Have you fallen into the habit of buying and applying the same makeup products and colors year after year? If so, and if you haven't updated this look since Jackie O was the First Lady, the time has come for a makeup, shakeup! Just like mature skin has differing skincare needs, so too does mature makeup. Don't reach for the same old colors. Instead, embrace a few new techniques to enhance your beauty and look your absolute best.

Light and easy

When shopping for makeup, mature woman should seek out foundation that is hydrating, and features optical diffusers to help the skin appear smooth and flawless. A new technology in foundation, optical diffusers work on the same principal as soft lighting for photographs—they draw attention away from areas of concern or fine lines, and leave the skin with a dewy, youthful glow. Look for formulas which hydrate and offer a long-lasting finish such as Colorescience Creme de la Crème. Also, consider applying a foundation primer first, which will fill in fine lines, leaving the skin with an ultra-smooth texture: Skindinavia Face And Eye Makeup Primer.

Essential Steps

Once you have chosen the appropriate foundation, blend carefully to ensure a seamless appearance. Start at the cheeks and blend upwards and outwards towards the hairline and temple, moving with quick, firm strokes. If powder is desired, reach for a translucent loose powder, which will drape lightly over the skin and not appear cakey or thick. For the smoothest application, apply with a large powder brush and buff gently for an even texture. For touch ups, use a clean powder or blush brush to re-set powder or minimize shine, such as Colorescience Blush Blender.

Finishing touches

To de-emphasize lines and impart the skin with a youthful glow, apply highlighter to the cheek bones and from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Then, for a sultry pucker which will last and last, use your blush as lip liner, instead of a pencil. With a stiff-bristled brush, gently outline the lips with a thin layer of blush and then follow up with lipstick or lip gloss. The pigments in the blush will cling to lipstick, helping it to last longer and further prevent bleeding or feathering. Try DuWop Liplingo Pink Palette or iQ Kits Triple Impact Luscious Lips System Peach—lip treatment, lipstick and a plumping lip gloss, all in one.

Eyes on the prize

For eyes, mix up textures and tones for the best effect, using both frosted and matte colors to highlight the eyes. To minimize wrinkled or drooping eyelids, lightly brush a neutral matte eyeshadow from the lash line up to the crease, and then add a light, frosted shadow just under the brow. For ease, use coordinating shadows, such as: DuWop Eye Palettes. Finish up with a darker or contrasting shade in the crease. Then, line the eyes close to the lashes with pencil or powder eyeliner and follow with mascara. Try Too Faced Lash Injection which will both thicken and lengthen the lashes. If you wish, accent or darken eyebrows with a soft eyebrow pencil that matches your hair color such as sable, blond or dark brown, but try to avoid black which can look harsh.

Finally, for the very best makeup application, always apply makeup in direct, even-sided light or direct sunlight.