Makeup Routine After Going Gray: What Changed for Me in My 50s

When I stopped dyeing my hair, I didn’t think my makeup routine would change much. But as the grays came in, I started noticing something: my favorite shades just weren’t working the same way anymore.

That once-perfect warm nude lip? Too peachy. My bronzer? A little too orange. Even black eyeliner suddenly felt harsh against the softer contrast of my natural gray hair.

This is something not a lot of people talk about—how your makeup needs evolve as your hair changes. Especially in midlife. So today, I’m sharing a peek into my makeup routine after going gray—what stayed, what shifted, and how I found a new balance that still feels like me.

I talked more about the mindset shifts in What I Wish I Knew Before Going Gray—it’s wild how much changes once you stop covering up.

Spoiler: you don’t need a full overhaul. But a few intentional swaps can make a big difference.

A brighter base that lets my skin breathe

I lean into lightweight coverage now. A tinted SPF keeps things fresh and dewy without masking my skin. My current favorite? Erborian CC Cream—it hydrates and evens everything out in one step.

Cream blush in cool-toned shades

My old peach blush didn’t vibe with my new cool undertones. I’ve switched to Subtl Beauty Lip Cheek in Elderberry Escape, a cream formula that adds a natural flush. It melts into the skin in a way that feels more youthful and less powdery. I’ve also let go of bronzer—what once added warmth now just felt off. Against my grays, it started to look a little out of place, so I embraced a softer, more tonal approach instead.

Softer definition for eyes and brows

I traded harsh black liner for a taupe that matches my grays so much better. I smudge it out for a more diffused look, which feels gentler next to gray hair. I also give my brows some love—lightly filled, but never too sharp. I use Subtl Beauty’s Brow BFF which is a multi-purpose product; a pencil to fill brows and use as eyeliner, a brow gel to hold brows in place and a brow brush to fluff your brows.

A lip color shift that just feels right

Those warm corals and terracottas I once loved now feel off. Lately, I’ve been wearing the same Elderberry Escape and softening it even more by layering Subtl Beauty’s Lip Glaze in Undone—a hint of color without overpowering.

Still using my Subtl Beauty Stak—just refreshed it

I was so happy I didn’t have to toss everything—with my Subtl Beauty Stak I just had to pivot in colors and it still remains a staple, especially for touch-ups on the go. I just updated the blush and lip colors inside to match my new tone. It’s compact, easy, and honestly perfect for this season of life.

Beauty over 50 isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what feels good

This new routine is simpler, but more in sync with who I am now. That’s the unexpected gift of going gray—it invites you to reimagine, not just your hair, but how you show up. Back when my hair was darker, I leaned on bold makeup to keep up. Now, it’s the simplicity—the gentle tones—that bring out a quiet confidence I didn’t expect.

If you’re finding that your old favorites aren’t quite hitting the same anymore, you’re not alone. A few small tweaks can bring everything back into balance—with less effort and more confidence.

P.S. If you’re curious about trying Subtl Beauty, you can use my code MEESH15 at checkout for a little savings. I only share what I genuinely use and love.

Every step we take is a step toward our true selves.
Thanks for walking part of this path with me.
🩶 Meesh

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