As we age, our skin changes and so should our makeup routine. I’ve been a makeup artist for over 20 years, and I’ve learned that mature skin requires special attention and techniques. These makeup tips will help enhance your natural beauty while addressing common concerns like fine lines and dryness.
1. Prep with Moisture
Darlings, hydration is your foundation’s best friend! Plump up those fine lines with a rich moisturizer before applying a single drop of makeup.
Wait about two minutes for it to sink in—trust me, your skin will drink it up like a parched plant after rain.
2. Primer is Non-Negotiable
Honey, I wouldn’t dream of applying foundation without primer anymore! It fills those pesky pores and creates the smoothest canvas for your masterpiece.
Focus on your T-zone and any areas with visible texture. Your makeup will last hours longer—I promise!
3. Choose Creamy Foundations
Powder foundations? Not on my mature clients! They settle into lines faster than guests at an open bar.
Creamy, hydrating formulas give that dewy finish we all crave. Apply with a damp beauty sponge using gentle bouncing motions—never drag or pull!
4. Concealer Tricks
Where have you been hiding that concealer, sweetie? The right technique makes all the difference!
Apply in small triangles under eyes, not circles. Pat gently with your ring finger—it’s naturally gentler than your index. Never pull that delicate skin!
5. Cream Blush for Youthful Glow
Forget those powdery blushes sitting in your drawer! Cream formulas blend seamlessly and give that natural flush we all remember from our younger days.
Apply to the apples of your cheeks and blend upward. No harsh lines—we want a gentle wash of color.
6. Defined Brows Frame Your Face
Oh honey, those brows need attention! As we age, brows often thin out, but properly filled arches instantly lift your entire face.
Use short, feathery strokes with a pencil slightly lighter than your natural color. Remember: sisters, not twins—they should look natural, not identical!
7. Embrace Neutral Eyeshadows
Though I adore bold colors, neutral shadows are your secret weapon! Taupe, soft brown, and matte champagne create dimension without emphasizing crepey lids.
Apply the lightest shade under brows and inner corners. Blend a medium tone into the crease for instant eye-lifting magic!
8. Tightlining Instead of Harsh Liners
Forget those thick cat-eyes, darling! Tightlining—applying liner between your lashes—defines eyes without harshness.
Use a waterproof pencil or gel and press it into your upper lash line. This technique makes lashes appear fuller while keeping your look soft and sophisticated.
9. Curl Those Lashes
If you’re skipping the lash curler, we need to talk! Nothing opens up aging eyes like perfectly curled lashes.
Warm your curler with a quick blast from your hairdryer (test it first!). Hold at the base of lashes for 10 seconds. What a difference this 30-second step makes!
10. Volumizing Mascara Magic
Heavens, those lashes need volume, not length! Thinning lashes are common as we age, but the right mascara works wonders.
Choose a volumizing formula with a curved brush. Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes, then sweep upward. Two coats maximum—we’re going for fluttery, not spider legs!
11. Lip Liner is Your Best Friend
Where has lip liner been all your life? As we age, lips lose definition and color bleeds into those fine lines.
Choose a neutral shade close to your natural lip color. Outline your lips, focusing on the cupid’s bow. You can even slightly overdraw—I won’t tell anyone!
12. Cream Lipsticks Over Mattes
Matte lipsticks? Not for my mature beauties! They’re drying and emphasize every line on those lovely lips.
Creamy, hydrating formulas with a satin finish are your new best friends. They add moisture while providing gorgeous color that doesn’t settle into lines or flake off.
13. Setting Spray Instead of Powder
Heavy setting powder is a one-way ticket to Cakeville! It settles into lines faster than relatives at a will reading.
Instead, mist your face with a hydrating setting spray. It locks makeup in place while maintaining that dewy, youthful finish we’re all chasing after.
14. Highlighter Placement Matters
Shimmer all over? Absolutely not, my dear! Strategic highlighter placement is everything for mature skin.
Apply a cream highlighter (never powder!) just on the high points of cheekbones and a touch on the brow bone. Avoid areas with texture or lines—we highlight what we love!
15. Regular Brush Cleaning
If those brushes haven’t been washed since the last royal wedding, we have a problem! Dirty brushes harbor bacteria and apply makeup unevenly.
Wash them weekly with gentle shampoo. Clean tools make application smoother and prevent breakouts—critical for sensitive mature skin!
16. Makeup Magnifying Mirror
Squinting at your regular mirror? Stop that immediately! A good lighted magnifying mirror is worth its weight in gold.
See exactly where products are going and blend more precisely. Just don’t get too close—nobody needs to see every pore in 10x magnification!