How to Choose the Right Makeup for Aging Skin

As women age, our skin changes drastically. It becomes fragile and thin, dries out, flakes off, discolors, wrinkles, lines, and develops new skin irritations. The whole process is difficult to deal with and almost impossible to correct. However, with all of the new anti-aging and graceful aging makeup now on the market, it is at least possible to feel pretty. That is something every woman both wants and needs. Read on to learn how to choose the right makeup for aging skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Information about the best types of products for various types of skin
• Information for makeup application tips for aging women
• Tissues
• Moisturizer
• Skin care products appropriate to your type of skin
• Mirror
• Makeup brushes, tools and sponges
• Various makeup samples

1. The first step in finding the right type of makeup for your aging skin, is to know what type of skin you have: dry, oily, or combination. If you don't already know your skin type, you must determine that before you proceed. Check online, through beauty books, or in my article entitled "How to Decide on a Skincare System" to figure out your skin type.

2. Once you have determined your type of skin, keep that in mind when you make any skincare decisions, whether it is for foundation, blush or eyeshadow. Choosing the right product for your skin type will make a difference in how it goes on and how long it lasts.

3. Look for skincare and makeup products that are lightweight and appropriate to your type of skin as identified. Whenever possible, obtain skincare and makeup product samples to try before making full blown purposes. Such products are expensive and you don't want to be stuck with them if they do not work. Coordinate your product choices. For example, if you are using moisture makeup foundation, continue with moisturized blush and eyeshadow as well. Using the right product in one area but not in another could result in poor makeup application and a "splotchy" look.

4. No matter your type of skin, always use moisturizer underneath any makeup application. Of course the moisturizer that you choose should also match your skin type.

5. Use a makeup primer. Some primers contain moisturizers so that you don't have to use two separate products. However, don't use a primer without moisturizer. Instead, moisturize first and then use the primer. Primer prevents makeup from absorbing into the skin's pores. That way, the makeup won't clog the skin. Additionally, primer smoothes out the skin to give it a clean, perfectly prepared canvas. Primer will also help to lengthen the amount of time that the makeup remains on the skin. Apply primer lightly all over the skin, being careful not to tug or damage it in any way.

6. Begin makeup application with an anti-aging concealer to hide any flaws and circles under the eyes. It is generally best to choose one shade lighter than your skin tone. Dot the concealer wherever it needs to be applied. Pat it in using your ring finger.

7. Continue makeup application with an anti-aging foundation as close as possible to your natural skin tone. The more lines and wrinkles you have and the more fragile and thin the skin, the lighter the type of foundation you should choose. Foundations made specifically for aging skin are unfortunately not all the same. Some are much too thick and sit on top of the skin rather than blending in. Avoid those in favor of light weight creams, mouses, spray foundations, or mineral makeups that can be easily controlled during the application process. Most women don't need to apply the makeup all over the face but just where the skin has flaws or is discolored. Either way, never rub the foundation into the skin. If you are using a cream, stipple it in. If you are using a mouse or a spray, apply lightly with a sponge. If you are using a mineral makeup, buff it in lightly. In the case of foundation application on aging skin, less is always more.

8. Next apply a subtle blush;one that best simulates your own natural color when you blush. Cheek stains and creamy blushes are better suited for aging skin than powders. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks. If you want a more chiseled look, then blend it lightly upward. Do not, however, blend it into the hairline. That look is dated and will make you look older than you are.

9. Decide if you want to play up your eyes or your lips. In today's modern world, doing both is not appropriate. It is just too harsh. Choose one or the other and finish your makeup accordingly.

10. If you choose to play up your eyes, choose colors that complement your eye color; not match it. Use matte colors. Shimmery or glittery eye shadows are simply not appropriate for aging skin. Avoid carrying the shadow up to the brow bone. That is for younger women who don't have skin that crepes and sags. You can, however, use a darker shade near the lashes and a slighter shade over the eyelid to get accent and tone. Just apply everything with a slightly lighter hand than you might have 10 years ago. Some cream shadows work well while others gather in the creases and make eyes look old. Matte powders, loose minerals, or lightly applied pencils tend to work better overall.

11. If you are playing up the eyes, keep the mouth soft in lighter shades like nudes, pinks or roses that accent the lips but don't shout "I have on lipstick." Stay away from drying lip stains and stay with moisturizing creams and glosses.

12. If you choose to play up your lips, then keep the eyes more muted. Stick with stones that accent the eyes but don't call overt attention to them. Stick with nudes and neutrals, still remaining far from shimmery or glittery shadows.

13. Don't forget to fill in eyebrows that tend to become sparse as a woman ages. Choose a pencil or powder that is as close to your natural hair color as possible. If using a pencil, apply lightly so as not to make the eyebrows too dark or heavy. If using a powder, apply with a small, appropriately hard brush that can apply the powder in short, quick, easy strokes. Again, be sure to keep the application light and airy. Don't forget to arch the brow approximately over the center of the eye's pupil. Begin the brow at the inside corner of the eye and finish it at about a 45-degree angle to the center of the eye.

14. Carefully apply mascara to accent the lashes. Do not over apply for the spider web look that younger women often go for. It will simply emphasize your age.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick with makeup that is made especially for aging skin.
• Choose makeup foundations with an SPF if it isn't already in your moisturizer or primer.
• Choose a foundation color close to your skin tone.
• Choose lightweight makeup products across the board.
• When in doubt, stick with neutral colors that work with your skin tone; accenting without over emphasis.
• Remember that "less is more."
• Stay away from any type of makeup that is heavy in nature.
• Stay away from darker foundations to give a more "tanned" look. Instead, go for bronze shimmers to get a sun kissed glow that can be easily controlled.
• Avoid overtly dark colors. They will accent your lines and wrinkles.
• Don't apply any type of makeup with a heavy hand. Keep it light, airy and natural.

[bizewriter]

on 2/14/2008 I've never tried a primer...my interest is now piqued.