During her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, Billie Eilish shared a simple trick for recreating her childhood freckles. She used a drugstore brow pen on her nose and cheeks.

What makeup tips did Billie Eilish share for her faux freckles?

In a Dec. 21, 2024 TikTok, Eilish revealed her secret to faux freckles. She uses Revlon ColorStay 5-in-1 Semi-Permanent Brow Ink, which was listed at $9.99 at the time.

The clip walked viewers through her pre-show makeup routine. Alongside the Revlon pen, she used products from NARS, Laura Mercier and Makeup by Mario. According to Teen Vogue’s breakdown of her makeup routine, the brow ink carried the $9.99 price when she posted. It was designed to fill and define eyebrows rather than create freckles, making its use in Eilish’s routine an unexpected twist.

Erica Taylor Reveals the Makeup Mistakes That Are Aging You—and a Viral Dollar Tree Beauty Buy

How does Billie Eilish apply her fake freckles?

Eilish uses the pointed applicator to dot the ink across her nose and cheekbones. She then blends the dots with her fingertips for a more natural look.

The sweetest moment came when she held up a childhood photograph of herself with natural freckles and added the caption “Just trying 2 get back to dis.” According to Allure’s coverage of Eilish’s makeup routine, she gently blends the dots after placing them. The look is not about inventing something new. It is about getting back to the kid in that photo.

Why does Revlon’s brow ink work as a freckle pen alternative?

The brow ink’s fine, pointed tip is built to draw precise, hair-like strokes, making it useful for creating small, natural-looking freckle dots without reaching for a dedicated freckle pen.

Revlon’s official product description identifies ColorStay Semi-Permanent Brow Ink as a product designed to fill, define and groom eyebrows. The formula is advertised as waterproof, transfer-proof and smudge-proof, and the brand claims up to three days of wear when used on brows, though that longevity is not guaranteed when the product is dotted onto skin as freckles. It comes in four shades: Blonde, Soft Brown, Warm Brown and Dark Brown.

Can you still buy Billie Eilish’s faux freckle product?

Yes, the Revlon ColorStay 5-in-1 Semi-Permanent Brow Ink is still sold, but the $9.99 price Teen Vogue listed in December 2024 is not guaranteed anymore.

Revlon’s website lists the product for $16.99, so fans hoping to match the original drugstore price may want to compare retailers before buying. Because the formula is intended for eyebrows, anyone trying Eilish’s freckle technique should follow the manufacturer’s directions.

You know the feeling. You’ve just finished your makeup, you’re heading out the door and suddenly a hot flash arrives like an uninvited guest. Within minutes, your foundation is sliding, your powder is patchy and the fresh face you worked so hard on has melted away. The good news? A few small tweaks to your routine can help your makeup stay put, even when your internal thermostat has other plans.

Makeup artist Laura Geller, creator of Laura Geller makeup—one of the few beauty brands made for mature skin—shares three simple, no-fuss tricks to keep your makeup looking great even when you have a hot flash. Each tip takes just seconds and works whether you’re at the office, out with friends or in the middle of a warm afternoon.

Laura Geller’s 3 best makeup tricks for hot flashes

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, these makeup hacks can help you look and feel your best even when your internal temperature starts to rise. 

Beauty

8 Best Makeup for Mature Skin Tricks

Just like we might make tweaks to our hair care and skin care routines as we age, our makeup routine likely needs some updating too. Thanks to changes in hormones, skin tone, bone structure and more, the colors, textures and techniques that once looked great on young, dewy, smooth skin can tend to exacerbate the […]

Start with a water-based primer

Your primer sets the stage for everything that follows, so this is where hot flash-proofing your makeup really begins. “I recommend using a water-based primer—it creates a lightweight base without adding extra oil to the skin,” Geller says. “When you suddenly start to heat up, your makeup is less likely to slide around.” 

