There's no denying it -- as we age, our skin changes in many ways, and lots of beauty experts say that mature women should adjust their makeup routines accordingly (i.e. colors, types of makeup, how it's applied). For example, using cream based eyeshadows vs. a drying powder, or lighter foundations to lessen the risk of settling into lines . . .
Do you agree that you should change your makeup routine as you mature, and if so, any tips on how you think mature fashionistas can adjust their makeup routine to their best advantage?
I have several clients who are "mature," and this is what I suggest.
As you get older, you need to adjust your makeup so that it's more subtle and natural. Your foundation and concealer shades may change and get lighter as you get older, so go with that. You also need to use fewer bright colors and stick more with neutrals on eyes, cheeks, and lips. This is where I really love brown eyeliner. Be warned that gray can look a bit harsh. I also prefer a lighter colored, creamy lip color with some sheen. Soft pink or peachy-pink (not too bright) is terrific. A tiny bit of shine is OK, but don't go overboard with gloss because it will look sloppy.
You also need to adjust formulations, such as using creams instead of powders. I mentioned the cream lipstick, but creamy face makeup, blushes, bronzers, etc. are also good. However, you will need a little powder at least at the beginning to set everything, so you need to stick with silky, subtle powder. Stay away from anything too matte. This includes those long-wearing lipsticks, which I never recommend no matter what. They're too drying, even with the gloss that comes with them.
The best thing mature fashionistas can do to look great is to stay healthy, active, and vital, because that is what will show the most, whatever makeup you wear.
I would add a couple of things. Put the makeup on with a light hand. Use a magnifying mirror if you need to. Take care of your skin, and you won't need to load on the makeup. And I've found if it looks ok in natural light, I'm pretty much good -to-go in any light.
I also try to get enough sleep, moisturize, and drink water. And smile. You've earned those lines. I know I've earned mine!
I'm amazed at how one piece of advice has made me look younger: pay attention to eyebrows. As we age, the eyebrows thin out. This has been true of mine especially. My facial hair is transparent. No color at all, not even gray! So my eyebrows have all but disappeared! I use a brown eye pencil to define them, taking care to add a bit of length to each end, then soften with a makeup sponge.
My skin is pretty good, so I just moisturise and leave off anything else...
Take care of your skin, and you won't need to load on the makeup. And I've found if it looks ok in natural light, I'm pretty much good -to-go in any light.
Absolutely take care of your skin. Just make sure that you adjust your skin care to your skin's changing needs. And always try to apply makeup in natural light. Plus, if you can try on your makeup before buying it, try to do so in natural light.
I also try to get enough sleep, moisturize, and drink water. And smile. You've earned those lines. I know I've earned mine!
All low maintenance ways to great skin at any age. And smiling makes you look lighter and younger.
I'm amazed at how one piece of advice has made me look younger: pay attention to eyebrows. As we age, the eyebrows thin out. This has been true of mine especially. My facial hair is transparent. No color at all, not even gray! So my eyebrows have all but disappeared! I use a brown eye pencil to define them, taking care to add a bit of length to each end, then soften with a makeup sponge.
My skin is pretty good, so I just moisturise and leave off anything else...
please so often forget about the eyebrows.. they really do frame the face and you can find a good brow pencil for around $1 from Wet and Wild and finding make-up that moisturizes is so very important.
By the way, I agree about the eyebrows. They need to be neat and defined. A fuller brow does look more youthful, but it can't look messy and overgrown. As I heard it, the best tweezers are Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, which cost about $20, but unless you lose them, it's a one-time only purchase. I admit that I use cheaper tweezers from the drugstore, and they work just fine. Maintaining your brows is not hard, even if you DIY, and it doesn't get cheaper than DIY.
I don't know what happened to my mom, but she has almost the same problem. Her brows are barely there. She uses a light brown brow pencil to draw them on in small strokes. She constantly worries about getting them even, but she actually does such a great job that you'd never know it.
i agree with the eyebrows posts. I have to draw mine on, the hair is fading faster than my head of hair in colour, but I also need to tweeze to maintain a clean line, since the other joy of aging seems to be a lot more hair where you don't want it-- curling up from the eyebrows in random surges, sprouting from the chin etc.
Tweezers, AND brow powder are my best friends.
Next up I'd have to say a good lipstick and primer. I use Avon's plumping lip conditioner (really works btw) and on top I use Elizabeth Arden's top selling lipstick shade "Breathless" from the Exceptional line. It is a great neutral shade, giving colour back, but almost a "nude". It is also really moisturizing without slipping into the lines around the mouth. I get by without pencil outlining to hold the colour inside the lip line, but other lipsticks I need to line with.
Foundation is important to even out the sun damage and other uneven skin that telegraphs age. You need something sheer enough to read as not there at all, avoiding the caked on old lady look, and yet it has to cover or at least make the spots blend into the skin better. Almay makes a new one that works well-- it is that one where it makes it's own shade on your skin, choose one of the three and slap it on.
Failing that, I've used Revlon's foundation liquid, I'd have to check the name later, but it's a good one to apply with a little extra moisturizer such as my favourite Oil of Olay Regenerist with sunscreen. That is apparently how Nicole Kidman gets that perfect sheer unmade up but smooth application.
Which gets into skin care.
No sense piling on the makup to hide bad skin if you can clear the skin up.
Aging equals redness, sun damage, uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. I've been working my way thru the products in the drugstore using my favourite money saving companion, Paula Begoun's Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me. I bought her latest edition in January when it came out and it pays for itself several times over.
I finally tried Olay Regenerist stuff, plus the 7 signs one that has beta hydroxy, and those work even better than the Aveeno anti redness that I'd been using.
I've been doing a routine morning and night, which I think really does help, no matter what you use.
Whitening the teeth is another important tip. Yellowing teeth are very aging, and they really show if you use a coral or orangey lipstick. They can be improved with a whitening toothpaste, and bleaching strips which I do like to do, but watch out not to use the white strips too often, you can get tooth sensitivities and I don't know how good they are long term.
To avoid staining teeth, drink coffee with a little milk in it or simply have your morning cup, THEN brush teeth with whitening paste as I do.
