Whether we like it or not, our skin experiences continuous changes throughout our lives. From acne to expression lines, from sun damage to stress symptoms. And then suddenly comes that (peri)menopause, which causes estrogen to decrease and the skin to feel less supple and hydrated. This requires an adjustment of our lifestyle and skincare routine, as well as our makeup habits.
That's why I compiled my favorite tips around makeup for mature skin!
1. Preparation is essential
As we age, our skin produces less sebum, resulting in more fine lines on the face. So make sure you always have a strong skincare routine, especially before make-up. Start with a strong hydrating serum (with hyaluronic acid), an eye cream and a richer day cream that you massage in gently to stimulate blood flow to your face. This will ensure that your foundation blends better with the skin and does not stick to dry areas.
2. The right foundation
To make skin glow, it is best to stay away from overly opaque or matte foundation. These will highlight the lines and dabs on the skin even more. Therefore, opt for foundations with a lighter texture and build up the coverage locally where you deem it necessary.
No ‘cakey’ results all over the face, but controlled extra coverage on spots or pimples, for example. I also prefer foundations with extra moisturising ingredients.
3. Use the right tools
To apply the foundation, and other make-up products, look for high-quality brushes. These will allow you to keep control over your make-up and really blend the products with the skin, resulting in a radiant complexion!
4. Don't be intimidated
Because of the delicate skin on and around the eyes, it becomes quite scary to wear a lot of eye make-up. But if you still want to take the plunge, start with more neutral shades of eye shadow. Light shimmery eye shadow is certainly not off limits, but be careful with it as it can accentuate texture and wrinkles more. So where can you place it? At the inner corner of your eye and in the centre of your moving eyelid.
5. Eyeliner for everyone
Eyeliner is the most popular make-up technique, but often the most difficult to master. Yet you don't necessarily have to stay away from it. To avoid resulting in a harsh look, replace your black eyeliner with a dark brown (waterproof!) version. Technically, it is best to apply the liner with your eyes open to trace out the right shape against the lashes step by step, after which you make a small ‘wiggle’ in the outer corner.
6. In the corner
When applying kohl pencil or eyeshadow, you always want to apply the darkest colour on the outside of your eye and fade it gently towards the lash line and arcade arch. Blurring or blending everything is essential to get rid of hard edges. So feel free to practise with your eyeshadow brushes on your hand first to learn how to blend colours into each other and into your skin.
7. Blush is your friend
Blush is my favourite make-up item. There, I said it.
It comes in so many shapes and textures and results, which means there is no excuse not to wear blush. With mature skin, it's best to go for a liquid or creamy blush or one that has a glossy finish. But where do you apply it?
To give the face more roundness and body, you can place the blush on the apples of your cheeks. But that's where most rosacea occurs. In that case, take the roundness of your cheekbones (the puffiest part of your cheek when you suck your cheeks together) as your base and blend out towards the temples.
8. Brow power
Eyebrows frame your face and look, they are expressive and the ultimate finishing touch. But how do you accentuate those brows if they have become thinner and lighter over the years? Choose eyebrow powder or pencil that matches the natural colour of your hair and draw hairs between your existing brows. In between, always comb your eyebrows into the desired shape. Finish with a tinted eyebrow gel which you comb through the eyebrow hairs.
9. The only way is up
Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara. Waterproof mascara in particular fixes that curl extra hard and prevents spots during the day. An open look is guaranteed!
10. T-zone
You can sculpt the face gently by playing with light and dark, with shiny and matt. This is why I keep mattifying powder for the t-zone only. By neutralising incident light there, you allow cheeks and eyes to speak more, giving a younger and fresher look.
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