All the makeup changes to make as you get older

Do you really need to change your makeup as you get older? We say, it’s completely up to you! If your current technique works and you’re pleased with the results, then keep at it. But if you’re looking for little tweaks to improve the look of your makeup, we asked Amalie Russell, Bobbi Brown’s Pro Makeup Artist and Debbie Finnegan, Senior Artist at MAC for their top tips. Be it extra hydration or a tad more colour, these little tricks can help create a groomed finish or natural-looking glow in no time.

Foundation

Mature skin is more prone to dehydration, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and dark spots. To restore glow and keep skin looking plump, swap out full-coverage foundations for a base with skincare benefits. Amalie recommends liquid formulas that give sheer to medium coverage with a soft-lit glow. Apply sparingly where needed and build up as required.

Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Makeup SPF 45

Credit: John Lewis

MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

Credit: MAC

Hydrating Foundation Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation

Credit: By Terry

max factor Max Factor Miracle Touch Second Skin Hydrating Foundation

Credit: Boots

Unless you require your makeup to last for hours, moisturiser alone works well to prep the skin. If you do want an extra glow, a touch of face oil can also go a long way.

Concealing

A great concealer works hard to help disguise any dark spots, erase under-eye circles and brighten the complexion. The trick is to find one with a buildable formula that melts into skin without settling into fine lines.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Credit: Lookfantastic

L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer SPF20

Credit: Lookfantastic

Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer

Credit: Cult Beauty

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer

Credit: Lookfantastic

According to Amalie, we should “consider where you need the coverage first, start there and work your way around that area. Using a brush will help you target your area with more precision and have it look less obvious”.

Powder

Skip this step if you feel comfortable without it, but if you need your base to stay put or want to reduce shine a finely-milled powder will do the trick.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Genius Magic Powder

Credit: Cult Beauty

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder

Credit: Lookfantastic

Ciate London Everyday Vacay Coconut Setting Powder

Credit: Lookfantastic

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Credit: Cult Beauty

“Opt for using a powder with a fluffy brush rather than a powder puff as this will keep the effect airy and radiant,” Amalie said.

Eyes

Faithful to your smokey eye and feline flicks? Fantastic! But if you’re open to a few small tweaks or you simply don’t know where to start with eye makeup, MAC Senior Artist Debbie Finnegan is here to guide you.

Eyeshadow primers are essential if you find your eyeshadow disappear by midday. They’re also great for smoothing out crepiness and creating a neutral base for the eyeshadow pigments to ‘pop’.

As for the shadows themselves, matte and satin textures are less likely to highlight fine lines, says Debbie, but avoid heavily frosted shadows as these can look dated and harsh.

ELF Cosmetics Bite Size Eyeshadow, £4

ELF Cosmetics

Suqqu Tone Touch Eyes

Credit: Cult Beauty

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

Now 15% Off

Trinny London Eye2Eye Eye Shade in Hope, £18

Trinny London

Be open to glitters and shimmers though, as (unlike frosted textures) a subtle sparkle can look stunning.

“Add a touch of glitter to the inner corner of the eye or use a liner brush to place it on top of your eyeliner to create an eye-catching accent,” Debbie said. She told us she loves using MAC Reflects on mature clients as it creates a sophisticated, grown-up glittery effect.

For a softer look, Debbie recommended swapping black liner for a dark brown. You can also switch out your black mascara for navy blue, or try a smudged-out eye crayon to create a diffused smoky eye.

Cheeks

Make cream blushes your go-to for a radiant, healthy complexion; the soft, sheeny texture will blend seamlessly and create a dewy effect, so there’s no need for a separate highlighter.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush

Credit: Lookfantastic

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

Credit: Boots

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

Now 20% Off

Credit: Boots

Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick

Credit: Cult Beauty

“Blush should ‘lift’ the cheeks,” Amalie said. “Opt for warmer tones for an instantly fresh and healthy-looking glow, applied on the highest part of the check bone and feathered down onto the apples.”

Lips

Lipstick finishes and textures are a highly personal choice (Amalie loves pairing matte lips with dewy skin for a modern finish) but there’s something for everyone.

If matte or highly pigmented lipsticks tend to flake or catch on patches of dry skin, prep with a gentle lip scrub and balm before applying your colour (do this before before starting your skincare and makeup routine, so the balm has time to sink in). If feathering is an issue, use liner in a matching shade or slightly lighter (or a colour-free ‘invisible’ pencil) to create a barrier before applying your lipstick.

Urban Decay Vice Plumping Shine Balm

Credit: Cult Beauty

MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick

Now 69% Off

Credit: John Lewis

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil Intense

Now 10% Off

Credit: Boots

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom Lipstick

Credit: John Lewis

Pretty lip stains are a low-maintenance way of creating an impact with minimal fuss, prep or colour bleed. If you want a plumper pout, reach for a glitter-free gloss or lip oil.

And there you have it, easy little improvements that make a world of difference to your makeup routine as you get older.

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