Give powder the heave-ho
Powder has a habit of collecting in furrows and frown lines, making us look older than our years. Opt instead for a primer and blotting papers (such as Shiseido's pureness oil-control blotting paper) or use an oil-free foundation to reduce shine.
Go easy on the glitter
It’s time to forgo the sparkles and glitter: they exaggerate crepey lids and crows' feet. Choose instead a cream shadow (such as Estee Lauder’s new double wear stay-in-place shadow crème in antique gold) or a low-sheen shimmer powder (such as Stila’s eyeshadow in poise).
Watch the eyeliner, will you?
Liquid lined lids can be really effective, but as we age strong definition isn’t always flattering. Choose a dark brown powder or gel liner and apply it with a fine brush (such as Bobbi Brown’s ultra fine eyeliner brush) for softer, smokier eyes.
Let’s face it
Pale and chalky, and conversely, overly dark bases make skin look dull and tired. So stop aiding and abetting the aging process and buy a foundation that is colour correct and has light-reflective qualities. Visit Prescriptives for a custom blend.
Lighten the load
Regardless of the quality of your skin there’s simply no excuse for concealing your imperfections with thick layers of foundation. Select a formula that is designed for maximum coverage yet is still lightweight enough to resist gathering around your eyes and mouth. Try Giorgio Armani’s luminous silk foundation.
Lip shtick
Dark lip shades are effective on the runway but in reality they can make lips look far too thin. Furthermore, if you’re wearing a stay-fast matte formula, chances are your lips look dryer too. Select a sheer lipstick (such as Becca’s sheer tint lip colour in gisella) or lip gloss to create a fuller, sexier-looking mouth.