Her other secret for staying power: When you feel yourself getting damp, resist the urge to wipe your face. Instead, gently blot with a tissue or blotting paper. Wiping drags makeup right off your skin, while blotting lifts away moisture and leaves your foundation exactly where you put it. It’s one of those small shifts that makes a big difference—and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

Set it with a spray

“A great setting spray is a game changer!” Geller says. Setting spray is a true multitasker when hot flashes are part of the equation. It locks your makeup in place, adds a refreshing mist and—if you keep it cold—offers instant relief the moment a flash hits.

“When applied after your makeup, my Flashproof Anti-Hot Flash Makeup Setting Spray is helps keep your makeup in place for up to 18 hours, sweat and all,” Geller adds. Her smart trick: Stash the bottle in the fridge. When you feel the heat rising, a few spritzes cool your skin immediately and lock foundation so it doesn’t streak down your cheeks. 

Cool down with a chilled roller

For those times when a spray isn’t enough, Geller has one more trick up her sleeve: a chilled roller. “Freeze a jade roller or even a metal spoon and keep it tucked in the fridge door” so it’s always ready when you need it, she says. “Rolling it along the jawline and forehead calms redness and flushing without disturbing makeup.” 

The key is the direction: Roll from the center of your face outward. That way, you’re smoothing your makeup gently in place instead of dragging it across your cheeks. In a minute or two, your skin feels cooler, your face looks calmer and your makeup is still exactly where it should be.

Beauty

‘What Matters With Liz’ Episode 6: Laura Geller on Midlife Beauty (Excl)

“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to […]

Your makeup game-plan when navigating hot flashes

Hot flashes may be unpredictable, but your makeup doesn’t have to be. With a water-based primer under your foundation, a chilled setting spray within reach and a cool roller waiting in the fridge, you’ve got a complete toolkit for staying polished through whatever the day throws your way. 

A version of this article appears in the November 9, 2026, issue of Woman’s World.

Color-changing makeup, meaning the pH-reactive lipsticks, balms, blushes and even foundations that shift shade on contact with your skin, is in the middle of a full revival. If the name Tangee rings a bell, that’s no coincidence. The category traces its lineage straight back to that familiar tube many of us remember from our mothers’ vanities and our own first makeup bags, and the chemistry behind today’s version is giving brands a story that reads as both nostalgic and genuinely scientific. Where it goes next will depend on how far pH-adaptive technology can stretch across the face, and how quickly the next viral launch can turn curiosity into lasting shelf space.

What’s happening with color-changing makeup

Color-changing products are stacking up across price tiers. Tom Ford sells the Soleil Lip Blush Balm with pH-Adaptive Pink Stain, a “24-karat gold-infused, hydrating lip balm that swipes on clear and then transforms to a sultry, personalized pink stain based on your unique skin pH.” At the opposite end, Essence is selling an Aqua Jelly Colour Changing Lipstick for $4.99. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Blush Balm Lip Tints and the Sephora Collection Color Twister oil-in-stick extend the format to cheeks.

The trend has pushed past color cosmetics, too. Prime Prometics’ Color Changing Foundation for Mature Skin, sold at Ulta, promotes “color-changing technology that instantly adapts to your skin tone.” Luminess’ Liquid Mirage Color Adjusting Foundation + SPF 50 uses “tone-adapting micro-beads.” And the one that started it all, the original Tangee lipstick, is still sold through the Vermont Country Store, which also carries a Tangee color-changing powder blush for the loyal fans who never stopped reaching for it.

Beauty

Tired-Girl Makeup Is Turning Imperfection Into a Beauty Business

Natural makeup brands are finding opportunity in imperfection.  Polished is out. Depleted is aspirational. And the “undone” aesthetic taking over your feed runs on a surprisingly full cart of cosmetics. As tired-girl makeup spreads across TikTok tutorials and broader beauty trends, the more revealing story for anyone paying attention to beauty is how natural makeup […]

Why it’s happening

Three forces are pushing the category forward.

The first is personalization. Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Sethi, founder of Isyaderm and author of Skin Sense, told Elle India that “pH-activated makeup basically uses a dye or chemical that changes color according to the skin’s pH.” Because every wearer’s chemistry is slightly different, the resulting shade is self-customizing, a feature that’s difficult for a conventional lipstick to match.

