Mature skin usually means skin that shows signs of fine lines and wrinkles — and that’s perfectly normal and expected. But if you would prefer to downplay texture in your skin, makeup can be your greatest ally. It can also be your biggest enemy. Makeup that isn’t applied correctly or that contains ingredients that work against your skin type can bring out wrinkles and dry spots on your face and make them look even more apparent.
What’s the solution, you may be wondering? Should you chuck out your makeup and not take any chances? Not so fast. A good makeup technique is possible and can do so much to make your skin look its best, at any age. Here are six essential wrinkle-disguising makeup hacks every woman over 50 should know.
Moisturize Prior To Makeup
We’ve stressed this before, as have so many makeup artists: your makeup routine starts before you actually apply makeup — with good skincare. And good skincare is akin to moisturizing your skin really, really well. After you’ve cleansed your skin and applied any serums that are beneficial to your skin type, make sure you’re applying a layer or two of moisturizer with nourishing, hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Let your skin absorb the moisture for 10 or so minutes and then apply a primer and base makeup like foundation and concealer. You’ll notice a world of difference in how smoothly your makeup can be applied after you’ve moisturized your skin.
Apply Pore-Blurring Primer
We mentioned that primer is a necessary step between your skincare and foundation application. But not all primers are the same. You can choose a primer that adds more moisture to your skin or zaps away some oil and creates a matte finish. You can also choose pore-blurring primers that contain ingredients that make your skin look silky smooth and minimize the appearance of pores — perfect for foundation application.
Apply Eye Cream Or Patches
While you’re touching up your eyebrows or getting your eye makeup on point, apply eye cream or cold eye patches beneath your eyes to help de-puff your skin. A good eye cream and hydrating patches can minimize the appearance of lines under the eye — a place that’s notorious for showing some of the first signs of aging.
Correct Blemishes With Concealer
No matter how old you are, pimples can still happen. Applying a color-corrector in green can reduce redness. Follow that up with a dot of concealer and blend really well to make your skin look like a smooth canvas.
Less Is More
Less is more when it comes to concealer and foundation — especially when you’re applying this makeup to areas of the face that show more fine lines and wrinkles, such as under the eyes. Apply just a few dots, concentrating on the inner corner of the eye (which tends to be darker). Then make sure you blend well and tap on translucent powder to set your makeup.
Make Sure Your Foundation Matches Your Skin Tone
A foundation that is too light for your skin can look chalky, ashy, and draw more attention to fine lines and wrinkles. A too-dark foundation won’t do you any favors, either — it can make your skin look too orange or even slightly grimy. But the perfect foundation will blend into your skin and look like skin — which is what you want if your goal is to appear fresh and youthful. Try a few different colors before you buy one and ask a beauty representative at Sephora or other shops to help you if you aren’t sure if you are a warm, cool, or neutral undertone.
Give these makeup hacks a whirl if you are looking for ways to freshen up your look and conceal fine lines and wrinkles.
