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.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
This ultra-thin formula smooths skin, leaving a dewy finish. We love how it covers blemishes whilst still letting our natural complexion shine through.
CHANEL Vitalumiqère Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15
Like a second-skin, this foundation is so wearable and is super buildable. Apply with fingertips (or a brush for a smarter look) to enjoy luminous skin.
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Foundation
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and boosted with SPF 30, this makeup-skincare hybrid delivers a gorgeous soft matte finish whilst increasing moisture and protecting against UV. A win-win.
Estee Lauder Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup
Controlling shine, blurring imperfections whilst being long-wearing is now possible thanks to this ultra-sheer (and buildable) liquid foundation. Infused with hyaluronic acid and fruit extracts to clock-in hydration.
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.
Lancome Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
Promising up to 24 hour comfort and wear, this concealer is packed full ingredients that are kind to skin, whilst being effective at smoothing over any fine lines or dark circles.
Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Concealer
Blurring and buttery, this really is your everyday concealer. Featuring hyaluronic acid and shea butter, any crusting and creasing is a thing of the past.
Trinny London Trinny London BFF Eye
Specifically for the under-eyes, this serum-concealer hybrid covers dark circles whilst ingredients such as peptides and vitamin c refresh and firm the skin.
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.
Jones Road Tinted Face Powder
Tailored to your skin tone, this ultra-fine powder is ideal for setting foundation and minimising any shine. Apply with a small fluffy brush to anywhere you experience oil.
Sculpted by Aimee Loose Setting Velvet Veil Powder
This translucent, mineral loose powder utilises the power of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deliver skin-first goodness whilst creating a soft blur.
Glossier Glossier Wowder
The definition of 'matte not flat', this powder seamlessly sets makeup and reduces the appearance of pores, whilst keeping dimension to the face.
Laura Mercier Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This breathable and comfortable powder is really worth the hype. With makeup artists and journalists alike having sung its praise since its launch, expect a gorgeous modern matte complexion.
"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.
VIEVE Soul Shadows in 'Terra'
With four complimentary shades, these shadows are highly pigmented and have a buttery, easy-to-blend formula.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in 'The Sophisticate'
A gorgeous curation of cream, tan, taupe and chocolate shades make this palette extra special. Use the lightest shade in the corner of the eye to draw attention.
Trinny London Eye2Eye T-Tones
A two-in-one, the shades in this split pot eyeshadow duo can be used for layering or used separately. Simply use fingertips to apply, or a small tipped brush to pack on even more pigment.
Perricone MD Perricone MD No Makeup Eyeshadow
Like makeup, but not, this "eyeshadow" uses the power of light-reflecting pigments to deliver a pearlised effect to create an awake, bright eye.
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.
Jones Road Miracle Balm
Dewy and sheer this balm delivers a beautiful flush of colour. Dab on cheeks using fingertips for a lit-from-within glow.
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
With a handy applicator, this liquid blush is so blendable and has recently had a shade extension. Easily build up or sheer out pigment depending on desired look.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
This multipurpose colour stick is great for applying to not only cheeks, but lips and eyes, too. With six vibrant shades, the hydrating formula gifts a perfect hue.
"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.
Glossier G Suit
This demi-matte, ultra-silky and highly pigmented lip feels like you are wearing nothing. Plus, the rich blend of oils stops any unflattering feathering.
Glassy as it goes on and matte as it dries, this liquid lip promises to be smudge-free and non-drying thanks to its clever reformulation.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain
A grown-up take on a lip gloss, this stains lips to give a long-lasting sheen of colour but without the tackiness.
Revlon ColourStay Suede Ink Lipstick
Satin-y yet matte, this lipstick has a built-in primer to ensure it stays put all day. And, the added vitamin E keeps lips nourished for a barely-there feel.
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.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
