Once you find a makeup look that’s flattering, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut. If you’ve been doing your makeup the same way or using the same type of products for more than 10 years, it’s probably time for an update.
“A woman’s skin changes many times during her life and her makeup needs may need to change in each phase, as well,” said Ashley Johnson, a licensed advanced aesthetician at Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery in Corvallis. “Every season of life can bring change or challenge. Pregnancy, menopause, stress, acne, sun damage and natural aging all encompass some of the many ways our skin is constantly changing. What used to work for you a few years ago may not necessarily be the best now. Find time to occasionally re-visit your look and open yourself to a new approach that fits who you are today.”
Aging skin can be tricky, but there is no age limit on beauty.
Skin Changes
Johnson reports that many women notice their skin becomes drier after menopause. You may also notice that your skin becomes more sensitive to indoor heating and cooling, and the sun. Using the right foundation can help keep your skin looking fresh and dewy instead of dull and papery. Ms. Johnson recommends using a good primer to help lock in moisture and prepares the skin, so makeup goes on easier and lasts longer.
Look for a foundation that has antioxidants like vitamin C to improve skin tone while you wear it. Adding a good sunscreen to your daily routine will prevent future sun damage and reduce age spots. Try Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Primer to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, and GlowTime BB Cream Foundation, a creamy coverage rich in antioxidants to smooth and brightens while providing broad spectrum SPF 20 sun protection.
For extra protection, Jane Iredale’s Powder-Me-SPF is a go-to product. It’s a physical sunscreen that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Rich in natural clay, not only does this dry sunscreen protect against harmful rays, but the clay minerals also shield against redness. It is easy to apply and re-apply even over makeup. And it’s water-resistant for 40 minutes.
Creased Eye Makeup
Starting with a good base on your lids is important, so Johnson recommends an eye shadow primer to help keep makeup from creasing, which can be especially aging on older eyes. When applying shadow, use a medium tone on the outer two-thirds of the eye from lid to crease. Apply the darkest shade on the outer third, and place a finger-sized dot of the lightest shade in the middle of the lid over the pupil. Blend, blend, blend. Dark colors in a typical smoky eye palette can make eyes look smaller but adding a light color will make your eyes brighten and pop. Try Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Eye Shadow Triple in Brown Sugar.
Fading Brows
Well-defined eyebrows set up the framework for your entire face. If you are guilty of over tweezing when you were younger or have noticed the color of your brows lightening with age, good brow makeup can help. Enhance brows by using small, hair-like strokes to fill in and define for the most natural look. Try Jane Iredale’s Retractable Brow Pencil.
Thin Lips
As you age the face loses some of its fullness, which includes the lips. Lipstick that is too dark or matte can amplify the effect and leave you with lips that look thin. Instead, Johnson recommends a formula that has a little sheen, so lips look moist and plump. Try Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumpers or PureGloss Lip Gloss.
“Aging doesn’t mean adding more makeup, but it does mean paying attention to how your skin is changing,” said Johnson. “Don’t be afraid of trying something new, and pick formulas that are the right fit for where your skin is at today.”
See a video tutorial from Jane Iredale on Watch as their model goes from no makeup to a beautifully natural look that subtly enhances her features.
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