Bobbi Brown’s Essential Makeup Tips for Gray Hair

Expert makeup strategies from Bobbi Brown to help your features pop and your confidence soar as you embrace gray hair.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Expert makeup strategies from Bobbi Brown to help your features pop and your confidence soar as you embrace gray hair.

As more women embrace their natural gray and silver strands, renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown offers a fresh perspective on how to update makeup routines for this elegant transformation. Whether you’re newly silver or a proud veteran, a few expert adjustments can make your look brighter, fresher, and more defined—boosting confidence while celebrating your unique beauty.

Why Gray Hair Changes Your Makeup Game

Letting go of dyed hair for your authentic gray or silver is both freeing and fashionable. But what looks natural and flattering with brunette or blonde hair may feel washed out or flat once your hair turns gray. Bobbi Brown—a beauty icon and founder of Jones Road Beauty—firmly believes that the correct makeup choices can instantly counteract these effects, helping to highlight your natural radiance and elevate your style with every shade of gray.

Define and Shape Your Brows

One of the most dramatic changes that comes with gray hair is a softening of overall definition—especially around the eyes and brows. Brown emphasizes that reshaping and tinting brows is crucial to maintaining facial structure and focus:

Why brows matter: Gray hair can make features appear lighter and softer, which may cause you to look pale. Defined brows frame your face and restore missing contrast.
Choosing a shade: For those completely gray, select a brow pencil in neutral gray. If your look is salt-and-pepper, pick a tone just lighter than your natural hair color.
Application technique: Use a spoolie to brush your brows into shape. Then, apply pencil or powder in short, hair-like strokes, concentrating on sparse areas. Avoid pressing too hard or creating sharp lines—natural dimension looks best for mature faces.
Recommended product: Jones Road The Brow Pencil in Grey is a favorite for achieving a seamless, natural effect.

Pro Brow Tips

Stick with cool undertones—avoid red-based hues for gray or white brows.
Layer pencils and powders for better coverage if your brows are very sparse.
If your natural brows remain dark, use a neutral brown pencil sparingly and groom regularly to keep balance.

Line and Brighten Your Lips

Lip color tends to fade with age, resulting in less definition and a more washed-out appearance. According to Brown, the right lip liner and shade can_revitalize_ your entire look:

Define first: Outline your lips with a creamy pencil in a shade close to your natural lip or the color you want to see. This brings back shape and helps prevent lipstick feathering.
Filling technique: For all-day color, fill in the entire lip area softly with liner before applying lipstick or gloss.
Shade selection: Skip beige or nude, as they tend to drain color after going gray. Bobbi recommends brighter hues—rosy pinks, berries, or tawny nudes—for a wearable, healthy flush.

Bobbi’s favorite: Try Jones Road The Lip Pencil in Tawny Nude, which delivers definition, color, and a soft-focus finish all in one.

Add Color: Cheeks, Eyes & More

With gray hair, neutral makeup can fall flat. Bobbi Brown urges women to embrace fresh, lively pops of color in their routines:

Cheeks

Blush application: Smile and apply a natural blush (from pink to berry, depending on your skin tone) to the apples of your cheeks. This brings instant vitality to your complexion.
Shade selection hack: Lightly pinch your cheek and choose a blush that matches the flush that appears.
Recommended tones: Rosy pinks work on most; berries flatter deeper skin and corals suit those who prefer a warmer glow.

Eyes

Liner colors by eye/hair/skin tone:

Blue eyes with gray hair: Use navy eyeliner to enhance blue tones (it looks especially striking with gray).
Medium skin and gray hair: Opt for dark brown eyeliner for soft definition.
Dark skin and gray hair: Black eyeliner delivers the most striking results.

Eyeshadow: Avoid muddy taupes—consider slightly brighter, cool-toned neutrals, mauves, or metallics for added vibrancy.

Nails and Wardrobe

Add bold, fun nail polish shades to your routine for a quick color infusion.
Swap traditional black—especially near the face—for navy, charcoal, or colored tops that brighten your complexion.

