make a big difference. Stephanie suggests doing your eye makeup first to avoid fallout, using softer colours, and applying products with the right brushes.
Regular practice helps. Applying makeup consistently, rather than just on special occasions, helps you become more confident in your technique and comfortable with the results.
What are Stephanie Rumble’s top makeup application tips?
Stephanie shared her key tips: prep the skin, apply foundation suited to your tone, blend your eyeshadow well, and use tubing mascara to avoid smudging. She also stresses the value of practising regularly and working with colours that match your personality and skin tone.
She encourages a simple but intentional approach—getting into a rhythm makes makeup a positive part of your daily routine.
What is a tubing mascara and why does Stephanie recommend it?
Tubing mascara forms tiny water-resistant “tubes” around your lashes and comes off easily with warm water. It doesn’t smudge or flake, which makes it ideal for everyday use, especially for people with watery eyes or sensitive skin.
Stephanie loves tubing mascara for its clean finish and easy removal—perfect for mature eyes that may be more prone to irritation or smudging.
How do I choose the right foundation shade?
Choosing the right foundation means identifying your skin’s undertone and matching that to a brand with suitable shades. Stephanie recommends visiting a makeup counter and testing a few options in good lighting to see which blends in best with your natural skin.
If you struggle to find a match, getting a professional colour consultation can give you clarity. Stephanie’s services often include guidance on tones that work best for both makeup and clothing.
Can I still wear bold makeup if I’m over 50?
Absolutely! Stephanie encourages using colour confidently—but purposefully. While neutrals and softer tones are often more flattering on mature skin, a bold lip or well-blended eye can look fantastic when balanced with the rest of your look.
The key is to choose high-quality products, blend well, and stay within a palette that complements your natural colouring.
Why is lighting important when applying makeup?
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in makeup application. Good lighting—ideally natural daylight—helps you see how colours truly appear on your skin, prevents over-application, and ensures even blending.
Stephanie’s tip: if natural light isn’t available, use a mirror with built-in lights or position yourself near a window. A magnifying mirror also helps with precision.
What’s the best way to learn how to apply makeup?
There’s no single best way—just start practising. Stephanie learned through trial, error, and observation, and encourages her clients to do the same. Makeup books, in-person consults, and trusted advisors at stores like Mecca are great resources.
If you prefer guided learning, workshops or personal styling sessions can help you build your confidence and learn how to use products that suit you.
How does makeup tie into overall confidence and personal style?
Makeup isn’t just about appearance—it’s a tool for self-expression and confidence. Stephanie’s approach blends outer presentation with inner assurance. When makeup works for your lifestyle and identity, it becomes empowering rather than overwhelming.
Her coaching and workshops are designed to support that full-picture confidence—from styling and colour to mindset and health habits.
