ChatGPT, Makeup Maven?

By Karen and Erica

We are interested in makeup, especially for older women. But we don’t know enough about makeup to say much. So, obviously, we asked ChatGPT . Our specific question: what is the best makeup for women over 70?

Here’s the complete list that ChatGPT says ensures:

• Day look = bright, natural, lifted.
• Evening look = softly defined, glowing, and elegant (never heavy).
• Every product is chosen for hydration, blendability, and soft finishes that flatter mature skin.: 

 Daytime Makeup Kit (Fresh, Natural Look)

Eyes

• Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette → soft taupes, browns, and ivory (all matte).
• Eyeliner: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Smoky Brown → soft, smudgeable.Mascara: Lancôme Définicils in Brown/Black → lengthens without clumps

Cheeks

• Blush: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink → cream blush, blends seamlessly.

Lips

• Lipstick: Clinique Blushing Nude → hydrating nude-rose.
• Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk → natural lip definition.
• Optional Gloss: Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine in Rum Raisin → sheer, moisturizing.

Evening Makeup Kit (Soft Glam, Polished Look)

Eyes

• Palette: Tartelette In Bloom by Tarte → warm rosy browns with soft satin finishes.
• Accent Shade: Use plum or rose-gold from the palette on the outer corner/lid center.
• Eyeliner: MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy (bronze brown) → softer than black but adds drama.
• Mascara: L’Oréal Voluminous Original in Black Brown → fuller lash look.

Cheeks

• Blush: NARS Cream Blush in Orgasm → peachy-pink with glow, flattering under evening light.

Lips

• Lipstick: MAC Captive (plummy rose) or Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium (dusty rose).
• Lip Liner: Same Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk (works for both day & night).

One-Bag Essentials (For Both Day & Evening)

• Primer: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating → keeps makeup smooth.
• Foundation/Tint: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (Light/Medium) → lightweight, SPF, radiant.
• Brow Pencil: Anastasia Brow Wiz in Taupe or Medium Brown → natural definition.
• Setting Powder (optional): Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Glow → very light dusting to prevent creasing.

Just to be sure, we also asked about the best makeup for women under 70, and the best for women 30-50s.  And indeed thr proposed products were different. So CHatGPT really had us in focus.

The theory for women under 70, which the bot interpreted as mature but not yet 70, is:  think hydrating, luminous, natural enhancement rather than heavy coverage or stark contrasts. Products that combine skincare with makeup are especially effective.

For 30-50s, the principles are:

• In your 30s → focus on glow and freshness

• In your 40s → balance glow with polish (smoothing, subtle definition).

• In your 50s → soften and lift with creams and flattering neutrals.

Not crazy, we suppose. Though we are not sure why we should glow when we are younger and be soft when we are older. Seems like maybe it should be the other way around. The more. you know, the more you should glow. But regardless, ChatGPT’s full-throated response is unexpected. Who knew ChatGPT would be able to give us, without knowing anything other than that we were 70 and over, a list of exactly what products to use? Is it parroting makeup companies? Or users? or something else? We don’t know enough, and we cannot ourselves to endorse or not endorse its approach or these products. Since we spend about 30 seconds a day applying makeup, we would never have time to use such a vast array anyway. But still. We thank ChatGPT for the help. 

What do you suggest for women 70 and over? To glow or nor to glow?