Going Grey? Brighten Your Look in 5 Easy Steps

Going grey is a natural part of ageing—and for many women, an empowering style choice. Whether you’re gradually transitioning from dyed hair or spotting your first silver strands, embracing grey hair can feel freeing. But as your hair colour shifts, your makeup might need a subtle update too.

Makeup artist and brand founder Bobbi Brown has long championed grey-haired beauty, noting how makeup can enhance rather than cover up changing features. And she’s right—minor tweaks to your makeup routine can help avoid a washed-out look and instead highlight your skin’s natural glow.

Here’s how to adjust your products and approach for a fresh, flattering finish:

Start with skin

Hydration is key. Skin tends to lose moisture as we age, so prep with a hydrating moisturiser to plump and smooth before makeup. This helps prevent makeup from settling into fine lines. And don’t skip SPF—a good sunscreen remains one of the most important steps, no matter your age.

Define your brows

Grey hair can lighten your features, so giving structure to your brows makes a big difference. Choose a brow pencil that complements your hair—if you’re fully grey, a soft grey pencil can add natural-looking definition. For those with salt-and-pepper strands, try a shade slightly lighter than your natural brow colour to avoid a harsh contrast.

Bring colour back to lips

Our lips lose pigment over time, which can lead to a less defined shape. A lip pencil helps bring that shape back—opt for a shade close to your natural lip colour or go for a slightly brighter tone if you want a lift. Avoid going too pale, which can wash you out. A creamy formula works best for comfort and wear.

Blush, eyes and a pop of colour

Adding colour to the face helps create vibrancy. A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks, a well-chosen eyeliner, and a splash of nail polish can all help tie your look together. Navy eyeliner, for example, works beautifully with blue or grey eyes and adds interest without overpowering your features.

When it comes to clothing, soft greys, blues and jewel tones often flatter grey hair more than stark black. Consider swapping out darker basics for shades with a bit more warmth or brightness to complement your complexion.

A touch of shimmer

Glow doesn’t have to mean glitter. A soft sheen on the lips or eyelids can catch the light and add dimension. If you enjoy a bit of sparkle, choose one or two areas to highlight—like the centre of the lid or the middle of the bottom lip—so your look stays fresh and balanced.

Your makeup can age as gracefully as you do

Going grey doesn’t mean going dull. With a few small adjustments, your makeup can work with your changing hair colour to enhance your features and let your confidence shine through.