Do you really need to change your makeup as you get older? We say, it’s completely up to you! If your current technique works and you’re pleased with the results, then keep at it. But if you’re looking for little tweaks to improve the look of your makeup, we asked Amalie Russell, Bobbi Brown’s Pro Makeup Artist and Debbie Finnegan, Senior Artist at MAC for their top tips. Be it extra hydration or a tad more colour, these little tricks can help create a groomed finish or natural-looking glow in no time.
Foundation
Mature skin is more prone to dehydration, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and dark spots. To restore glow and keep skin looking plump, swap out full-coverage foundations for a base with skincare benefits. Amalie recommends liquid formulas that give sheer to medium coverage with a soft-lit glow. Apply sparingly where needed and build up as required.
Unless you require your makeup to last for hours, moisturiser alone works well to prep the skin. If you do want an extra glow, a touch of face oil can also go a long way.
Concealing
A great concealer works hard to help disguise any dark spots, erase under-eye circles and brighten the complexion. The trick is to find one with a buildable formula that melts into skin without settling into fine lines.
According to Amalie, we should "consider where you need the coverage first, start there and work your way around that area. Using a brush will help you target your area with more precision and have it look less obvious".
Powder
Skip this step if you feel comfortable without it, but if you need your base to stay put or want to reduce shine a finely-milled powder will do the trick.
"Opt for using a powder with a fluffy brush rather than a powder puff as this will keep the effect airy and radiant," Amalie said.
Eyes
Faithful to your smokey eye and feline flicks? Fantastic! But if you're open to a few small tweaks or you simply don’t know where to start with eye makeup, MAC Senior Artist Debbie Finnegan is here to guide you.
Eyeshadow primers are essential if you find your eyeshadow disappear by midday. They’re also great for smoothing out crepiness and creating a neutral base for the eyeshadow pigments to 'pop'.
As for the shadows themselves, matte and satin textures are less likely to highlight fine lines, says Debbie, but avoid heavily frosted shadows as these can look dated and harsh.
Be open to glitters and shimmers though, as (unlike frosted textures) a subtle sparkle can look stunning.
"Add a touch of glitter to the inner corner of the eye or use a liner brush to place it on top of your eyeliner to create an eye-catching accent," Debbie said. She told us she loves using MAC Reflects on mature clients as it creates a sophisticated, grown-up glittery effect.
For a softer look, Debbie recommended swapping black liner for a dark brown. You can also switch out your black mascara for navy blue, or try a smudged-out eye crayon to create a diffused smoky eye.
Cheeks
Make cream blushes your go-to for a radiant, healthy complexion; the soft, sheeny texture will blend seamlessly and create a dewy effect, so there’s no need for a separate highlighter.
"Blush should 'lift' the cheeks," Amalie said. "Opt for warmer tones for an instantly fresh and healthy-looking glow, applied on the highest part of the check bone and feathered down onto the apples."
Lips
Lipstick finishes and textures are a highly personal choice (Amalie loves pairing matte lips with dewy skin for a modern finish) but there’s something for everyone.
If matte or highly pigmented lipsticks tend to flake or catch on patches of dry skin, prep with a gentle lip scrub and balm before applying your colour (do this before before starting your skincare and makeup routine, so the balm has time to sink in). If feathering is an issue, use liner in a matching shade or slightly lighter (or a colour-free 'invisible' pencil) to create a barrier before applying your lipstick.
Pretty lip stains are a low-maintenance way of creating an impact with minimal fuss, prep or colour bleed. If you want a plumper pout, reach for a glitter-free gloss or lip oil.
And there you have it, easy little improvements that make a world of difference to your makeup routine as you get older.
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