It can be easy to stick to what we know, why update what we have been doing for a lifetime? However, I am very glad I am not still wearing thick, cakey, Pan Stick (who remembers that?) or glued on eye lashes that came unstuck at the edges and hung like spiders :).
In truth, much of today’s makeup has really changed and is simple to apply, long-lasting and may even have some benefits for the skin, something older people are often much more concerned with than the makeup itself.
Start with the Basics
It goes without saying that a good skincare routine provides the best canvas for makeup. Moisturiser and sunscreen should be used every day to keep skin hydrated and protected.
As we age our eyesight is not what it was, so using a magnified mirror can be a game changer. I remember the first time I used one, I looked like I had aged 20 years overnight. Now I have got used to it, it has become my best friend 🙂
Grooming should also be a part of our routine, making sure eyebrows are neat and tidy (how quick mine seem to grow!) and any odd unwanted hair gently plucked. If you like a minimalist look you may choose to have your eye lashes tinted so you don’t have to bother with mascara.
Foundation
Today’s foundation ranges from light cover, which includes tinted moisturiser, medium cover, which provides a more polished look, through to full cover, which conceals and provides a ‘flawless’ complexion. It can be applied with a brush, sponge, or my preference, fingertips. Try to find a colour that matches your skin, depending on the season of the year.
I have found that mixing a medium cover 50/50 with a base oil/serum, for example castor oil, works best for me. It give a light, even coverage, hydrates my skin and gives a nice glow. It does take a few minutes to dry but is well worth it.
Contour/Bronzer
Contouring has become a big trend recently, and it is easy to see why. Contour sticks make application easy and can be used to reduce the size of your nose, lift cheek bones, sculpt jawline and define the shape of your face. They are typically darker than your skin tone and work by creating shadows.
Bronzers provide a sun-kissed glow and add warmth to the skin, making it look more radiant and healthy. Many people use bronzers without foundation if they want a bare minimum look.
Eyes
Just because we may have a few wrinkles around our eyes doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t wear makeup! In fact, eye makeup can provide a quick pick-me-up and boost confidence. If you are not used to wearing eye makeup, start with some neutral eye shadow colours, and then experiment depending on the occasion, time of year, mood and preferences.
As we age, many of us experience our eye lashes becoming a little shorter and not so thick. One way to make your lashes appear longer and thicker is mascara, and there is a vast number of different types on the market. Choose whether you would like to lengthen, thicken, nourish, or any combination. If you prefer not to use mascara but feel your lashes need a boost, you could consider having them tinted.
Lips
Most of us experience our lips become a little thinner as we get older, this is due to loss of collagen, bone density and elastin. Other than fillers, there is little that can be done to enhance them except keeping them moist, using an SPF lip balm, and eating a nutritious balanced diet.
However, what we can do is work with what we have. Lip liners, drawn just a fraction wider than our lips, can provide definition. Lipsticks, which can be matt or shine, can add colour and vibrancy. Some lip glosses include a plumping ingredient, which can not only add shine, but make them look a little fuller.
Join the Conversation
Have you updated your makeup recently? Do you find makeup boosts your confidence? Have you stopped wearing makeup?
