If you mean the common beauty/fashion claim “5 colors to avoid after 50 because they can dull your glow,” it’s better understood as a styling guideline, not a rule. Your skin undertone, hair color, and personal contrast matter much more than your age.
Five colors that can sometimes make the complexion look less vibrant are:
- Dull beige/taupe — can blend too closely with the skin and make the face look washed out.
- Muddy olive/khaki — may emphasize yellow, gray, or sallow undertones in some complexions.
- Very dark brown — can look heavy near the face, especially with lighter hair or skin.
- Dusty gray — a gray with little contrast can make the complexion appear tired.
- Yellow-green or mustard — can bring out unwanted yellow undertones in some people.
What to wear instead
You don’t need to eliminate these colors completely. Try wearing them away from the face and introducing more flattering shades near your neckline—such as emerald, cobalt, burgundy, teal, coral, rose, or a clear navy.
A simple test: hold a garment under your chin in natural daylight. If your face looks brighter and more even, the color is probably working for you; if shadows, redness, or sallowness become more noticeable, choose another shade.
