Dilemma #1   
Skin Texture Changes...

That smooth, dewy skin that was once easy to apply makeup to, is now a little more tricky.  Deepening surface lines, texture roughness, larger visible pores, and hydration issues all, not only diminish the ease at which makeup can be applied,  they also dull the appearance of our skin.  Any ounce of youthful vibrance we thought still apparent, becomes difficult to detect .  Makeup applies unevenly generally, and collects in the lines!  Don't get me started on the eyelids...

Anti Aging Makeup Tips  #1  
Hydrate & Smooth

1A-Hydrate your skin well before you apply your base foundation, especially your eye area.  Not only will the foundation go on far more evenly and bond with your skin better, your skin will retain a fresh appearance.  Also, well hydrated skin, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and plumps it up.

Product suggestion?  Your skin type will determine how rich the moisturizer should be; oily skin-lightweight lotion ...dry skin- richer cream format etcetera.. You can't go wrong with Clarin's age specific skin care programs-40's Or NARS Skincare

1B-Consider PRIMER.  Depending on how extreme your skin's texture is with roughness or large pores, there are excellent foundation primers that act to fill in minor lines and pores not only disguising their appearance but creating the perfect canvas to apply your base.

Product suggestion?  Smashbox has a primer that has made them famous and its called Photo Finish Foundation Primer 1 oz Original  From one forty something to another, I have tried it and it is extremely effective.  Another option, though I haven't tried it yet, is Clarins award winning product called "Lisse Minute Primer " (Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch). 

Thinning Skin...

As we age our skin actually thins and becomes more transparent allowing for even darker circles under our eyes.  In fact, our whole eye socket really darkens as a result of thinning and the under tissue tones of  blue/ purple/ red impact our skin tone.
 

After you have completed your foundation needs (coverage based on need only-less is always more), place a creamy custom blendable, concealer in these key zones; blue area between inner corner of eye and bridge of nose, under inner corner of eye to occipital bone, under lower lash line, BUT AVOID under eye area below outer corner of eye where fine lines and crows feet are. Follow with light dusting of loose powder for staying power. (Make sure you have used a hydrating eye cream prior for greater blending ease and minimal dryness).

Product suggestion?  Laura Merciers Secret Camouflage, NARS Duo Concealer.  Choose shades one to two shades lighter.

Product suggestion? Clarins Has An Old Favorite Radiance Booster called Beauty Flash Balm which is great under makeup.

3B  Radiant Makeup...  You can also use makeup to enhance your coloring.  With a little application finesse you can simulate a  sunkissed complexion with a flush in your cheeks.

Product suggestion? Clarins Sun Face Palette for a natural looking bronze touch across your cheeks, forehead, bridge of nose (every where the sun leaves a hint of color).  At the apples try Bobbi Brown cream blush sticks or Tarte Cheek Stain for a dewy pop of fresh luminous color (blushing bride is a great color for all skin tones with a plumish scent)

Dilemma #4
Crows Feet & Lines

The inevitable evidence of years lived with laughter, tears, sunshine and squinting, finally show up.

Dramatic colors & bold lines, in combination with facial lines can be a harsh mix.  That doesn't mean that you can't define your features with color...just make good color choices.  Try earthy tones in eye pencils and shadows, and neutral metallics.  Smudge and soften lines in the eye area.  Blend shadows and blush seamlessly so the evidence of stop and start is not detectable.  

Product suggestion? Quality eye liner pencils that can be both precise and smudgeable in colors such as dark brown, gray, blue, black, olive.  Shadows richly pigmented and blendable.  NARS offers both products in dream quality; Duo Eyeshadow

Dilemma #5
Teeth yellowing from age and wear.

Over time even the brightest white teeth will dull, yellow and become stained with age.   

This is a great way to keep smiling and be youthful in your appeal.  Keeping your mouth healthy, your teeth and gums cared for , and your teeth white will bring a very fresh element to your appearance.

Depending on your individual need, anything from whitening toothpastes, strips, pro dental in home bleaching kits to laser whitening in the dental office, are available methods to consider. 

Product suggestions? GO SMILE Go All Out Kit, Crest Whitestrips Dental Whitening System Strips, Premium ,supersmile The Superquick System, in home professional teeth bleaching kits (see left), and the fastest way to a bright white smile is a laser teeth bleaching appointment with your dentist.