This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
As we age, our skin tends to become drier, making it more susceptible to emphasizing wrinkles and fine lines when using powder foundation. We asked professional makeup artists for advice and insight on why powder foundation isn’t considered ideal for women over 40, highlighting two common mistakes women make with it. A better alternative to achieve a luminous, dewy complexion, they explain, is to opt for another type: cream or serum.
You may be unknowingly committing these errors, which is why it’s important to learn what they are and how to avoid them. Read on for some expert tips from professional makeup artists on how to get the perfect look without sacrificing your youthful glow. We caught up with three pro MUAs and specialists: Lindsay Kastuk, Jen Cayle Gaum and Mandie Brice to learn more.
Tips from Pro Makeup Artists: Powder Foundation Mistakes That Age You
1. Using Too Much Powder
The first mistake mature beauties often make when it comes to makeup, Gaum says, is wearing a foundation, most notably, a powder one that is too heavy and cakey.
"A heavy foundation will settle into fine lines, making them more noticeable and exaggerated and will only emphasize wrinkles," she warns.
While powder can make a great coverage choice for those of us with oily skin, it dries more as we age. This, Katsuk notes, means that anyone with dry skin won’t see the same results as those with oily skin who use powder.
Powder can dry out your skin even more, Katsuk points out, and this creates a "cakey," patchy and crusty look. "This can make anyone look older because it highlights fine lines and wrinkles," she says, recommending to "keep the powder to a minimum and only apply it where you really need it (any mobile part of the face)."
2. Not Prepping The Skin Enough Beforehand
Before applying any makeup to your face, it is vital to start with a clean slate, Brice says. This means adequately washing and moisturizing your face before adding anything else. If you apply makeup to dirty skin, you risk clogging pores, and an older, crustier look. She explains that the main issue is using a foundation product that is drying.
"Skin with texture (wrinkles) works best with a cream or serum foundation, as anything drying can accentuate the wrinkles," she continues, stressing that "skin prep" (cleansing and moisturizing before application) can also help the foundation last longer.
"Also, many people are in the habit of using powder as a last step, and they may not need it. Our skin produces less moisture as we age, so we may not need powder to mattify and set anymore," she goes on. "We could be unnecessarily applying it, again accentuating the wrinkles."
Instead of powder, Guam suggests mixing together a "moisturizing face tint and face primer, and then apply it directly to the face with a foundation brush." This, she concludes, will give you a well-blended, even (and youthful-looking) complexion with a warm, natural glow.
