Mature Beauty

Mature skin has needs all of its own, and not all makeup is suitable for all ages, I've learned this the hard way in my career as a makeup artist. So what do we do? how can we create beautiful glowing skin, well defined features, and a supple, smooth textured finish while avoiding the pitfalls associated with mature skin. read on for just that...


1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! skin can be too oily, it can be too dry, but it can never be too hydrated. As we mature skin has a difficult time holding on to moisture, properly hydrated skin looks and feels plump, smooth and youthful. Always spray a toner containing hyloronic acid prior to applying moisturizer, this will help your skin retain moisture all day and help plump up fine lines. Try Aveda's skin firming toning agent. Follow immediately with a rich moisturizer, the best of the best- Creme de la Mer.

2. Apply a small amount of foundation primer, this will fill in fine lines and help your foundation glide over your skin rather then clumping up in crevices. Try smashbox's peach tinted primer (the tint adds a wonderful healthy glow to all skin types)

3. Avoid matte textured foundations. These will almost always end up caking in lines. To know if a foundation is matte or not, place a drop on the back of your hand and check to see how reflective it is, the less the light bounces back off the product the more matte the texture will be. Try Chanel's Teint Innocence.

4. Blush is the kiss of youth. Use a glowing pink or rose tinted blush placed high on the apples of the cheeks and blended softly back into the hairline, this will put lift, color, and definition back into the cheeks. Try a gel or cream blush like Philosophy's Healthy Cream Blush.

5. Go for matte or satin finish eyeshadows. If the eyeshadow is too shimmery, or has visible pieces of glitter, it will act as a magnifying glass for wrinkles around the eye.

6. Always wear a small amount eyeliner to bring sharpness and focus back into the eye area. check out the video on "tighlining" this is the perfect technique for mature eyes. Be generous with mascara, at least two coats of a nice conditioning formula, like Stila's Major Lash.

7. Line lips with a soft pink or nude toned lip liner, any brand will do, just chose a shade that matches your natural lip color, and make sure to fill in the entire lip area as well. finish with a shade of lipstick that compliments your blush color (in the same color family).

8. Finish by dusting a small (and I mean small) amount of soft, sheer loose powder, this will add a soft focus effect to the entire face. Bare escentuals' Mineral Veil will do just that without drying out the skin or sitting in lines.