The journey to looking younger starts long before you even pick up a makeup brush. It begins with the canvas itself—your skin. Proper skincare prep is crucial, as it lays the foundation for everything that follows. As celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon shares, ‘The better the skin prep, the less makeup I need to use.’ This holds especially true as we age when hydration, plumping, and smoothing become the top priorities. Utilizing a hydrating mask or serum before makeup application ensures that products can penetrate deeply, promoting a natural glow.
Take, for instance, the Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask, a favorite among skincare aficionados. Packed with hyaluronic acid, it replenishes lost moisture and balances the skin tone. A generous layer on the face and neck can be left on under makeup for a flawless, dewy look that’s anything but cakey.
The next step in your skincare preparation is priming, an often misunderstood component of makeup application. Jentri Quinn, a beauty industry veteran, emphasizes the distinct role of a primer, stating: ‘There is a lot of discussion about whether or not you need it, but I’m here to tell you that there is a difference.’ Unlike moisturizers, primers are designed to smooth out the texture of the skin, which is especially beneficial as we age and our skin’s natural collagen diminishes.
Quinn suggests opting for primers with silicone, as they help to create a silky-smooth base that minimizes pores and blurs fine lines. The Laura Mercier Perfecting Pure Canvas Primer is one such product, renowned for its ability to blend seamlessly while enriching the skin with vitamin C and green tea extract.
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Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz (24 ml.)
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 8.11 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 26811
Product Benefits: Hydrating
Coverage: Translucent
Item Form: Gel
Skin Type: All
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1. **Hydration is Key**: Begin your beauty regimen by ensuring your skin is well-hydrated. Using masks like the Joanna Vargas Twilight Sheet Mask or the Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mask can be a game-changer. These products work to even out skin tone and boost radiance, setting the stage for a luminous look that appears youthful and vibrant.
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Product on Amazon: KEY NUTRIENTS Electrolyte Tablets, 200 Capsules, Salt Tablets for Dehydration, Fasting Electrolytes Tablets – Salt Pills with Electrolytes, No Sugar, Gluten Free Hydration Tablets Made in USA
Brand: Visit the KEY NUTRIENTS Store
Price: 19.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 2062
Flavor: Electrolyte Tablets
Primary Supplement Type: Potassium,Magnesium,Sodium,Phosphorus,Calcium
Unit Count: 200 Count
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Item dimensions L x W x H: 3 x 3 x 4 inches
Diet Type: Vegan
Age Range (Description): Adult
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2. **The Power of Primer**: Never underestimate the power of a good primer. By incorporating products like the Saie Glowy Super Gel, you create a lit-from-within glow. This step is essential for blurring fine lines and pores, ensuring that your makeup not only lasts longer but looks flawless throughout the day.
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Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz (24 ml.)
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 8.11 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 26811
Product Benefits: Hydrating
Coverage: Translucent
Item Form: Gel
Skin Type: All
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3. **Concealer Basics**: When applying concealer, less is more, especially around delicate areas such as the under-eye. Celebrity makeup artist Azra Red advises starting with a hydrating eye cream to lay the groundwork. Products like the Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen provide excellent coverage without settling into fine lines, ensuring a fresh look.
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Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 110, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Brand: Visit the MAYBELLINE Store
Price: 8.8 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 220590
Item Form: Liquid
Color: 110
Skin Type: All
Finish Type: Natural
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4. **Brighten the Eyes**: As we age, the eye area can often appear tired. A strategic use of highlighters or matte beige brow products can lift the eyes and give an appearance of youth. It’s a simple yet effective trick that can make your eyes pop.
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Product on Amazon: LUMIFY Redness Reliever Eye Drops, For Whiter & Brighter Looking Eyes, 0.25 Fl Oz (7.5 mL)
Brand: Visit the LUMIFY Store
Price: 21.74 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 62292
Item dimensions L x W x H: 2.38 x 1.38 x 3.81 inches
Product Benefits: Eye Care
Specific Uses For Product: Dry Eye
Active Ingredients: Brimonidine tartrate
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5. **Foundation Fundamentals**: Choose a foundation that aligns with your skin’s needs, such as the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation. The secret to youthful skin is not to over-apply but to use a product that offers good coverage while maintaining a natural finish. Make sure your skin is adequately prepped with moisturizer and primer to avoid any creasing or settling of the product.