The second is the chemistry’s credibility. Cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson told Allure that “Red 27 is pH-driven,” explaining that “when it comes in contact with moisture, the change in solubility and pH causes the dye to turn bright pink.” That shared ingredient gives brands from drugstore to luxury a reliable technical backbone, and it’s the same science that made Tangee feel like magic generations ago.

“These dyes are able to act like pH indicators, meaning the color is unique to you.”
Natalie Mackey, CEO, Winky Lux

The third is social proof. The Youthforia BYO BLUSH Color Changing Blush Oil went viral on TikTok before the brand shut down, proof that a single reactive-color product can capture cultural attention almost overnight, and that the format travels especially well on video.

What could be next after the revival of color-changing makeup

Expect color-changing technology to migrate across the face. Lips were the proof of concept. Cheeks are mid-expansion through Sephora’s Color Twister and the revived Tangee powder. Complexion is where the real test lies. Prime Prometics and Luminess have already seeded the foundation category, and the Luminess line pairs its tone-adapting beads with SPF 50, a sign that brands intend to fold pH or tone-matching claims into functional base products, not just novelty items. Reader action. If you’re shopping for a new foundation in the next six months, check whether “adaptive” means pigment-encapsulated beads, pH-reactive dye or marketing copy. The three deliver very different results, and that distinction matters more as you shop for mature skin.

Expect another viral hit, and expect it to be fragile. Youthforia’s trajectory, explosive attention followed by brand collapse, is the cautionary blueprint. The next color-changing blush or balm to trend on TikTok will likely drive weeks of sell-outs, but the Youthforia story suggests virality alone isn’t enough to keep a brand solvent. Reader action. Before buying into the next viral launch, wait for a second wave of reviews after the initial unboxing cycle, and confirm the brand has distribution beyond its own site.

Expect the pitch to shift from novelty to skincare. Prime Prometics already markets its color-changing foundation as “hypoallergenic and skincare-infused,” and Ford folds a lip balm claim into its pH stain. The next competitive edge likely won’t be the color shift itself, which is already commoditized through Red 27, but what else the formula does, from hydration to SPF to barrier support. Charlotte Tilbury already markets its pH lip tints around moisture reactivity. Reader action. Read the full ingredient deck, not the shade claim. The color change is table stakes now.

The clear takeaway, color-changing makeup is no longer a gimmick revival. It’s becoming a platform claim, and the brands that pair pH science with real skincare benefits are the ones most likely to outlast the trend cycle. The fact that Tangee is still on shelves after all these years tells you the concept has staying power, if the formula earns it.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH
1. Any extension of a pH-adaptive formula from lip into cheek or complexion in the next product drop from Ford or Charlotte Tilbury.
2. The next color-changing product to trend on TikTok, and whether the brand behind it has retail distribution to survive the spike.
3. New foundation launches citing Red 27 or pH-reactive dye on the ingredient list, signaling the dye’s move from lip to full-face.

• Beauty Report Shows: These Top 5 ‘Economical’ Skincare Brands Work Better Than $190+ Creams
• Simple Beauty Tricks That Instantly Make You Look More Awake and Refreshed in Minutes
• Easy 5-Minute Makeup Routine for Mature Skin: Hydrating, Flattering & Quick

At this stage of life, odds are you’ve got your makeup routine down pat. But what if we told you that the undereye concealer shade you’ve been using for years—or the blush trick that worked in your teens—could actually be aging you in midlife? We spoke to Erica Taylor, renowned makeup artist, beauty educator, digital creator and author, to break down the surprising makeup mistakes that could subtly be making you appear older than your years. We’re revealing what to do instead, plus affordable makeup products (including a Dollar Tree find) that help you look and feel your best. The best part? These anti-aging hacks take 60 seconds or less!

5 surprising makeup mistakes that are aging you 

Here are five common makeup mistakes Taylor sees in midlife and her easy fixes:

Beauty

Makeup Pros: “Watercolor” Trick Reverses Years for Women Over 50 — And It’s So Easy

Lift features, erase fine lines, plump lips and more!