Hydrate and Prep Your Skin

Healthy, radiant skin is the foundation of every great makeup look—particularly as we age. Brown is adamant about the power of moisture to combat dullness:

Drink water: Hydration begins from within; drink throughout the day to keep skin plump.
Daily moisturizer & eye cream: Use both morning and night, under makeup and before bed, to lock in hydration and minimize fine lines.
Gentle exfoliation: Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh glow and helping makeup adhere more smoothly.

Embrace Sparkle—In Moderation

Bobbi Brown encourages everyone, regardless of age, to have fun with a bit of shimmer:

Strategic sparkle: Add shimmer to no more than two areas—think cheekbones or eyelids—for a touch of light-catching radiance without overwhelming the face.
Type of product: Use finely milled, flattering shimmers rather than chunky glitter to achieve a sophisticated, ethereal glow.
Why it works: The right amount of sparkle can lift your entire look and boost your mood—especially when gray hair enhances your overall cool tones.

Common Concerns About Gray Hair and Makeup—And How to Address Them

Concern	Bobbi Brown’s Fix
Washed-out appearance	Add strategic color to lips and cheeks; use brighter shades versus nudes.
Loss of brow definition	Use a pencil a shade lighter or cooler than natural brows; fill with short, light strokes.
Dry, dull skin	Double down on hydration and exfoliate regularly.
Choosing the wrong undertone	Favor cool-toned and rosy hues; avoid warm browns and oranges unless they suit your undertone.
Fear of sparkle/glitter	Apply shimmer to only two features—eyelids and cheeks—using subtle, high-quality formulas.

Color Quick Guide

Cheeks: Rosy pink / berry / coral
Lips: Pink, berry, tawny nude, brighter red
Brows: Gray pencil for gray/white hair; ashy brown for salt-and-pepper
Eyes: Navy (blue eyes), brown (medium skin), black (deep skin)

Additional Tips for Gray-Haired Makeup Beginners

Patch test new products to avoid allergies or sensitivities, as mature skin may react differently.
Update your makeup bag—swap out outdated shades for hues that complement your evolved hair color and brighter, clearer complexion.
Less is more: Focus on luminous skin and a few well-placed pops of color instead of heavy layers.
Celebrate your transition—gray and silver hair is a bold choice that communicates confidence, authenticity, and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Should I stop wearing nude or neutral makeup with gray hair?

A: Yes, Bobbi Brown recommends shifting away from most nude tones, as they can look washed out on gray-haired individuals. Instead, opt for brighter or rosier versions of lips and cheeks.

Q: How do I pick the best brow color if my hair is only partially gray?

A: Select a brow pencil just slightly lighter than your darkest natural brow hairs. For salt-and-pepper, an ashy brown or soft gray pencil helps.

Q: What’s the best way to keep aging skin looking smooth under makeup?

A: Prioritize hydration—use a moisturizing base and eye cream every morning and evening, and gently exfoliate your skin weekly to keep your complexion radiant.

Q: Is shimmer appropriate for mature or gray-haired faces?

A: Absolutely. Bobbi advises choosing strategically placed shimmer—limit it to two zones (like eyelids or cheekbones) and opt for subtle, finely-milled products for an elegant effect.

Q: How do I choose the right blush color for my skin and hair?

A: Pinch your cheeks and select a blush shade that mimics the natural flush. Rosy pinks are universal, with corals and berries working well based on individual undertones.

Final Thoughts: Confidence and Color Go Hand in Hand

Updating your makeup as you transition to gray hair isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about embracing your best self and highlighting what makes you unique. By choosing brighter colors, refining your brow shape, and prioritizing healthy, hydrated skin, you can look radiant and feel powerful at every age. As Bobbi Brown says, “You can have fun with color and sparkle while still looking fresh, modern, and entirely yourself.” So celebrate your gray, experiment with new looks, and shine on!

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete