This little handful
of anti aging makeup tips are a simple way for you to make some small changes in
your makeup routine, that deal with some of the dilemmas of aging skin, without
giving up the great benefits makeup can bring.
Why do we need the makeup 'pep talk' at forty?
Its around forty that we really take an inventory of the changes aging has
brought to our skin (Why forty? This benchmark year in our lives takes stock of
just about everything that has, and is going on in our lives, and the over
analysis of our beauty going 'downhill' is part of that inventory).
The truth is, our skin is dynamic and has always been undergoing change but the
negative aspects of aging are far less detectable in our twenties.
Our
thirties begin to map out the aging patterns via expression lines, pigmentation
issues, fine lines. In our forties, that reckless sun worship of our
twenties shows up fully evident in the form of uneven complexion, texture
issues, diminished skin elasticity, sun damage, wrinkles and, not so fine, fine
lines.
*Special
Note:
Nothing beats an age and skin condition appropriate skin care regime to deal
with your skin's health. If you are not sure what this entails, there are
plenty of resources on line that can provide solid information including this
skin care page here at this site. If you are having difficulties that you
still can't seem to remedy, it is worth the money to get a consultation with a
dermatologist (a medical expert on skin).
Anti
Aging Makeup Tips...
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).
Dilemma
#2
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.
Anti Aging Makeup
Tips #2 Shed
some serious light on the matter.
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.
Dilemma #3 Dull Looking Skin
With slower cell turnover, sloughing off dead skin cells slows down natural
exfoliation which can not only dull the look of your skin, it can also
block pores. Add to this uneven skin tone or pigmentation problems
and you have a recipe for dull, lifeless looking skin.
Anti Aging Makeup
Tips #3 Nurture healthy vibrant looking
skin.
3A Step up the exfoliation
process in your skin care regime with a good alpha hydroxy acid, or
something with non irritating exfoliating properties (watch out for
scrubs).
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.
Anti Aging Makeup
Tips #4 Soften Makeup Lines, blend well.
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.
Anti Aging Makeup
Tips #5 Whiten your teeth, remove stains in the
least.
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.