It seems that there is a new makeup trend every week. Some are fleeting, and others are worth trying.
Sticking to what you know is easy, but as your skin ages, simple changes, trying new formulas, and having fun with your look can keep you feeling great! If makeup is your thing, it’s worth investing a few minutes to take the time for yourself.
I’m excited to share the best tips and advice from my beautiful friends and fellow contributors. This is the second part of two; the first focused on skincare, and this one on makeup.
First, prepare your skin. As we age, it’s even more important to ensure your skin is cleansed, toned, and hydrated before applying makeup. This will help prevent makeup from settling into fine lines, preventing that dried, caked-on look.
I like using a pore-refining toner, a daily moisturizer with SPF, and a makeup primer. Just like skincare, there are many different primers. The main reason for using one is to ensure your makeup goes smoothly. I like the options from IT Cosmetics.
Here are some ideas for moving out of the old ways and into the new.
1. Ditch heavy foundation for a lighter BB or CC Cream.
A BB cream, or beauty balm cream, is a tinted moisturizer that provides light coverage and maintains your natural look with a little more evenness. A CC cream, or color-correcting cream, offers more coverage. These are good for evening out redness, dark spots, or blemishes. Since they’re light, these creams are less likely to settle into fine lines. Most have SPF and illuminating qualities to give a glowy look. I like applying BB cream with a brush—it feels so luxurious!
2. For cheeks, instead of powder blush, try a gel.
I have to admit, this is one I have yet to try, but comes highly recommended from a friend, who always has a rosy glow to her skin. These are more hydrating, long-lasting, and provide buildable coverage.
3. For eyes, instead of eyeliner all over, try tightlining.
This is just a thin sweep of eyeliner between the roots of your top eyelashes. For this, a gel eyeliner works best. Save the liquid eyeliner for a heavier application and one that’s not so close to the eyeball. This very natural technique has a big impact and is great for hooded eyes, too. Paired with curled lashes and mascara, it’s a fresh look!
4. Eyebrows frame your face, so ensuring they’re visible goes a long way!
I have really light and tragically thin eyebrows (I blame the 1990s for that). I got permanent powder brows after years of using a good eyebrow pencil. Another option is to use daily eyebrow powder and a slanted brush. Start with a good shape and then fill in any sparse areas.
5. Change your eyeshadow.
I discovered Julep creme-to-powder eye shadows a few years ago and fell in love. They’re easy to apply and blend.
6. Apply a lip color to enhance your look.
Choose a color with some vibrancy! Since lips can lose color and become flatter and thinner as you age, it may be time to move away from matte lipsticks. Swap those for moisturizing satin lipstick and a sweep of gloss for a really pretty pout. My favorite is Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Rose Syrup; it’s just the right amount of color and shine.