Using concealer that’s too light 

Wearing a concealer that’s a shade too light for your complexion (a trend popular in the mid-2010s) can bring more attention to under-eye texture, leaving the area looking tired rather than brighter, explains Taylor. 

Quick fix: “Instead, choose a shade that works with your skin tone and use less product,” says Taylor. “I also recommend using a hydrating formula and properly prepping the under-eye area first. I love a good eye balm, because hydrated skin gives concealer a much smoother, fresher finish.”

Wearing foundation that’s too matte or light 

“For years, we were taught to go lighter with foundation and then add color back with blush and bronzer,” says Taylor. “That approach is dated.” An overly matte or too-light foundation can make your face look flat and bring attention to dryness and texture, which are more common problems as we age. 

Quick fix: “Rule of thumb: If you feel like you have to immediately run for your blush or bronzer after applying your foundation, your foundation may be too light,” explains Taylor. “Your foundation should match your skin properly, and sometimes going just a touch deeper can make the complexion look healthier and more awake.”

Using black eyeliner on your waterline

We’ve all done it. But black eyeliner in the waterline can highlight redness in the eyes (often triggered by dry eye that flares up in midlife) and make the eyes look smaller, says Taylor. 

Quick fix: “Instead, try a softer bronze or brown liner, and smudge it along the outer portion of the eye,” recommends Taylor. “It gives you definition while helping the eyes look larger, softer and more rested.”

Wearing your blush or bronzer too low 

“Placement makes a huge difference, especially as we age,” explains Taylor. “When blush and bronzer are applied too low on the face, they can visually pull the face downward.”

Quick fix: Taylor provides an analogy for blush and bronzer. “Think about rerouting traffic upward,” she says. “Apply your blush and bronzer slightly higher to create a more lifted, youthful effect.”

‘Baking’ under the eyes

“Heavy baking [applying a thick layer of powder to ‘set’ makeup before brushing it off] is not my favorite technique for mature skin, especially underneath the eyes,” adds Taylor. “If you have any texture or fine lines, powder can settle into them and make them much more noticeable.”

Quick fix: Taylor recommends applying a very light “dusting” of powder just to the areas where you need it and skipping a heavily powdered under-eye. “I also love finishing with a hydrating setting spray to help the makeup melt into the skin and bring back a fresh, more natural-looking finish,” she adds. 

Beauty

6 Natural Eye Makeup Looks for Women Over 50 That Prove That Less Is More

Plus, the makeup-artist mascara tip that lengthens lashes without clumping!

3 instant makeup hacks for more youthful skin

For healthy, radiant skin in a flash, try these quick tricks:

Gently exfoliate first

“Beautiful makeup starts with good skin prep,” says Taylor. “Gentle exfoliation can help remove surface buildup and create a smoother canvas for makeup.” Just avoid over-exfoliating, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, she adds. 

Hydrate your skin before makeup 

“I love hydrating primers, eye balms, serums and creams instead of overly matte or heavy blurring primers,” explains Taylor. She adds that when your skin is hydrated, makeup has a smoother, fresher and more natural look. 

Restore moisture with the right products 

“I always say that the right skin prep is 70 percent of the battle for a beautiful makeup application,” adds Taylor. “Look for hydrating and plumping products that help your skin look smooth and moisturized before you even pick up a foundation brush. When the skin is properly prepped, you can often use less makeup—and less makeup can look much more youthful on mature skin.”

4 affordable makeup picks Taylor recommends for mature skin

Now you know the makeup mistakes that could be impacting your look and the simple hacks that can help, but what products should you pick up? Here are a few of Taylor’s top picks:

• Global Beauty Care Hydrating Double Face Serum ($1.25) “This is one of my favorite budget finds,” says Taylor. “I discovered the Global Beauty Care Double Serum at Dollar Tree, and it has gone viral with my community. It’s become a favorite because of how affordable it is and how beautifully it works as part of a skin-prep routine.”
• L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Bounce Serum ($12.79) “A very affordable option for makeup prep,” adds Taylor. “I love products that help hydrate and plump the skin before makeup, and this is a great drugstore find.”
• L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush ($14.99) “A beautiful, affordable way to add that healthy, fresh-looking flush to the complexion,” says Taylor.
• Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer ($13.99) “Cream bronzer is a great choice for mature skin because it can give the complexion warmth without looking dry or powdery,” explains Taylor.

