Looking nifty over 50
We’ve all heard the well-worn, age-related clichés – life begins at 40; age is just a number; beauty is only skin deep.
But with people living longer maybe there is some truth in the idea that 50 really is the new 30.
And there’s no denying that we are all feeling younger at heart, despite what the birth certificate may state in black and white!
However, what we just can’t deny is that as we do get older, our skin changes – the texture, the colour, the tone.
The thing is, it’s a gradual change. It kind of creeps up on us and suddenly the tried and tested looks that have always worked for you and make you feel your best somehow seem lacklustre and you’re not quite sure why.
It can leave you confused as to how and what to do with your look to make it work for you again.
But the good news is that with a few tweaks here and there to your beauty regime and choice of colours and products, you can regain that youthful glow in no time.
First, and most importantly, is the need to address the texture of the skin.
It probably doesn’t look as smooth and taut and rosy as it once did, but that does not mean that it can’t look great again. It can.
The key is to make your skin look as supple and hydrated as you possibly can by using lightweight, hydrating and light reflecting products.
The trick is to steer clear of heavy or matt foundation.
Another great way to give your skin a great boost is to use Bio Oil as a base for your make up.
It is fantastic for creating a wonderfully hydrated and supple base on which to apply your foundation.
It seems to breathe new life into a dull looking, dehydrated face.
Then take a brush – the Expert Face Brush by Real Techniques is great – to apply your base.
Use the brush to buff on the foundation… The more you buff, the more radiant your skin will look.
Another great tip for slightly more mature skin is to look at the undertone of your skin.
Is it pinkish or yellowish in tone? To find out, inspect the area around you neck area or the inside of your forearms.
If you are still unsure, compare with your friends as someone will have a more obvious undertone.
Use this knowledge to then select your perfect colour palette.
If you have a pink undertone you’ll be more suited to cool colours e.g. pinks, greys and navy.
Yellow toned ladies should go for warmer tones of peach, coral, bronze and brown.
This is just a guide but if you get the colouring right it will make a massive difference to achieving the healthy glow we all desire, no matter our age.
To bring a little colour to your cheeks, selecting the correct tone of blush will reduce your need for bronzer. Smile and apply it just above the apples of the cheeks to keep the cheek bones looking high.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul but, unfortunately as we age, our eyes start to sink in a little so we have to style our eye make up differently accordingly.
For example the make up looks I used to adore in my 20s would do nothing for me now in my 40s.
To stop looking like an old soul take a peep at your eyes straight on in the mirror.
Can you see your lids or are they hooded? Have they become deep set? The best thing to do is maximise the areas you can see. If there isn’t much lid space visible then focus on the lash line. In that case a graphite liner would open the area right up because it will reflect the light.
The same with a deep set eye area.
Use light reflective products on the lid and lash line to help bring the eyes forward and make them pop.
If you want a smokey look then focus on the outer corners of the eyes.
Applying anything too dark will add weight to your lids, but be sure to apply lashings of mascara.
There are many great things about getting older.
We’re supposedly wiser, we have gained years of experience in different areas of life and we are probably more comfortable in our own skins.
You’ve earned that fabulous face so make the most of it.
Maybe there is some truth in the idea that 50 is the new 30. There’s no denying we are all feeling younger at heart, despite what the birth certificate may state in black and white