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Price: 16.95 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 32
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6. **Conceal Like a Pro**: As we delve deeper into the art of makeup, concealing stands as a pivotal skill for achieving that youthful appearance. The secret isn’t in the quantity of concealer you use but in how you apply it. Celebrity makeup artist Azra Red advises targeting areas that need coverage—think dark spots or any discoloration—without overdoing it. “Less is always more,” she insists, especially around the delicate under-eye area.
For those of us over 40, this means adopting a light hand and focusing on blending. Try using the Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen for its creamy texture that seamlessly melts into the skin. The goal is to cover without caking, ensuring that those pesky fine lines remain hidden. A dab of concealer in strategic spots can dramatically brighten the face and even out skin tone, giving you that fresh, well-rested look.
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Product on Amazon: L.A. Girl HD PRO.Conceal, Fairest GC954
Brand: Visit the L.A. Girl Store
Price: 4.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 51273
Item Form: Cream
Color: Fairest
Skin Type: All, Combination, Sensitive, Normal
Finish Type: Natural
Recommended Uses For Product: Concealing, Skin Imperfections, Skin
Features:
1. Lightweight, creamy texture
2. Long-wearing, crease-resistant formula
3. Correct, conceal, contour, & highlight
4. Ideal for all skin types
5. Cruelty-free & fragrance-free
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7. **All About Brows**: Eyebrows frame your face, and maintaining them can take years off your appearance. Well-groomed brows have the power to lift your features and open up your eyes. As hair thins with age, consider a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas. Opt for a shade that complements your hair color, avoiding hues that are too dark, which can age you.
Using a brow gel like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel can help keep unruly hairs in place, providing a polished look. If you’re looking for something subtler, try a matte beige highlighter under the brow bone. This simple trick creates an instant lift, making your eyes appear more awake and youthful. Remember, the key is to keep it natural and avoid overly defined or arched shapes.
Product on Amazon: wet n wild Ultimate Eyebrow Makeup Kit, Eyebrow Powder Dark Brown, Brow Hair Removal Tweezers, Wax, Brush
Brand: Visit the wet n wild Store
Price: 4.47 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 4548
Item Form: Powder
Color: Dark Brown
Finish Type: Matte
Special Feature: Not-Tested-On-Animals
Features:
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2. Includes a built-in mirror for on-the-go touch-ups
3. A mini brow salon in a handy, purse-friendly compact
4. Vegan
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8. **Eyeliner Magic**: Eyeliner can transform your eyes, adding depth and definition. As we age, the skin around the eyes can become more delicate, so it’s important to choose a formula that glides on smoothly without tugging. Gel liners or kohl pencils are excellent choices for their ease of application and lasting power.
To create a youthful look, consider a soft brown liner instead of black for a more natural appearance. Apply it close to the lash line to enhance your eyes subtly. For a daytime look, keep it light, and for evenings, opt for a slightly thicker line but avoid going too heavy. This way, your eyes remain the focal point without overshadowing your overall look.
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Product on Amazon: Winged Eyeliner Stamp, 2 x Black Liquid Eyeliner Pens, Easy Cat Eye Stencil Makeup Tool, SmudgeProof & Waterpoof Eye Liner, Vamp Wing, Wingliner (10mm Classic, Midnight Black)
Brand: Brand: The Flick Stick
Price: 14.98 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 37715
Color: Midnight Black
Item Form: Pen
Finish Type: Satin
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9. **Mascara That Pops**: When it comes to lashes, volume and length are your best friends. As we get older, lashes can become sparser, so a good mascara is a must-have in your makeup arsenal. The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is a standout choice, offering a faux-lash effect without clumping.