The bottom line on correcting common makeup mistakes 

Aging does not mean giving up the things you love. You can still wear the bold blush that brings warmth to your cheeks or the eyeliner that makes your eyes pop, but the way you use those products may change. And now you know exactly what to do.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

We’ve all been there—the alarm goes off after a rough night, and the mirror confirms what you already feel. Whether it’s been a restless night, a packed schedule or just one of those weeks, looking tired can affect how you carry yourself through the entire day.

Here’s the good news: a few simple, strategic moves can fake a full eight hours in just minutes. No elaborate routine required. These are the beauty tricks that actually work to help you look refreshed, even when sleep wasn’t on your side.

Eye-brightening beauty tricks that make you look awake in seconds

When you’re short on sleep, your eyes are the first to show it. But two incredibly quick steps can turn things around before you even reach for your coffee. A tiny dab of concealer or champagne shimmer at the inner corners of your eyes instantly opens them up and reduces those telltale shadows that settle overnight. It works whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup or keeping things minimal.

The second move? Curl your lashes. If you do only one thing before walking out the door, make it this. Even without mascara, curling your lashes lifts the entire eye area and makes you look more awake immediately.

Mélanie Nauche and Margaux Anbouba with Vogue says: “Curling your lashes is the most effective beauty trick in the book. It instantly gives eyes a wide-awake look alone—even if you don’t coat lashes in layers of black, brown, blue, or other pigment.”

It takes seconds and requires zero product—just a lash curler and a firm squeeze.

Strategic concealer and blush placement for a refreshed, natural glow

If you’re tempted to reach for heavy foundation on a tired morning, think again. The smarter approach is applying concealer only where it’s needed most—under the eyes (especially the inner half), around the nose and on any redness spots. This targeted method keeps skin looking fresh instead of flat or cakey. Heavy, all-over coverage can actually emphasize fatigue rather than mask it.

Another trick worth trying? Add blush underneath your eyes. Makeup artist Adrian Rux tells Vogue, “pink under the eyes neutralizes greenish and bluish undertones. That’s why pink powders also work, as they provide a brightening effect.”

A light tinted moisturizer can also even out your complexion without the weight of foundation, giving skin a naturally healthy look.

Highlighter, brows and hydrated lips: quick beauty moves that brighten your whole face

Sometimes the smallest finishing touches make the biggest impact, and that’s especially true when you’re running on little sleep. A touch of highlighter, groomed brows and a hydrated lip can completely change how rested you appear. These three steps take almost no time and require products you likely already own.

Tap a small amount of highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone and inner eye corners. These strategic points reflect light and reduce dullness. The key is subtle—a soft, natural sheen that mimics well-rested, healthy skin.

Brushed-up brows lift the face visually and make you look more alert. You don’t need to overfill them—just comb them into place with a brow gel or even a clean spoolie. And don’t underestimate your lips: dry, pale lips can make your whole face look tired. A soft tint or balm adds instant freshness and color.

Why hydrating mists and water are your best beauty secrets

After you’ve applied your targeted touches of makeup, one final step can pull the whole look together. A cool-toned setting spray or face mist reduces that powdery, tired look and brings skin back to life. Think of it as a reset for your face—refreshing everything you’ve already done and giving your skin a dewy, healthy finish.

Deanna Pai and Annie Blackman with Allure says: “Whether you’re looking to calm sensitive skin, brighten a dull complexion, or give yourself a midday refresh, the best face mists do the trick. Face mists are formulated to hydrate and balance the skin, often using nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide, aloe vera, and witch hazel. Others tackle oiliness, and a few even double as setting sprays.”

