One of the things I hear most often from my clients is, “My makeup just doesn’t look right anymore.”
The products might be the same. Your technique may be the same. You may even be using the same makeup you have loved for years. But suddenly, it seems to sit differently, disappear by lunchtime or make you feel more pantomime dame rather than fresh & polished.
The good news is that you probably don’t need to replace your entire makeup bag.
As we get older, our skin, colouring and facial features naturally change. The makeup that worked beautifully in our 20s and 30s may just need a few minor adjustments.
I recently shared five simple changes on my Instagram and it seemed to hit a nerve.
Women related to it, told me that the tips were useful and a couple went on to book makeup lessons because they wanted help adapting their own makeup.
So here are five changes I would suggest trying at home.
Spend more time preparing your skin
This is probably the least exciting part of doing your makeup, but it can make one of the biggest differences.
If your skin is dry or dehydrated, foundation can sit on the surface, catch on dry patches and emphasise texture. You can find yourself adding more foundation in an attempt to make everything look smoother, which can actually make the problem worse.
Before you reach for your foundation, take a few minutes to prepare your skin.
Cleanse, moisturise and give your skincare a little bit of time to settle. You don’t need a complicated ten-step routine. The aim is simply to make sure your skin feels comfortable, hydrated and ready for makeup.
Think of your skincare as part of your makeup routine, rather than something completely separate.
Try using less foundation and a thinner formula
More foundation does not necessarily mean better coverage.
As skin changes, a heavy layer of foundation can sometimes draw attention to the very things we are trying to disguise. Texture, fine lines and dryness can become more noticeable when too much product is sitting on the skin.
Instead, try using a thinner layer across the face and then add a little extra coverage only where you actually need it.
Perhaps you need more around your nose. Maybe you have some redness on your chin or a little pigmentation on your cheeks.
You do not have to cover every inch of your face to create an even-looking complexion.
Skin that still looks like skin is often more flattering
Move your blush slightly higher
Blusher is one of the easiest ways to make your complexion look fresh, but where you put it can make a big difference.
Try applying your blush slightly higher on the cheek or ‘high apple’ and blending it back towards the temples, rather than concentrating it directly on the apples of your cheeks.
You do not need to completely abandon the way you have always applied blusher. Just experiment with moving it a little higher and seeing how it changes the overall effect.
And don’t be afraid of blusher. As we age our skin can lose colour so bringing it back can be very youthful.
Many women become more cautious with colour as they get older, but a little warmth and colour can make the face look healthier and more awake.
Soften your eyeliner
If you have always used black eyeliner, try brown.
Black can still look beautiful, but it can sometimes appear quite strong, particularly if you are applying a thick, very defined line around the whole eye.
Brown gives you definition while creating a softer effect.
Another simple trick is to soften your eyeliner with a small brush. You don’t always need a perfectly crisp line. A slightly softened smoky edge can look much more flattering and effortless.
And think about where you are putting your eyeliner. You may not need to take it all the way around the eye. A little definition along the upper lash line on the outer edge can be enough to make the eyes look more defined without making the makeup feel heavy.
Be a little braver with bronzer and blush
This is one I really want women to hear.
You do not have to wear less makeup simply because you are getting older.
In fact, many women I see have gradually stripped the colour out of their makeup. They use less bronzer, less blush and a paler lipstick because they are worried about looking “too made up”.
But removing all the colour can sometimes leave the face looking flat.
A little bronzer can bring warmth back to the complexion. Blush can bring colour back into the cheeks. A lipstick in a flattering shade can make the whole face look more balanced.
It is not about piling on lots of makeup. It is about putting colour back in the right places.
Which brings me to the most important point.
Your makeup should change with you.
There is no rule that says you have to wear less makeup after 40. No rule that says you should stop wearing eyeliner, bright lipstick or a bit of shimmer.
What often needs to change is the technique and placement.
Makeup should not be about trying to look 25 again.
It should be helping you look like yourself, feel comfortable in your skin and recognising the woman looking back at you in the mirror.
Sometimes you don’t need a new makeup bag.
You just need to use the one you already have differently.
Book a makeup lesson today at www.Dollypond.com
Located on Bloomfield Avenue
Instagram @dollypondmakeup
