Foundation

As skin ages, it tends to become drier and the many experiences (both good and bad!) we have endured start to show up on our faces in the form of sun spots, wrinkles, freckles, fine lines, sagging and dehydration. And while it may be only natural to want to even out these imperfections, resist the urge to apply a heavy coat of foundation to mature skin, especially matte foundation which will only increase signs of dryness.

Instead, bring out the best in mature skin by using a trifecta of products — concealer, light-reflecting foundation and oil-free loose powder — to cover imperfections. Start with concealer on trouble spots: under eyes or to cover hyperpigmentation such as Amazing Cosmetics Concealer. Next, apply a light-reflecting foundation over the entire face with a sponge. Blend carefully along the hair and jaw line to ensure even, flawless coverage and then set with the powder. The light-reflectors add luminosity to the skin and soften the look of fine lines. Apply powder with a large powder brush for light coverage that won't look artificial or heavy. The result will be healthy and vibrant: the look of your skin, only better!

When it comes to choosing a foundation, avoid:

• Matte formulas which can cause skin to look dull or dry
• Over-applying — stick to just those areas that need coverage
• The wrong color for your skin tone; always test at least three foundations before purchasing for the best match

Blush

Young skin literally blooms with health, and nowhere is this more evident than in radiantly glowing cheeks. As we age, some of our natural skin-tone fades, leaving the skin pale and lifeless. To compensate, many women take a heavy-handed approach to blush or choose a color which is far too dark.

A better approach to blush is to try and mimic your skin’s own natural hue. When you blush, are your cheeks very pink? Deep rose? Choose colors which most closely resemble this shade for a natural look. For a bit more impact, apply a highlighter directly over blush, on the cheekbones such as Too Faced Blushbooster Apple.

When applying blush, avoid the 'two bubbles of color' appearance by keeping blush on the apples of the cheeks, and build color slowly. Swirl a blush brush over the blush cake and then apply in a circular motion onto the skin, blending up and out towards the hairline. This technique will ensure that your blush looks pretty, not streaky.

When it comes to blush, avoid:

• Shades that are too dark or don’t mimic your natural flush
• Using blush to contour your cheeks; you’ll look gaunt
• Applying it in streaks; a circular brushing motion will look more natural

Eyes

Aptly called the windows to the soul, eyes are a focal point. And when it comes to mature eyes, which may be dealing with sagging eyelids or fine lines, remember that less truly is more. Instead of layering multiple or garishly bright colors on the eyelids, instead focus on blending just two to three shades for a more natural, yet beautiful, look.

To start, apply a highlighter shade just underneath the eyebrow to brighten the eye area; use cream, white, pale pink or sand shades. Then, brush a neutral, matte shadow over the entire eyelid. Finally, give eyes some depth and intensity by applying a deeper shadow in the crease with a crease brush. Finish off the look with eyeliner and mascara. To get the smoothest, most precise line, forgo pencil eyeliner and instead, use a gel or cream eyeliner. These revolutionary formulas are applied with a flat eyeliner brush, last all day, won’t smudge or smear and can be applied in a very thin line, ensuring a natural appearance. Try Stila Smudge Pots for a variety of colors. Mascara can be either dark brown or black, depending upon hair color. Apply two coats to the top lashes only and clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover.

When it comes to defining your eyes, avoid:

• Lots of shadows — less is more
• Heavily frosted or glittery eye shadow which can settle into fine lines
• Heavy eyeliner — it looks harsh and is aging

Lips

Experimenting with lip color is one of the easiest, and most fun, ways to change up your look. To combat lip color feathering or bleeding, use a lip liner the same tone as your lips, and apply lipstick with a lip brush for precise coverage. Also, consider using a lipstick primer before applying color, which will 'grab' onto lipstick and hold it in place. DuWop Prime Venom will not only hold onto pigment, this innovative formula also plumps lips at the same time.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Choose hydrating formulas whenever possible to keep lips from drying out
• Gloss is a great option for adding a youthful glow to your look; dab it in the center of your bottom lip for extra fullness
• Choose a lip liner that is similar to your natural lip tone for the most natural look

Applying makeup to mature skin doesn’t have to mean heavy, dark colors or unnatural finishes. Tweak your normal routine to allow for changes in the skin to reveal a radiant, beautiful complexion.

See also:

Makeup Tips for Mature Women

Let’s Face It: Facial Hair Removal