Sign in

Older women use makeup to feel confident, not to hide their age

Updated on: Apr 29, 2016, 15:50:28 IST
IANS | By , London
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link
Many middle-aged and older women feel underrepresented or not represented realistically in the media which affects their confidence and feelings of self-worth. (Shutterstock)
Many middle-aged and older women feel underrepresented or not represented realistically in the media which affects their confidence and feelings of self-worth. (Shutterstock)

As it turns out, women, who use makeup, do it to look better and feel more confident and not to look younger, as is usually thought, finds an interesting research.

As it turns out, older women, who use makeup, do it to look better and feel more confident and not to hide their age, as is usually thought, finds an interesting research.

The findings showed that 62 percent of women used make-up daily and that only three percent used it to look younger. The majority — 52 per cent — used it to look good and 28 percent used it to feel confident.

Many middle-aged and older women feel underrepresented or not represented realistically in the media which affects their confidence and feelings of self-worth.

Read: Take 5: Some make-up rules to follow for a fabulous you

“They also dislike the young, airbrushed, or cosmetically-altered models used as they struggle to relate to them and consequently, to the products,” said Carolyn Mair from the London College of Fashion.

The team analysed over 500 women aged 40-89 years who participated in an online survey.

They were asked on use of make-up like how they viewed advertisements aimed at their age group, how they perceived advertising and the impact of this on their self-worth.

Read: Pro tips to ‘brush’ up your makeup skills

The team found that few older women claim to use cosmetic products to look younger but majority say they use them to look good and feel confident.

“It would be a step in the right direction if advertisers could reconsider some of their marketing strategies and focus less on how a product makes a woman look younger and more about how the product can make her feel good about herself,” Mair added.

The study was scheduled to be presented this week at the British Psychological Society’s 2016 annual conference in Nottingham.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.

Explore Lifestyle stories on Fashion,Health, Relationships, Festivals, Travel, recipe Fitness and Happy Eid 2026 Wishes. Get expert tips, trending updates, and practical ideas to improve your daily routine on Hindustan Times.