As we age, our appearance naturally changes, and embracing these changes is key. However, your makeup and skincare routines may need adjustments. According to veteran makeup artist Lindsay Garrison, what worked in your 20s and 30s might not be as effective in your 40s and 50s. She advises learning new techniques and trying new products to adapt to your evolving face.
Natalie Setareh, a cosmetics instructor, believes makeup can boost confidence. She notes that using makeup to achieve a more youthful appearance is natural. Setareh emphasizes that makeup plays with light, highlighting favorite features while downplaying areas of self-consciousness.
Here are expert tips and product recommendations for a youthful glow.
Exfoliation for Smooth Skin
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics artist Carola Gonzalez recommends exfoliating three times a week to remove dead skin and increase cell turnover. She uses an active enzyme exfoliator with fruit enzymes, plant oils, and honey. Available at Credo for $75 (1.5 oz) or Amazon for $47 (0.75 oz).
Lightweight Setting Powder
Makeup artist Susan Zeytuntsyan advises using a finely milled loose powder only on the T-zone to avoid settling into fine lines. She recommends Hourglass powder with reflective particles for a glow. $52 at Amazon, Sephora, Ulta.
Rich Moisturizer as Base
Hydration is crucial. Zeytuntsyan suggests Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentre, a rich moisturizer that doubles as a primer. Contains aloe, soy proteins, shea, and beeswax. $19+ at Amazon, Ulta, Dermstore.
Complexion Booster for Radiance
Garrison loves Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for a lit-from-within glow. Mix with foundation or apply to high points. $50 at Amazon, Sephora.
Brown Eye Pencil with Shimmer
Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman suggests switching from black to brown eyeliner. He recommends Mac Cosmetics Eye Kohl in Teddy for deep brown with shimmer. $24 at Nordstrom, Ulta.
Skin Gel Foundation
Garrison also likes Chantecaille Future Skin, a water-based gel foundation with anti-aging benefits. Contains hydrating extracts and plant-based retinol. $95 at Nordstrom, Dermstore, Revolve.
Creamy Lip Liner
Setareh notes that lip color fades with age. Over-line the top lip and center bottom lip with NYX lip liners, which are creamy and long-wearing. $6 at Amazon, Ulta.
Skin Corrector Stick
Gonzalez recommends Bobbi Brown skin corrector to cancel dark spots and under-eye circles. Infused with moisturizing ingredients. $35 at Amazon, Sephora.
Natural Bronzer
Freedman says bronzer adds warmth. He uses Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Bronzer with hyaluronic acid. $59 at Nordstrom, Amazon.
Lash Curler
Freedman emphasizes curling lashes for open eyes. He recommends a stainless steel curler with silicone pads. $11 at Amazon.
Under-Eye Cream
Garrison preps the under-eye with iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex, containing peptides and antioxidants. $125 at Amazon, Dermstore.
Cooling Eye Gels
Garrison uses cooling eye gel patches to de-puff and brighten. $22+ at Amazon, Dermstore.
Lip Primer
Garrison advises using a lip primer like MAC to prevent lipstick bleeding. $25 at Nordstrom.
Creamy Concealer
Garrison and Setareh recommend Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer with light-diffusing powder. $17+ at Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta.
Cream Blush Duo
Zeytuntsyan and Garrison prefer cream blush for a natural flush. They suggest Patrick Ta cream and powder blush duo. $40 at Sephora.
