Is Your Makeup Making You Look Older?

Recently I saw a dear sweet friend of mine that I hadn’t seen for years. She still looked the same….frozen in time actually. Though she does have a few more wrinkles today at the age of forty-seven than she did when I saw her last at the age of forty, she looks way younger than her years. She was with another friend who at the age of thirty-seven looked like the older of the two. The difference between them was nothing more than the way they were made up. Though stunningly pretty her younger friend seemed to be stuck in the same makeup routine that she had adopted in her clubbing days. Dark red lips, shimmery eye shadow and thick dark liner graced her delicate features and made her look like she could have been a Michael Jackson backup dancer. Definitely not a great look up close.

If you or your makeup clients are still clinging to a look that adds years, here are a few tips to turn back the clock.

After thirty-five focus on sheer textures,formulas and blending correctly.
Foundations, concealers and tinted moisturizers should be creamy and lightweight, which by the way doesn’t mean that there is added oil but rather added moisture. Try Alison Raffaels Reality Base it’s oil free but loaded with anti-oxidants and gives a fresh looking medium coverage without parabens or icky stuff. Or Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, it’s hydrates and evens out the skin beautifully without feeling heavy.

Follow with concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes or sun damaged areas. Be sure to blend carefully for a smooth finish. Clea de Peau is creamy and high in pigment to cover darkness and help you look rested and awake.

Next I am a true believer in cream blush, it imparts a fresh dewy glow to the skin and lasts all day long. Stick with soft shades of pink, rose, peach or berry depending on your skin tone. Browns and plums can look too harsh. Try Stila Convertible Color in Lillium or Peony they look natural without being too bright.

Set makeup with just a hint of powder on a fluffy brush to help it last all day. Then, pop some blotting tissues in your bag to keep the shine away during the day rather than layering more powder which can look cakey.

For eyes skip any bright or glittery shades (a hint of pearlized color is good but glitter is a no-no) and stick to soft neutrals and muted shades like grays, browns, plums, vanilla and peachy tones. And for eyeliner avoid harsh lines by blending with a soft tipped brush for a more soft but sultry look. Try Dior5 Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection.

As for lips, toss away those dark matte colors that only add years to your look, instead switch to lighter shades of pink, peach, rose or mauve and don’t forget to top it off with a bit of gloss in the center to give the illusion of a fuller pout. Try Chanel Gossamer gloss for a high shine and a bit of sparkle.