How to adapt your makeup as you age. Last week we talked about HOW TO ADAPT YOUR STYLE AS YOU AGE, so this week I thought I’d tackle the subject of makeup.
I’ll never forget sitting with my mom and watching as she put on her makeup. Her nails were also the ideal shade of red, her hair was always perfectly coiffed and although she didn’t overdo it, she rarely went anywhere without doing her makeup.

I remember her showing me how she needed to apply an extra layer of mascara and just a little bit more eye shadow so that her eyes would stand out from behind her glasses. Her look was often completed with a red lipstick.

She always told me that every woman should be a little bit vain and those lesson remained imprinted on my brain. To this day I will always reach for a red lipstick first and while I might not wear as much makeup as she did (those were different times), I won’t go out in a bare face.

Need some help in choosing a lipstick? Read, HOW TO WEAR RED LIPSTICK IN THE SUMMER and HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LIPSTICK COLOUR

HOW TO ADAPT YOUR MAKEUP AS YOU AGE

Makeup has a lot of power and it can transform our facial features. Think about the contouring that has been so popular in recent years. The key to remember is that it can make us look older or younger, depending on what we reach for.

FOUNDATION. I know a lot of people who completely omit this step and while I do believe there are some lucky souls who can, it really is the first step for most of us.

• No foundation will give you an even skin tone (and I’m not counting freckles because I love them) unless you have flawless skin to begin with. Bad foundation, on the other hand, can settle into wrinkles and creases and make you look older. So what to do? Choose one that works perfectly for you.
• The key is to find a formulation that successfully smooths out your complexion without looking like you’ve caked it on.
• Since our skin tends to get dryer as we age, it’s important to look for hydrating formulas like tinted moisturizers or a sheer illuminating formula. For more specifics, read HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT FOUNDATION.
• You can also play around with highlighters and concealers if you have some problem areas that your foundation won’t cover.
• On that note, if you have to apply a powder, make sure it’s a light setting powder because everything else will settle into those fine lines.

EYES. Over time, our eyes can start to look smaller as the wrinkles around them increase and the skin above starts to sag.

• Use a lighter coloured liner in a soft grey or warm brown since black can look too harsh.
• Use a light shadow all over your lid. A darker shadow applied in the crease or just above it if your eyelids are droopy, will give the illusion of a more awake look. Some shimmer is okay, but stay away from too many sparkles.
• Keep liner and mascara on the top of your eyes and add a touch of white liner to the inner corners of your eyes for an even more open look.

BROWS. Doesn’t it sometimes feel like men’s brows get bushier while women’s get thinner? How is that even fair? Since our brows frame our face, it’s important to keep them looking full. EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BROWS

LIPS. Just like your brows, lips will often get thinner with age. Again, the goal is to create the illusion of a full pout.

• For many years we were told to run from lip liners, but they really can be your friend. An outline will define your lips and make them look fuller.
• Flattering, bright colours like reds, pinks and corals will enhance your lips and make them stand out, while muted browns will only make them disappear.

Make sure that you aren’t making basic beauty mistakes, read: BEAUTY MISTAKES THAT MAKE YOU LOOK OLDER (hint, this is where you can download the ULTIMATE SKINCARE GUIDE. Don’t worry, it’s free)

Part of keeping that youthful glow is about taking care of your skin. If you are careful and apply sunscreen everyday and eat healthy most of the time then there is no reason not to always look your best, but if you need some extra tips then read, HOW TO AGE GRACEFULLY.

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