And don’t forget the most basic trick of all—drink water. Sara Goldstein with Motherly says: “No amount of skincare or makeup can make up for being dehydrated. If your body is a dried up corn husk on the inside, it’s going to start to look like that on the outside. (Note that if you’re already hydrated, drinking extra water doesn’t offer more skin effects, however.) Getting enough water helps keep skin hydrated and hydrated skin is the key to looking fresh and well rested—or at least less like you’ve been juggling potty training accidents and your phone’s news notifications on three hours of sleep.”

Harvard Health says: “For healthy individuals, the average daily water for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups. That might mean you need only four to six cups of plain water, depending on other fluid sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits, and vegetables.”

Looking refreshed on no sleep is easier than you think

Looking awake when you haven’t slept doesn’t require a complicated routine or a bag full of products. A few targeted moves—curled lashes, concealer in the right spots, a touch of highlighter and a hydrating mist—can make all the difference. Pair those with a glass of water and you’re already ahead.

You know that glow you get after a brisk walk or a really good laugh? That flush of color across your cheeks that makes you look instantly warmer, more alive, more like you? It turns out that natural rosy look is the exact thing most of us forget to recreate when we sit down at the mirror each morning. And according to celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller, skipping it could be the biggest beauty mistake in your routine.

The simplest advice you’ll hear all year

With all the elaborate skincare routines and multi-step beauty regimens out there, Geller’s guidance feels refreshingly uncomplicated: put some blush on.

“You need color,” Geller said in a recent What Matters With Liz episode. “I think when you get older, your chances of putting blush on and seeing it fade in a short time are pretty real. And color on your cheeks is what makes you look youthful, vibrant and radiant. And I will tell you, there are so many people that shy away from using color.”

It’s an observation that hits home for anyone who has spent good money on foundations, concealers and primers—carefully building a base that evens out skin tone—only to stop right before the step that actually brings everything together. Without adding color back in, you’re left with a complexion that can look flat, washed out or tired, even when the skin underneath is well cared for.

Your grandmother already knew this trick

Geller has an analogy that will feel familiar to just about anyone.

“It’s like when your grandmother said, ‘Let me pinch your cheeks’ and you got a flush of color, it is probably the most important thing that you can do for yourself,” Geller said.

That image of a grandmother gently pinching a child’s cheeks to bring out a rosy glow captures something we’ve all experienced. This has nothing to do with dramatic contouring or bold statement looks. It’s about replicating the kind of natural warmth that makes a person look healthy and alive.

Think about what happens to your face after a good workout, a moment of excitement or even a slight embarrassment. That rush of blood to the surface creates a vibrancy that no amount of neutral-toned makeup can replicate on its own.

Beauty

Laura Geller's '3 E's' Makeup Rule Is the Only One You Need

You know that feeling when you’re standing in the beauty aisle, staring at rows and rows of products, wondering which ones you actually need? Or when you stumble across an online tutorial that requires a dozen different products and what feels like an hour of your morning? You’re not alone. And according to one makeup […]

Why so many of us hold back

If blush can make that much of a difference, why do so many people skip it? Geller’s comments point to a common hesitation: people shy away from using color.

For some, there’s a fear of overdoing it — a worry that blush will look unnatural. Others take the minimalist approach and believe a clean base is enough. And as Geller noted, for those who are getting older, there’s the practical frustration that blush tends to fade more quickly, which might discourage people from bothering at all.

Whatever the reason, the result is the same: faces missing the one element that can make the biggest visual difference.

Wellness

Beauty Guru Laura Geller, 67, Shares Her Breast Cancer Story and Advocacy Work

Laura Geller, 67, didn’t plan to go public with her breast cancer story. The beauty entrepreneur initially kept quiet, convinced her early-stage diagnosis didn’t warrant attention compared to others facing harder battles. But her friends pushed back—and their encouragement changed everything. Now cancer-free and advocating for others through her work with the Dubin Breast Center […]

The difference between flat and radiant

Consider the contrast Geller draws. Blush isn’t about piling more product onto your face. It’s about the difference between flat and radiant. Between tired and vibrant.

