Have you been using the same old makeup products for years and need inspiration on how to apply makeup in a modern, pro-ageing way? We tapped into award-winning, expert makeup artist Julia Green for her hacks on how to invigorate your routine. Take notes!
Pic credit: Women in Bloom
Prepare the skin
Makeup always starts with the correct preparation of the skin. Skin hydration is key prior to makeup application, particularly for mature skin, as it not only allows products to glide onto the skin but it also sets you up for longer lasting wear.
I like to cleanse the face with micellar water, massage in a Vitamin C serum (this little miracle is used to brighten, hydrate and aids in collagen production) and then layer a hydrating moisturiser. Don’t forget to also wear SPF 50+ every day. An age-appropriate eye cream is also essential to maintain moisture in this area.
Use a gua sha tool every day
If you want to take your makeup prep to the next level try using a gua sha stone to massage and wake up the lymphatic system and de-puff the face. It can also help to sculpt the cheekbones and jawline. I usually do this just after applying the Vitamin C serum mentioned above which helps the tool glide and delivers the products into the skin more effectively.
Pic credit: French Beauty Co
Less is more
When it comes to makeup, ’less is more’ is a catch phrase for a reason. Trying to hide fine lines and wrinkles can lead to overusing products and enhancing the look of the areas we are wanting to distract from. It is far sexier (and yes I said sexier in a sentence about mature skin) to keep things clean, fresh and dewy.
I love a radiant foundation to bring glow to the skin and a creamy concealer with a formula that sets in place without being cakey. Perfect to wake up the under eye area.
Switch up makeup formulas
A cream blush is an easy way to add colour to the face. Apply slightly higher on the cheekbone to lift the face and give a more youthful appearance, rather than on the apples of the cheeks. You can also use a lipstick or tinted lip balm instead of a blush and apply in the same way.
Long-wear cream eyeshadows are fabulous for a wash of colour. Choose a colour that is a few shades deeper than your skin tone to help minimise the look of looser skin. These eyeshadows are so easy to use and set in place for a non-crease shadow that will last all day.
Tubular mascara is one of my favourite products as it is essentially a non-smudge mascara! As we age, the elasticity diminishes in our skin and our eyelids can start to slacken meaning that mascara that once worked well, smudges against our lids and leaves black marks on the skin. A tubing mascara prevents this from happening as it coats each lash in a tube of polymer formula (rather than traditional oils and pigments) and does not smudge. Try focusing your second coat on the middle to outer lashes to lift the outer corner of the eye. Also look for waterproof options.
Brows and lashes tend to run away from us with our years. Brows particularly can become sparse and need some attention. There are many products to choose from to fill in a brow but I find a precise pencil or a brow powder are the easiest to use.
Makeup formulas these days are incredible, often infused with skincare benefits. Liquids, creams and even powders have come a long way. I would tend to say stick to liquids and creams for mature skin but I have found some unparalleled powders that are as light as air on the skin. Triple milled particles that don’t settle into fine lines. Meaning you can eliminate shine through the centre of the face (where shine can look like oil or sweat), leaving the rest of the face looking fresh.
Makeup artist Prunela Castelino puts Mavala Magic Powder to the test.
You should absolutely move with the times when it comes to your makeup look. Your skin, face shape, lips and eye shape all alter as we age. Learning how to accentuate what you love about your ageing face may take time (and even a makeup consultation or two) but you will find the beauty again. Whether it is a minimal eye and a statement red lip, or downplaying your lip and focusing on a smokey eyeliner, there is always some fun to be had.
