OVER 40 make-up master class

TAKE A MATURE APPROACH TO SKIN AND BEAUTY

This week, I chatted to Gabrielle Jones and Dianne Ensor of The Make-up School in Auckland.

The talented duo run monthly make-up masterclasses for the over 40s, designed to help women re-energise their skincare and make-up regimes.

Here they share some of their tricks for mature women.

WHAT DO YOU WISH WOMEN OVER 40

WOULD DO MORE OF?

Prep the skin! First with good skincare and then with a make-up primer. And invest in a lesson to learn really simple make-up techniques to keep your look fresh and current.

WHAT ARE SOME

COMMON MISTAKES? Wearing the same foundation you wore 10 (plus) years ago. Putting too much make-up on – the new rule is ‘less is best’! Overdrawn eyebrows that immediately grab attention. Harsh eyeliner – under the eyes in particular. Learn to blend it!

ANY ADVICE FOR CHOOSING FOUNDATION? Skip anything that has a super-matte finish, is oil-free or is a powder foundation. These formulas can appear heavy on the skin and are very drying.

Instead, choose foundations that are lightweight and give your skin a glowing, luminous complexion. Tinted moisturisers are great and a bonus if they include an SPF (sun protection factor). Don’t be tempted to go too dark with your foundation colour as it can make your make-up look muddy. WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER MAKE-UP, WHAT TEXTURES DO YOU RECOMMEND? With eye shadow, soft, matte colours work well. Although we all love a bit of shimmer, if you choose to use it, stick with products that are finely milled and won’t accentuate fine lines. Placement of shimmers and illuminators is important.

Cream blushers are perfect for creating a fresh and youthful complexion.

Avoid using very matte lipsticks, especially the liquid

ones that are around as they can often just make your lips look dry. Instead, choose creamy, satin finishes that moisturise your lips.

Exfoliate your lips regularly to get rid of dry skin before applying your lip product of choice. Tinted balms, stains, semi glosses and lip tints are also great.

ANY ADVICE FOR COLOUR? For lips, don’t be afraid to use a pop of colour. It can lift your whole face.

Using browns, plums, bronzes and greens to define eyes can be more flattering and softerlooking than straight black. Natural rosy brown tones and peaches are lovely neutrals for cheeks and lips.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A WOMAN WHO STRUGGLES TO APPLY EYELINER? Applying eyeliner can certainly be hard, so investing in a magnifying mirror is a great idea. It makes applying makeup in general a lot easier!

Remember that eyeliner comes in many forms: liquid liner, gel or pencil. If you struggle, we recommend avoiding liquids as mistakes will be very visible. Try using a softer gel or a pencil and, after applying it, use a small make-up brush to blend it out.

IF YOU COULD GIVE A WOMAN OVER 40 YOUR

TOP FIVE ANTI-AGEING MAKE-UP TIPS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

1 Skincare really does matter. Looking after your skin will help to keep it hydrated and youthful at any age – and don’t forget your neck! Wear a high SPF sunblock every day (choose one that works well under make-up), even if you work indoors. If you have the budget and can make the time, regular facials make a difference.

2 Wear a make-up primer. It smooths the skin and helps to create a polished, longerlasting make-up.

3 Brows are probably the most prominent facial feature and can make or break your look. They help accentuate the eyes and shape your face. If they are thin or too dark, they can be very ageing, so get professional help to reshape your brows to create a fuller, natural-looking shape and colour.

4 Use a colour corrector to lighten and brighten the inner and outer corners of your eyes as well as under your eyes. Don’t forget your nose-tomouth lines and the corners of your mouth.

5 Use a lip liner. Not only will it help to avoid ‘bleeding’, but it also ensures your lipstick will have longer staying power.