Consider an eyelash curler to add an extra lift before applying your mascara. This opens up the eyes and gives a wide-awake appearance. For those with sensitive eyes, a non-irritating formula is essential to avoid redness or discomfort. Layer on a couple of coats for a full, fluttery effect that maintains a natural allure.
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Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara (01 | Extra Black) | Volumizing & Lengthening | Vegan, Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Brand: Visit the essence Store
Price: 4.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 2458
Color: 01 | Extra Black
Coverage: Full
Item Form: Liquid
Product Benefits: Volumizing, Lengthening
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10. **Blush for a Youthful Flush**: A touch of blush can rejuvenate your complexion, adding a healthy glow that mimics the natural flush of youth. Cream blushes are particularly effective as they blend seamlessly into the skin, offering a dewy finish. The Jones Road Miracle Balm is a versatile option, providing both color and hydration.
Apply blush slightly higher on the cheeks to lift your features, focusing on the apples and blending upward toward the temples. Choose a shade that complements your natural undertones—pink or peach tones often work well. This subtle enhancement can enliven your appearance and bring warmth to your face.
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Product on Amazon: Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel – Flushed | Gel Blush For A Sheer Flush Of Colour | Oil-Free & Fragrance-Free Hydrating Liquid Blush | 0.45 Fl Oz
Brand: Visit the Pixi Store
Price: 14 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 948
Item Form: Gel
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Coverage: Sheer
Color: Flushed
Top Review from US: “Great price and long lasting”
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11. **Contour for Definition**: Contouring can redefine your face’s structure, enhancing your natural bone structure. With age, facial contours can soften, so a strategic application of contour makeup can bring back the definition. Use a contour stick or powder to gently sculpt the jawline, cheekbones, and temples.
Remember, the idea is to create shadows that naturally occur in your face, not to carve out stark lines. Blend thoroughly to ensure a seamless transition between shades. This technique not only slims the face but also accentuates your features, giving you a more youthful silhouette.
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Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand, Liquid Contour Wand For A Naturally Sculpted Look, Buildable Formula, Vegan & Cruelty-free, Light/Medium
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 9 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 5910
Item Form: Cream
Finish Type: Natural
Coverage: Full
Color: Light/Medium
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12. **Lip Service**: Lips often thin with time, but the right products can restore their fullness. Begin by exfoliating your lips to remove dead skin, then apply a hydrating balm to keep them supple. Consider using a lip liner to outline your lips, which can prevent your lipstick from feathering and give the illusion of fuller lips.
Opt for a creamy lipstick formula like Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color. Shades with a hint of shine can add dimension and volume, making lips appear plumper. Steer clear of overly dark colors that can be aging and instead choose softer hues that enhance your natural lip color.
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Product on Amazon: Patchology Lip Gloss for Women – Glossy, Clear Shine Hydrating Lip Balm with Aloe, Honey, Goji Berry Oil – Moisturizing Lip Treatment for Dry, Cracked Lips – Light, Clean for Soft, Smooth Lips (15ml)
Brand: Visit the Patchology Store
Price: 15 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 748
Item Form: Tube
Finish Type: Glossy
Skin Type: Dry
Color: Clear
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13. **Setting the Look**: To ensure your makeup stays fresh throughout the day, a setting spray is a must. The Avène Thermal Spring Water is a fantastic option, not only setting your makeup but also providing a refreshing burst of hydration. This final step ensures that all your hard work lasts, keeping your look intact from morning till night.
Hold the spray at arm’s length and mist it lightly over your face. This will lock in your makeup while maintaining a dewy finish. Remember, the goal is to appear effortlessly radiant, not overdone. The setting spray is your secret weapon for achieving a look that’s both long-lasting and youthful.
With these makeup tips and tricks, you’re not just enhancing your beauty; you’re embracing it at every age. Makeup isn’t about hiding or transforming; it’s about celebrating your natural beauty and expressing yourself. Each step, from concealer to contour, is a tool in your arsenal to enhance your unique features, allowing your inner glow to shine through. Here’s to feeling fabulous and looking your best, no matter your age.
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