Those are real distinctions you can see. They represent the gap between a face that looks like it needs more sleep and one that looks energized and full of life. And according to Geller, closing that gap doesn’t require an elaborate technique or an expensive product. It requires a willingness to embrace color.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

You know that feeling when you’re standing in the beauty aisle, staring at rows and rows of products, wondering which ones you actually need? Or when you stumble across an online tutorial that requires a dozen different products and what feels like an hour of your morning? You’re not alone. And according to one makeup industry veteran, you can forget most of it. Her secret comes down to just three words.

Laura Geller shared her go-to beauty philosophy with me on my show, What Matters with Liz, and it’s so refreshingly simple, you’ll wonder why no one told you sooner.

“The three E’s are eyeliner, eyelash—that’s mascara—and eyebrow. That’s it. And if you remember those three things, your eyes will always stand out,” Geller said.

That’s the whole formula. Three quick moves, and you’re done.

Why this approach feels like a breath of fresh air

We’re living in an era where beauty content often celebrates maximalism—contouring, baking, layering serums and primers. So there’s real relief in hearing a pro say that less can be more.

Geller’s “3 E’s” framework strips away the noise and zeros in on what she considers the essentials: the eyes. Rather than thinking about an entire face of makeup, she narrows the focus to three targeted areas that work together to define and highlight your eyes. The idea is deceptively powerful in its simplicity. It sticks because it’s easy to remember and even easier to act on.

If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of beauty products and routines out there, this is your permission to step back and simplify. 

Beauty

Celebrity Makeup Pros Give Eye Makeup Tricks for Mature Skin

We love using makeup to enhance our features, conceal any flaws and boost our confidence. And one of our favorite features to play up is our eyes. No matter if you prefer a subtle, natural eye look or to go full glam, the possibilities with eye makeup are endless! But we don’t always have time […]

Breaking down Laura Geller’s 3 Es of makeup

So what does Geller’s formula look like when you’re standing in front of your mirror? Here’s each piece of the puzzle.

Eyeliner is the first “E.” It’s one of the most versatile tools in any makeup bag. You can apply it in a thin, subtle line to define your lash line or build it up for something bolder and more dramatic. Whether you prefer a pencil, gel or liquid formula, this single product can change the entire look of your face in seconds. What makes it such a foundational step is its ability to frame the eye and add structure and definition.

Eyelash—meaning mascara—is the second “E.” Geller uses “eyelash” to keep her handy mnemonic intact. A few coats can open up your eyes, add volume and length to your lashes and create a more awake, polished appearance. For many people, mascara is the one product they’d grab if they could only choose a single item from their whole collection. Geller’s inclusion of it in her essential trio makes sense when you think about how much impact it delivers for the effort involved.

Eyebrow rounds out the trio. Well-groomed, defined brows have become a major focus in the beauty world in recent years, and for good reason. Eyebrows serve as a natural frame for the face, and filling them in or shaping them can dramatically change how your features appear. Whether you reach for a brow pencil, powder, gel or pomade, a little attention to this area goes a long way. By pairing eyebrows with eyeliner and mascara, Geller covers every major aspect of eye definition.

A formula that works at every age

One of the most appealing parts of Geller’s advice? Its universality. As she shared on the show, these three steps can make your eyes stand out regardless of age. Whether you’re just starting to experiment with makeup or you’ve been wearing it for decades, the formula stays the same.

That accessibility is what makes the “3 E’s” resonate. No complicated routines. No endless steps. Just three focused moves to instantly make your eyes pop.

Beauty

8 Best Makeup for Mature Skin Tricks

Just like we might make tweaks to our hair care and skin care routines as we age, our makeup routine likely needs some updating too. Thanks to changes in hormones, skin tone, bone structure and more, the colors, textures and techniques that once looked great on young, dewy, smooth skin can tend to exacerbate the […]

How this simple 3-step makeup routine can work for you

If your morning routine has been taking too long, or if you’ve been unsure where to even start with makeup, Geller’s “3 E’s” gives you a practical framework. It’s easy to remember and quick to execute.

