This article has been updated since its initial 09/02/22 publish date.
While fine lines and wrinkling of the skin is inevitable with aging, there are still clever tricks and hacks that you can use to conceal them with makeup, if you wish to! We reached out to a professional makeup artist and expert for 2 quick ways to do this daily with your skincare and makeup routines, and step-by-step instructions for making wrinkles less noticeable with your favorite products. Read on for tips, insight and suggestions from Sue Perez, professional TV makeup artist, NY state licensed esthetician, founder and CEO of Beauty Phonics.
Tip 1. Prep The Skin
Before adding any makeup products to your face, Perez explains that a regimented skincare routine is vital over 40 so that you're working with a clean slate. "I prep the skin before using makeup and color," she says, as "skincare is the first step and technique is the second." The first thing Perez recommends doing in the morning (or before putting on makeup) is to practice "simple exfoliation and hydrating with a moisture mask before applying makeup."
2. Use Dewy Foundation & Minimal Powder
While you might think using more powder can lock your makeup look in place, Perez stresses that you don't want your skin to look *too* dry, as this can emphasize wrinkles. When your skin appears more hydrated, she says, it looks more supple, with or without makeup. When you do apply makeup, Perez says to "use foundation that leaves a dewy finish" and only ever add "powder to the T-Zone (forehead, nose and chin), leaving the eye and cheek area alone." She adds to keep in mind that the "eyes don't produce any natural oil on their own, so we need to keep that area hydrated 100%."
In addition, she dubs this area "the most delicate and thinnest skin on the entire body." Another tip Perez recommends is always looking for "SPF in any concealer and base products," and to avoid matte products (because they're drying) and instead "look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, built-in primers and light-reflecting properties."
Your Daily Anti-Aging Look Checklist
Now, after learning more about the importance of a hydrating skincare routine and makeup that is more dewy rather than dry, Perez offers a daily set of steps to follow for your anti-aging/ wrinkle-concealing makeup look:
1. Always remove eye makeup effectively with a water-cleansing face wash and eye makeup remover for stubborn mascara.
2. Massage eye creme for at least 3 minutes in the morning and again before bedtime.
3. Repeat in the morning when you wake up (if you have puffiness use an under eye mask or cold compress).
4. Use primer under your dewy makeup, and avoid using pressed powder around the eyes.
