HOW TO APPLY MAKEUP ON AGING SKIN
While
we may wear our wrinkles with pride, it's still important to us to look our
best. You don't have to go the Botox route to reduce the signs of aging. Below
are six makeup tips that can help you look younger.
1.
Skin Care
The
first step to young-looking skin is keeping it healthy. A gentle cleanser and a
good moisturizer will go a long way towards reducing the appearance of fine
lines.
2.
Foundation
Foundation
should not change the color of your skin; it's best when used to even out skin
color.
You
want to use a foundation that blends into your natural skin color. Liquid
foundation is best for mature skin; avoid powder which can settle into
wrinkles, making them more pronounced. Use a foundation brush for application
rather than fingers or a sponge for the most flawless finish.
Use
concealer after foundation so you can easily see where it's most needed. The
concealer color should match the foundation. Lightly pat concealer around your
eye for the most natural look.
3.
Eye Shadow
Mature
women should avoid shimmery or frosted eye makeup as it emphasizes wrinkles.
Instead, stay with matte shade that blend easily and help hide the lines.
Light
peach or champagne colors can be applied to the eyelid first to help open the
eyes. Apply a darker taupe or gray into the crease to add depth. Blend well for
a natural appearance.
4.
Eye Liner
Applying
liner correctly can make eyes look wider and lashes look fuller. However, use a
liner that's too dark, and it can make your eyes look harsh. Waterproof liner
in a brown shade, applied under the lash line, will give a soft look. Use a
pencil liner rather than liquid for a softer line, and work it across the top
of your lashes, including in between - follow with mascara.
Use
a brow pencil in a color that closely matches your eyebrow color to fill in
your eyebrows. Following the natural shape of the brow, use small motions to
apply the color. Be careful not to create the "drawn on" look, which
is a danger for those of us with thinning brows.
5.
Blush
As
we age, our skin becomes drier, and collagen loss causes it to sag. Use a shade
of blush one shade darker than normal to add depth and contours beneath the
cheekbone.
Apply
the normal shade to the apple of the cheek, brushing it back lightly towards
the temple and blending it into the contour shade to soften the line.
Finally,
apply a very light touch of color to the parts of your face where the sun
naturally hits - your forehead, top of the chin and top of the nose. All
together, this helps to add definition to your cheeks, and will help you appear
more youthful.
6.
Lipstick
As
we age, our lips naturally thin. Applying dark, heavy lipsticks only
accentuates this. Instead, use softer rose, peach or coral shades. Use a
lipstick to apply color first, then use a matching color pencil to outline the
lips.
This
keeps the lipstick from spreading out into the lines around your mouth. Make
sure the liner is not darker than the lipstick color. Top lips off with a sheer
gloss to give them a young and healthy shine.