In your fifties, most women are in some stage of peri-or plain menopause. And because fewer are using hormone replacement therapy, the side effects can be pretty dramatic. At this stage a few things that may affect your makeup: Your skin tends to be dry, and it can heat up rapidly when you’re having a hot flash.” Your goal is to use products that won’t melt and smudge when your temperature spikes but that are still emollient enough to look and feel good on your parched complexion.

1. Primer(s)
To head off a meltdown, you can use primers on your skin, eyelids and even lips to help makeup stay put. Additionally, “choose formulas, including a primer, that moisturize. A few options: Dior Skinflash Primer in Sheer Glow in No. 001,Benefit Stay Don’t Stray Primer, or Laura Geller Lip Spackle

2. Moisturizing Foundation
Unless you’re genetically blessed—or you’ve sprung for laser treatments to even out your skin tone—you, like most women in their fifties, need some foundation to look your best. One that is literally spiked with moisturizer: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation.

3. Concealer
It may seem counterintuitive, but a sheerer concealer is more flattering as your skin ages. Heavier cover-ups may be opaque, but they’re also apt to sink into lines around the eyes. A better bet: a concealer-highlighter hybrid. The gold standard is YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.

4. Eyelash Curler
Lashes don’t just thin as you age they also straighten out. So if you haven’t been using an eyelash curler to date, now’s the time to start. Pump only once at the roots and again halfway down the lashes. Try Sephora 18K Gold Eyelash Curler.

5. Waterproof Eye Makeup
“Women start to complain in their fifties that their eye makeup just doesn’t last. Upping the ante on eye cream is a must as well as applying waterproof mascara and eyeliner. A few suggestions: Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. Finally, don’t neglect your brows; use something there that’s water resistant, too. We like: Per-fékt Brow Perfection Gel which comes in clear and three hair-matching hues.

6. Matte Eyeshadow
Most makeup pros we spoke with agreed that shadows with a matte finish are most flattering on fifty-something eyes. A suggestion is applying one matte light color (ivory, sand, camel, soft pink) over the whole lid, then swiping on a slightly deeper shade in just the crease. One palette that offers an abundance of neutral shade options, all utterly wearable: Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Palette in 02.

7. Bright Cream Blush
Following your mantra to moisturize, choose a cream blush. It’s less likely to streak on dry skin, and the formulas are typically pretty sheer. The pros say keep your shades peppy: pink or peach. And tap the color on the tops of the apples of your cheeks. Try Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush.