11 Anti-Ageing Make-Up Questions – Answered By The Experts
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Question #1: Are There Any Easy Tips For Anti-Ageing Your Brows That Aren’t Invasive?
Answer: “You want to make sure you do your brows up close, before taking a step back to look at the result from a distance,” explains A-list make-up artist Monika Blunder. “It’s the only way to get subtle, but still impactful, results. You want to make sure they’re not too dark and that you’ve not accidentally gone outside of the natural hair line. Less is more, so work in layers to slowly shape and fill until you’re happy with the look – that’s the main rule to follow no matter what you’re using, be it gels, pencils or waxes.”
Question #2: When It Comes To Buying Softer Lipstick Shades, What’s The Best Advice For Mature Skin?
Answer: “My best tip is to try nudes, but don’t rely on them entirely,” advises A-list make-up artist Caroline Barnes. “Colours depend entirely on your individual taste but, as a rule of thumb, I’d steer clear of nude-toned lipsticks as you mature. Yes, look for softer tones, but the older we get, the more drained our complexions can become, so we want to warm them up, not dull them down. With this in mind, look for soft corals and orangey reds – these will give your complexion a youthful lift. For darker skin, the same rules apply. I recommend using the lipstick you choose on your cheeks too. It’s simple but brings all the warmth together for an overall, anti-ageing boost.”
Question #3: Any Easy Ways To Get Coverage, But Without Looking Dull Or Too Heavily Made Up?
Answer: “Most make-up artists will say the same – as we get older, it’s important to minimise your foundation,” advises founder of all-natural brand RMS Rose-Marie Swift. “Remember products containing alcohols and clay – like some foundations – are drying agents, so you want to avoid these. Instead, opt for an oil-based foundation and concealer, applying in very sheer layers. When you put too much on mature skin, it can sit in fine lines and wrinkles which ages the appearance. Layer it up lightly and gently – the better you get at this, the more youthful your complexion will look. You want to put moisture back into the skin, not take it away. Try dampening the skin with clean water, adding a few drops of oil, letting it absorb then applying a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser on top. You’ll get a beautiful, youthful glow.”
Question #4: Speaking Of Base Make-Up, What’s The Best Way To Apply It For Smoother, Anti-Ageing Results?
Answer: “Technique is paramount when it comes to flawless, youthful-looking foundation,” says vegan and cruelty-free make-up artist Em-J. “You want your foundation to melt into your skin, rather than just sweeping it on top – the latter will just result in it sitting on the surface and settling into wrinkles. Opt for brushes with a flat base and fluffy hairs to really push the foundation or concealer in. Use a dabbing motion to push the product down, rather than wiping it on and off in the same movement. Above all, if you see creases form, keep working it in and be sure to buff around your jaw and hairline to avoid tidemarks that can be quite ageing.”
Question #5: Is It Possible To Make Skin Look Younger With Products Alone? If So, How?
Answer: “I am a big believer that you shouldn’t think about making your skin look younger, but rather focus on how you can have the healthiest skin imaginable,” recommends make-up master Trish McEvoy. “Everything we do affects our skin – what we put inside and what we put on the outside. Our skin is ever-changing, so the importance of proper care and protection can’t be overstated. Whenever anyone asks me this question, my answers remain the same. First, start with a thorough cleanse. No matter how short you are on time, cleansing is essential for healthy-looking skin as it removes dirt, oil, bacteria, pollutants and dead skin cells. Maintaining a clean complexion helps prevent breakouts, inflammation and dehydration too. Secondly, always exfoliate to remove dead cells – this will instantly improve skin’s clarity and radiance. Then follow up with a thick moisturiser – nothing works better to lock in hydration and leave skin smoother and plump. SPF goes without saying, but my final tip is to use retinol. I’m always asked how you get skin to be more even, clear, less lined and plump – the answer is always retinol. Nothing works better topically, in my opinion.”
Question #6: Can You Use Highlighter At Any Age, Or Is There A Cut-Off?
Answer: “In my opinion, there are two types of highlighters: glittery and dewy,” says Monika. “The former is great for younger skin, or if you simply want to have some fun. But glitter can accentuate wrinkles and lines – especially on older skin types. Personally, I prefer a dewy highlighter, such as a clear glossy balm or a soft pearly cream. It won’t enhance wrinkles and offers such a beautiful glow. The natural sheen in our skin isn’t sparkly, it’s dewy, so you always want to find products that replicate that look.”
Question #7: Any Handy Tips For Smoothing Wayward, Wiry Brows?
Answer: “If you find your brows are wayward or not setting, use a small can of strong hold hairspray to set them in place after you’ve shaped them,” advises Caroline. “This works better, in my opinion, than most brow gels. Mist it onto a small brow brush before running it through if you don’t want to go overboard. It’s great for taming hairs in seconds and giving a smoother, glossier look.”
Question #8: Is There A Right Way To Apply Bronzer For Youthful Results?
Answer: “The best way to apply your bronzer depends on the look you want to achieve,” says Trish. “For a youthful effect, my advice is to merge your bronzer and highlighter together. Start by using highlighter on your upper cheekbone, then applying your bronzer underneath it to define and create structure. When looking for a warm, natural look, blend the bronzer and highlighter together to give that candlelit glow we all crave. I believe in the ‘C into a 3’ technique. This involves using your bronzer and starting at the top of the hairline, then bringing it down under the cheeks and back along the jawline in a figure of 3. When you are in the mood to go subtle, apply your highlighter over the highest points of your face and leave it there.”
Question #9: As You Age, Can You Ever Wear Dark Eye Make-Up, Or Should It Be Ditched?
Answer: “It’s not a total no-go, but dark make-up can be very harsh, which gives the appearance of ageing, dry eyes,” explains Rose-Marie. “Try cream formulas on the eyes as these give the overall appearance of a youthful eye. Look to products that are light-reflecting and subtle, avoid anything with thick glitter particles as these will just fall and spread round your face, falling into wrinkles and creases. Another benefit of cream formulas is they nourish the eye eyelids rather than dry them out – something we need as we mature.”
Question #10: How Important Are Primers For Mature Skin & Which Are Best?
Answer: “Primers are a good tool for everyone,” recommends make-up artist Sophie Tilley. “Its job is threefold. First, it acts as a barrier between your skincare and make-up, ensuring the two don’t mix. But it also fills in fine lines while holding all your make-up in place for a smoother, even finish. Application-wise, try starting in the middle of the face – think the nose and forehead. If you find it starts pilling, this is usually the result of the skincare you’re using under your primer, so let everything be fully absorbed before you apply any primer. Remember, primer is considered make-up, not skincare and, generally speaking, it’s not meant to be absorbed by the skin. Think of it as a thin shield that protects your skin and enhances your make-up. Be sure to ‘smooth’ it on – don’t massage it in like you would a moisturiser as this could cause issues.”
Question #11: Finally, Can Make-Up Really Make You Look Younger?
Answer: “Yes! As we age, we lose definition as well as luminosity and instead gain darkness,” finishes Trish. “With time, uneven pigmentation and a duller tone can give the appearance of hollowness. Concealer and foundation mimic the look of rested, even skin. Eyeliner and mascara bring back what nature has taken away by boosting definition. It’s about playing with what suits you, but the short answer is it absolutely can.”
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