Makeup to make you look younger
We take a look at how your make-up can keep you looking young.
The art of using makeup to look fresher and younger is about three things according to makeup artist Ariane Poole, also the creator of an eponymous makeup line. The key points are:
1. Priming the skin
2. Colour choice
3. Placement of colour
Primers
'Primers are a godsend when you're over 30 and your skin may look duller than a decade ago or is showing lines,' says Ariane. 'You can now buy makeup products to minimise pores, smooth wrinkles, minimise shine, boost radiance and brighten the complexion,' she says, 'and they all help create the illusion of better skin. Some you apply under your foundation, others you can mix with it.'
Foundation
Your choice of foundation is important too. Sheer, light reflecting formulations make your complexion look brighter and just about every cosmetic company has one in its line-up.
Givenchy's artistic director, Nicholas Degennes, recommends steering clear of matte and powdery finishes as they can deaden the skin and highlight lines. He suggests a creamy formulation with a satiny finish that you can apply just in the areas you need to even out your skin tone. Avoid being too heavy-handed with powder as it will make your skin look drier and settle into creases. A translucent or skin-matching shade in the t-zone is enough to both set makeup and prevent shine.
Blusher
Blusher can instantly make you look more youthful – provided you choose the right colour.
'Avoid drab, ashy, flat, browns,' insists Ariane, 'and that goes for muddy brown bronzers as well as blushers. They drain your skin completely.' Your skin naturally loses pigment as you age, so blusher is the perfect pick-me-up. Think pretty colour-wise. Soft roses and apricots are really flattering and natural looking.
'Don't apply blusher under your cheekbones,' cautions Ariane, 'as this can make you look too gaunt. Smile at yourself in the mirror to locate the apples of your cheeks and pop the colour on there.'
Eyeshadow
Just as very matte foundation can be ageing, so can matte eyeshadow, which emphasises dryness and lines. Equally, very sparkly eyeshadow draws attention to crepey skin. A shadow or cream with a sheen however is both flattering and fashionable.
As for colours, black can look a bit ageing rock-chick if you're the wrong side of 30. If you like dark colours though, go for rich navy, charcoal, forest green and plum as softer alternatives. Brighter colours work best as a flash of eye liner drawn close to the upper lash line or as a pale colourwash along the lids only.
For a more natural wide-eyed look, makeup artist for Maybelline New York, Fiona Jolly, suggests using a pale shadow with a slight shimmer and curling your lashes before applying mascara.
Finally, don't underestimate the effect of well-groomed eyebrows – they can act as a mini eye lift!
Lipstick
Lips lose their fullness and become paler over time. But there are tricks to give you back your pout. Just adding a hint of colour will make you look more youthful. Rose pinks, apricots and berry shades are all good choices for lifting the complexion.
Texture matters too. Matte can be ageing, so choose moisturising, creamy and semi-sheer lipstick finishes. You can also add gloss on top of your usual lip colour to give a fuller effect. Outlining your lips with pencil can help to make them look fuller too. Just make sure the pencil matches your lipcolour, so you look chic and polished.
