Looking younger doesn’t happen overnight but beauty experts have revealed the crafty ways makeup can be used to cheat a more youthful appearance.
It doesn’t involve spending a fortune on expensive products either, but rather making a few simple tweaks to an existing beauty routine to get “magical” results.
The first tip from Cult Beauty is to invest in “sunshine shades”, or yellow-tone products. The experts explained: “Mature skin tends to look washed out or lacklustre, so switch from pinky-toned complexion products (which can exaggerate high colour) to something with a hint of lemon yellow.”
This unexpected shade lends warmth to even the most dull complexions and will leave others wanting to “know the secret” to achieving a newfound glow.
Those in the market for a new product with warm undertones can take their pick of so many on the high street, just look for the code “w” in the shade range and avoid anything with “c” (cool) or “n” (neutral) undertones.
Cult Beauty experts recommended Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint (£33) for a “youth-enhancing dewiness” in a variety of shades.
Or try Stila’s Correct & Perfect All-in-One Correcting Palette (£33), available in Marks and Spencer, which includes a yellow cream and setting powder to help unify uneven skin tone.
The makeup professionals also suggested that women seeking a fresh-faced look should swap powder products for cream-based ones. They explained: “Few things add years like a chalky, powdery skin-finish. Not only does powder have a tendency to migrate and settle into creases, but it ‘absorbs’ light and highlights any dry patches.
“Cream, liquid or creme textures are infinitely more forgiving flexible and dewy, they look fresh and infinitely more youthful – as well as being more long-wearing.”
According to beauty gurus, a cream-based concealer is a must-have in every makeup bag. They explained: “Thinner skin and sluggish drainage mean that bags and shadows are a side-effect of growing older, but the right camouflage can work wonders.
“Disguise dark circles with a peachy-toned under-eye cream ‘melting’ with your fingertips to create a diffused, soft focus look.”
To improve the appearance of sagging, undefined skin, Cult Beauty experts suggested using a sculpting cream two or three shades darker than your skin tone to “stimulate a shadow” and redefine cheekbones.
This should be applied to any “hollows”, such as beneath the cheeks and temples, and along the jaw for a “believable ‘3D’ effect”. According to the experts, Kevyn Aucoin’s The Sculpting Duo (£22.50) “does the job, featuring a grey-toned ‘lowlight’ and shimmering ‘highlight’ to enhance the features without looking too harsh”.
Lastly, the makeup maestros at Cult Beauty recommended that mature women use a damp sponge to apply their products. “Tidelines are always a no-go, but never more so than when you’re old enough to know better,” they cautioned.
A dampened Beauty Blender will erase any edges and create a flawless, “airbrushed” finish think your skin, but better.
For women with skin that is particularly lacking in radiance, the experts suggested finishing by applying a couple of drops of face oil to a damp sponge, and ‘bounce’ it all over your complexion “for a youthful glow”.
