It is no secret that as we mature, so does our skin. Just as we should tailor our skin care routine to meet skin’s changing needs, our make-up techniques may need to be slightly adjusted to help us look our best. We’ve compiled a list of important make-up tips for mature faces, and even if this doesn’t apply to you personally, we encourage you to share these with your Mom, or even your Grandma!

• Invest in quality skin care

Taking good care of your skin is the most important thing when you want to look your best. Adding serums, using an anti-aging eye cream, and selecting a moisturizer to meet your skin’s specific needs can all help keep your skin looking more youthful. Think of your skin as a canvas- you want it healthy & hydrated so your make-up can perform to its full potential. And don’t forget to protect from the sun! Using products containing an SPF will help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

• Always prime

Primers are a vital and often overlooked step in a make-up routine. Foundation primers help to fill in lines and allow make-up to glide smoothly over skin. Eyeshadow primers prevent shadows from settling into creases and fine lines and help shadow to be more visible. Mascara primers plump & condition lashes to build volume and fullness while preventing flaking and smudging. And ALL primers help make-up to last longer, so you can stay looking great all day.

• Stick to liquid or cream foundations

Avoid powder foundations since they tend to settle into creases and make fine lines look more pronounced. Liquids and creams can help add hydration and will glide more smoothly over skin’s surface.

• Soften your eyeliner

Opt for brown and grey shades instead of black. Black liner can make eyes appear smaller and tends to look harsh. Be sure to chose a liner with a smudging tool, and use it soften the line. Not only will this help to create a softer and more flattering appearance, but you also don’t have to worry about making a perfectly straight line (which can be difficult as we age). Another option is to skip the eyeliner and use a darker shade of eyeshadow to line the eyes, applying the shadow just along the lash line.

• Choose semi-matte eyeshadows

Shimmery shadows can draw attention to fine lines, and matte shadows can make the skin appear crêpey. Semi-matte and satin shadows help to create a soft, diffused look and won’t draw attention to fine lines on the eyelid.

• Use cream & liquid blushes

Just as with foundation, powder blushes can settle into fine lines and make creases more pronounced. Liquids and creams glide nicely over the surface of the skin and help with hydration.

• Lipliner is your friend

Lipliner helps to define edges of lips, which tend to fade with age. Liner will also prevent lipstick from feathering into fine lines around the mouth. A clear lip pencil is a great option because it can be used with any shade of lipstick and eliminates the guesswork. And since it’s clear, it doesn’t require a precise line.

• Use the proper tools

Using make-up brushes is important when applying cosmetics, both to ensure even coverage and to improve the appearance of the products. For foundation, use a dense, flat brush. A stippling brush works great to blend liquid and cream blushes. For eyeshadows, use brushes specially designed for shadows (if in doubt, we are happy to help you select the correct brushes). Apply using short, circular motions.

• Opt for a setting spray instead of finishing powder

Since powder tends to settle into fine lines, set make-up with a finishing or setting spray. It will help make-up look great all day, and can add a dewy glow which helps to blur fine lines and create a softer appearance.