Focus on your eyeliner. Apply your mascara. Define your eyebrows. According to Geller, that’s all it takes for your eyes to always stand out.

No extensive product hauls required. No complicated tutorials to follow. Just three purposeful steps and the confidence that comes with knowing you’ve covered the essentials.

Because the best beauty routine isn’t the most elaborate one. It’s the one that makes you feel like yourself, only a little more polished. And if Laura Geller’s “3 E’s” can deliver that in three quick moves, it might just be the only makeup rule you actually need.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller.

In this episode of What Matters with Liz, the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to discuss confidence, reinvention, and embracing aging on your own terms.

From being overlooked for jobs in her 40s to building a brand that celebrates women over 40, Geller shares how she turned rejection into purpose and why helping women feel seen, confident, and beautiful at every age has become her mission. She opens up about her early career as a makeup artist, working with icons like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman, launching her business in New York City with no roadmap, and the pivotal moment—casting an older model on QVC—that helped shift both her brand and the broader beauty conversation.

If you’ve ever felt invisible, unsure how to evolve your look, or like your best years are behind you, this conversation will remind you: they’re not.

Watch What Matters With Liz Episode 6 here or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. 

Watch Episode 6 right here! ‘What Matters to Laura Geller: Aging with Confidence, Beauty & Owning Your Power’  

Laura Geller on how was pushed aside —and pushed back

Geller’s career path wasn’t a straight line. She built her reputation as a makeup artist working with icons like Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman. But when she hit her 40s, she found herself being overlooked for jobs. The industry that had trained her was pushing her aside.

She didn’t accept that. With no roadmap, Geller launched her own business in New York City. Laura Geller Beauty grew out of a gap she’d experienced firsthand: the absence of makeup designed for women over 40.

One decision changed the trajectory. Geller cast an older model on QVC at a time when the dominant selling strategy in beauty was youth. She went the other direction. That bet paid off and helped shift both her brand’s identity and the broader beauty conversation.

Life

Introducing ‘What Matters With Liz’: 'Conversations to Change Your Life'

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could tune out the noise and focus on what really matters in life, you’re in luck. Meet What Matters With Liz, the brand-new weekly show from Woman’s World, hosted by Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello, created for women who want uplifting stories, advice and just a little bit of joy […]

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why aging is something to own—not fight
• The biggest beauty mistakes women make after 40
• Laura’s simple “3 E’s” rule for instantly enhancing your look
• How to adapt your skincare and makeup as your skin changes
• Why confidence actually gets stronger with age
• How to turn rejection into reinvention
• The reality of balancing career, motherhood, and ambition
• Why finding “your thing” is essential at every stage of life
• How to shift from self-criticism to self-acceptance
• How to ignite a new flame of passion in your life – no matter your age

Wellness

‘What Matters With Liz’ Ep. 5: Nedra Glover Tawwab on Connection (Excl)

Having trouble setting healthy boundaries or navigating family relationships sometimes? Us too. Licensed therapist, relationship expert and New York Times bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab joins host Liz Vaccariello on this week’s episode of What Matters With Liz to share practical tools for building deeper connections and healthier relationships. Drawing on more than 15 years […]

Why finding ‘your thing’ matters at every age

Geller makes a case for something broader than beauty in this episode. She talks about why finding “your thing” is essential at every stage of life and how to ignite a new flame of passion regardless of age. Her own path — from working makeup artist to brand founder to public advocate for age-inclusive beauty — is a case study in serial reinvention.

Her message is direct: beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about empowerment.

For anyone who has felt invisible, unsure how to evolve their look, or skeptical that the best is still ahead, Geller’s perspective is worth your time. She turned professional rejection into a brand and a mission, and her approach to aging runs counter to most of what the beauty industry has sold for decades.

What Matters With Liz airs every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts, with highlights and behind-the-scenes clips shared on Instagram and Facebook. 

Also, be sure to subscribe to the What Matters With Liz free newsletter from Woman’s World Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello. Every week, you’ll get real talk about health, money and entertainment, plus uplifting stories, practical tips and exclusive updates on Vaccariello’s new video podcast.