SHAKE UP YOUR MAKE-UP
Make-up is a great tool for enhancing our looks, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. These look-younger expert tricks will take years off, fast.
Rethink your blusher
Sticking to the oft-quoted rule of applying blusher to the apples of cheeks ages us, according to Vanessa D’ambrosio, Giorgio Armani face designer. ‘Those dated-looking circles drag the face down, causing an unflattering jowly effect,’ she says. Create a small V-shape by buffing product into the centre of the cheeks, then sweep upwards and outwards towards the hairline. ‘This works for powder or cream formulas, and creates an uplifting contour that ensures colour is more evenly distributed,’ says Vanessa. Try Lumene Invisible Illumination Watercolour Blush [2], £22.50; Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Blusher, £27; or Bourjois Duo Blush, £6.49.
Press pause
‘Many of our go-tos start to fail as we age,’ says Mary Greenwell, Laura Mercier make-up ambassador. ‘A product that worked 10 years ago may no longer be delivering the same benefits.’ She suggests taking a weekend (or longer) off wearing make-up to gain a fresh perspective on how skin looks and feels. When you start to wear make-up again, you may find you need more or less than you think. Ask younger friends and family members what products they’re using – and ask them how to use them. Or visit a beauty counter for a complimentary makeover – we rate Bobbi Brown and MAC.
The new nude
Gold eye make-up provides all the benefits of neutral tones, sophistication, softness and versatility, but it’s more vibrant and
youthful than beige. A pale, glistening shade, like Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Star Gold [5], £22, washed over eyelids and built up along the lash line or pressed into the corners of your eyes acts as an instant anti-ageing spotlight.
Upgrade your foundation
A good foundation makes you look fresh and polished, but the wrong one can look dull and gather in lines and pores. Take a look at your current formula and ask yourself if it creates a youthful, even finish. ‘Foundation should only be used lightly to even out and freshen skin tone. For more coverage under eyes or on red areas, use a targeted concealer,’ says make-up artist Mary Wiles. Although matte foundations are on-trend, they can flatten the face, so a super-sheer, translucent formula, such as Armani Luminous Silk Foundation [4], £42, or Chanel Vitalumière Aqua [1], £37, should be on your shopping list.
A better brow
It’s a common mistake, but compensating for thin and pale brows with heavy make-up just makes your eyes look smaller and accentuates hooded lids. Instead, work on brows by filling them in with soft pencil strokes – try L’oreal Age Perfect Brow Magnifying Pencil [3], £6.99, which mimics the appearance of natural hairs. As pencil pigment looks darker when it’s pressed on to skin, a shade that’s slightly lighter than your natural brows adds realistic fullness.