Ever see how your go-to makeup sinks into those fine lines, making them appear even more apparent? It’s a normal problem as skin matures. Aging changes your skin. You lose collagen and elasticity. Moisture decreases. These adjustments affect the appearance and texture of makeup. Makeup is supposed to enhance your natural beauty. It should never feel like one more mask.
How to Care for Aging Skin — and What Makeup to Reach For
This is the science of aging skin. It helps you select the correct makeup. What happens as time goes on? What should you look for?
How Skin Changes as We Age
Collagen: The Building Block For Firm Skin. As you age, you lose it. This leads to wrinkles. Elasticity decreases, too, so your skin doesn’t rebound as much. Maybe dryness becomes an issue, but now you’ve got age spots. Skin also gets thinner. All of these changes impact makeup application.
Know Your Skin Type and Skin Concerns
It matters because knowing your skin type is crucial. Is it dry, oily, or a mix? Do you have wrinkles? Or age spots? Answering these questions informs your product decisions. If you have dry skin, choose hydrating makeup. For oily skin, select oil-free formulas. For best results, articulate your specific concerns.
Essential Makeup Ingredients to Keep an Eye Out For
Some — niacinamide and retinol, for example — actually nourish aging skin. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E help defend against damage. Peptides help increase collagen production. Ceramides help keep your skin barrier intact. Keep your eyes peeled for these in your makeup.
Primers: Preparing a Smooth Surface
Primers are like a face base coat. They fill in lines. They help you achieve a smooth surface to apply your makeup. This prevents makeup from sitting in lines.
Best Primers for Mature Skin
Hydrating primers help the skin with moisture. Brightening primers provide a radiance. Blurring primers help diminish the appearance of fine lines. For example, silicone-based primers are great for pore filling, and water-based primers work well for hydration. So pick what suits your skin the best.
How to Apply It for a Flawless Base
Use on skin that has been cleansed and moisturized. Apply a thin layer of primer. Concentrate on zones that feature lines or big pores. Wait a minute until it dries before applying makeup. This aids in forming a smooth base.
Skincare: The Best Primers for Mature Skin
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer: Best for dry skin.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: An oldie but goodie blurring primer.
The Affordable, Effective Primer: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer
Foundation and Concealer: Is It Full Coverage or Natural?
Lightweight formulas are key. You want to keep your skin hydrated. How to prevent a cakey mess with these simple switches.
Finding the Best Formula for Your Foundation
Dry skin: Dry skin types should go for liquid foundations. Cream foundations provide fuller coverage. Stick foundations are great for touch-ups. Liquid and cream foundations are great if you are mature in skin. They provide hydration and apply effortlessly.
How to Cover up Dark Circles and Age Spots
Select a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin. To prevent creasing, stick with a creamy formula. For dark circles, use a peach-toned color corrector first. Use thin layers of concealer.
10 Tips for a Flawless, Natural Finish
Use a damp sponge or a soft brush. Use thin layers of foundation. Apply it starting at the center of your face, blending out. Apply concealer in the places that require it. This keeps the look natural.
Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, and Mascara: Make Your Eyes Stand Out
Select colors and techniques that make your eyes sparkle. Use simple makeup changes to make your eyes pop.
How to Choose Flattering Eyeshadow Colors and Textures
Neutral shades work well. Think browns, taupes, and soft golds. Satin finishes wear better than heavy shimmer. Whites can show wrinkles. A little soft sparkle is OK.
Makeup for Mature Eyes: Eyeliner Techniques
Soft eyeliner pencils are your friends. Get in the habit of tightlining, which is putting the liner on the upper lash line. Avoid harsh lines. And smudge the liner for a more diffused effect.
Longer, Fuller, More Defined Lashes: Mascara Tips
It’s impressive what volumizing and lengthening mascaras can do. Look for formulas that do not clump. And it should not shed. Build up a few thin layers for best results.
Creating Depth with Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter
These products provide warmth and definition. They lend a youthful appearance to your face. It is as simple as a few strokes of paint in the right areas.
How to Pick the Right Blush Color and Placement
Cream blushes are perfect for aging skin. Put blush on the apples of your cheeks. Smile to find the right spot. Blend it out to your temples.
How to Bronze Your Face for a Natural Glow
Apply bronzer for a more natural-looking contour. Using bronzer, warm up your complexion in lines across your forehead, along the apples of your cheeks, and along your jawline. Use a light hand. You want something natural, not a dark tan.
Shine On: Highlight for a Lit-From-Within Glow
Cream highlighters are best. Apply to the highest points of your face. This includes your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. This will add a radiant glow.
Setting Your Makeup for Long-Lasting Wear
To “set your makeup” means making it stay put. It prevents it from looking too cakey. Here’s how to keep your makeup fresh and flawless:
Best Setting Powders and Sprays for Mature Skin
Lightweight powders are key. Hydrating setting sprays can go a long way, too. Dust powder on with a brush. Even a damp makeup sponge will do the trick. Likewise, a setting spray should also be held at a distance from your face. Mist lightly.
How to Touch Up Throughout the Day
Use blotting papers to blot oil. Rehydrate your makeup with a hydrating mist. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to get healthy skin. These minor things will help your skin be seen bright and healthy.
Conclusion
Good makeup and technique are key to better aging skin. Skincare and self-care are of utmost importance. So do some playing around to discover what seems to work best for you.