The Perfect Selfie: Top Makeup Hacks to Look Great on Camera After 50

Fifteen years ago, before Instagram even existed, we weren’t so conscious of our faces (and, let’s be honest, we were also a bit younger). Fast forward to today, and the selfie era has completely flipped the script on makeup.

It’s no longer just about looking good in the mirror: now, every day could be a “close-up in the spotlight” moment to share. Shine-free formulas, long-lasting primers, perfectly blended foundation: these are the new essentials. But once you hit your 50s, it gets even trickier, as makeup seems to have a mind of its own. What used to work like magic? Not so much anymore.

And honestly, it doesn’t always feel natural or comfortable, or at least, it doesn’t make us feel completely at ease snapping a selfie these days.

Over the years, though, I’ve discovered a few secrets that make every selfie look effortlessly radiant, without feeling overdone. And recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with our makeup expert Deborah Williams, whose tips transformed the way I approach camera-ready beauty. Here’s what I’ve learned.

The Foundation of a Good Selfie For Women Over 50

Camera lenses don’t lie; they’re ruthless. HD selfies, in particular, have a way of exposing every little imperfection you didn’t even know existed. They don’t care if you had a good night’s sleep or spent hours moisturising—they’ll highlight every dry patch, every uneven texture.

Personally, I swear by a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that gives my skin a little plumpness and bounce before I even think about foundation. On top of that, a primer with subtle light-reflecting particles is my secret weapon: it smooths fine lines and gives my complexion a soft-focus glow that even the fanciest Instagram filter can’t touch. Honestly, I feel like I’ve tricked the camera into thinking I woke up flawless…again.

Deborah always reminds me, “Foundation is your best friend. Start by evening out your skin tone with the perfect colour match.” And she’s right. I’ve learned the hard way that heavy formulas just settle into lines and make me look older than I feel.

Now, I stick with sheer, luminous foundations, blending them with a damp sponge until they look like skin, not cake. It’s subtle, natural, and selfie-approved.

Selfie Makeup for Mature Eyes: Lift, Light, and Definition

Eyes are the first thing people notice, especially in photos or selfies. That’s why I’ve learned they need to ‘pop’ just a little more on camera than they might in real life.

The lens tends to flatten features and mute expression, so enhancing the eyes slightly—through light, definition, or a touch of color—brings that spark back. And as we age, when our gaze naturally softens and loses some of its brightness, a little extra attention makes all the difference. 

I stick to creamy, neutral eyeshadows that add subtle dimension without harsh lines or looking overdone. A good lash curl and a lengthening mascara work wonders, instantly opening up my eyes and making them look more awake and vibrant.

And here’s a little trick I’ve adopted thanks to Deborah: a soft nude pencil on the waterline. She swears by it, and I couldn’t agree more. “It brightens your eyes on camera without looking harsh,” she says. And she’s right, there’s something magical about that small touch.

It gives your gaze that just-right sparkle, so your eyes draw people in without screaming, “Look at me!” The goal is effortless radiance that reads beautifully on camera, even under unforgiving lights or the merciless scrutiny of a selfie lens.

Cheeks That Lift: How to Bring Back Radiance in Selfie Make Up

Blush is your selfie’s best friend. I’m a big fan of cream formulas that melt into the skin for a naturally dewy flush. My go-to trick? I smile, sweep the blush onto the apples of my cheeks, and blend upward toward the temples. Simple, but transformative, it really lifts the face without feeling heavy or overdone.

Deborah always reminds me, “Balance and softness matter. Avoid harsh lines or overly strong blush. Everything should blend seamlessly.”

Now comes my favourite little hack: I add a subtle creamy highlighter on my cheekbones and on my Cupid’s bow above my lips. That tiny touch catches the light in the best way, giving my skin a soft, luminous glow without looking glittery or over the top.

It’s that one little secret that makes your features pop on camera, so even under the sun, bright lights, or the unforgiving selfie lens, your face reads fresh, radiant, and effortlessly put together. Honestly, it’s like makeup magic you can’t see in the mirror, but everyone notices in a photo.

However, Deborah cautions against going overboard with the glow. A subtle highlight can beautifully illuminate the skin, but as she points out, “A touch of radiance looks healthy in person, but on camera, too much can read as greasy. Keep the T-zone matte with a finishing powder. I love Final Touch from Grace Makeup—it diffuses shine beautifully and never looks powdery.”

The Over-50 Selfie Trick? It’s All in the Brows and Lips

When it comes to brows, remember they frame your face, lift your eyes, and give your features instant structure, even more on camera, where every detail is magnified. I fill mine in lightly for a polished, natural look, because overdone brows can quickly age you or read as harsh.

Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of brow mishaps: one too many wax strips and suddenly I looked perpetually surprised, or a pencil that was “just a touch darker” ended up looking like I’d drawn them on with a Sharpie.

Lesson learned: soft, natural, and thoughtfully filled is the way to go. A well-shaped brow opens up the eyes and balances the face, making everything else—blush, eyeshadow, lips—look that much more put-together.

And lips? On camera, they’re a must. Deborah always says, “Line and fill your lips completely. Don’t cut corners by applying lipstick only to part of your lip. A polished lip makes all the difference.”

I usually pair a creamy, hydrating lipstick with a touch of gloss in the centre for subtle fullness that catches the light beautifully. They’re small steps, but they completely transform the face and make those close-ups look effortless, even if the rest of the day feels like chaos.

Angles and Lighting: The Secrets to a Flattering Selfie

Makeup, however, isn’t the whole story. Deborah reminds me that: “The key is lighting, angles, and expression”.

I usually position myself facing a window, slightly above eye level, to create a flattering jawline. I let the soft light illuminate my skin and tilt my chin just so. I avoid shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is harsh (unless I’m in the shade). I’ve also realised that overhead lighting of any kind tends to accentuate wrinkles and cast shadows under the eyes.

Of course, before becoming a pro in front of the camera, I’ve collected plenty of funny fails along the road.

Some examples? Leaning in for a “flattering angle” only to capture what I now call my double-chin debut, or trying to tilt my head for a “sultry” look and ending up with a freeze-frame glare. And who hasn’t taken twenty photos to get one decent shot, only to realise the light highlights every fine line?

The secret is practice, patience, and a sense of humour.

Confidence Is Your Ultimate Beauty Filter

The more you play with angles, expressions, and little tweaks, the more confident and more selfie-ready you’ll feel. Think of it as your personal rehearsal for the camera, where mistakes are just part of the process and often the most entertaining part of the final album.

Above all, “keep your makeup natural – Deborah recommends- with a focus on enhancing your lashes, and aim for a relaxed, genuine smile. Experiment with poses that add asymmetry and movement for a more dynamic look. Finally, practice your expressions and let your inner energy shine through: whether you want to convey confidence, joy, or warmth, your mood will radiate through the lens”.

The final ingredient? Confidence. At 50+, we’ve earned the right to embrace our features: the laugh lines, the silver strands, the expressions that tell our stories. 

Whether it’s a casual coffee shot or a glam evening portrait, I’ve learned that looking great on camera is all about embracing who we are and knowing exactly how to highlight our best selves (and if you’re in a rush, the good old filter can always come to the rescue).

Which makeup hack has transformed your selfies since turning 50?

Like this post? Support Us or Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox!