As we age, cosmetics that once enhanced our looks can become unflattering. These beauty products can help you turn back the clock and revive a youthful complexion.
A sunken face
As we age, it’s inevitable we will lose fat and structure from our face. This results in a loss of volume that can lead to sagging cheeks and lack of prominent bone structure.
But all is not lost – there are certain beauty products that can assist in helping to create the illusion of a more supple and contoured appearance. To add a more vibrant and 3D dimensional look to your features, dab a sheer highlighter on your cheekbones and apples of your cheeks.
Blush can also be used to make your bone structure stand out. Simply dust it along the highest points of your cheekbones.
Sparse eyelashes
As the years pass, our eyelashes tend to lose some of their thickness and length. They can become sparser and flatter, causing the eyes to look smaller. To open up the eye area and create the illusion of wider eyes, everything should be going upwards against gravity.
An eyelash curler can make a huge difference. Even if you choose to skip mascara, curling your lashes should still remain a part of your makeup routine. As for mascara, opt for a natural brown shade, which will create a youthful look while still defining the eye. But be careful not to be too heavy handed with the mascara wand – flaky, cakey lashes are never a good look!
Thin lips
The older we get, the thinner our lips become – especially the upper. This is due to less collagen, a protein that supports soft tissue, being produced. The best approach to giving the illusion of fuller lips naturally is by sticking to shades that enhance your natural lip colour, and avoiding dark hues, which can be ageing. Avoid matte lipsticks, which can be drying on the lips and emphasise any lines you may have around the mouth. Instead, opt for a creamy alternative before applying a gloss, as the shine will keep lips looking full and hydrated.
As we age, our natural lip line can also fade, which makes lipstick more likely to bleed. Combat this problem by tracing lips with a clear lip liner, or one the same colour as your chosen lipstick, to help it stay put.
‘Enhance your lip colour by using a cheek and lip stain,’ says Hannah Terrett, BeneFit Cosmetics National Education Manager. ‘Try layering your stain with your favourite lip gloss to boost lip volume and add a pop of shine.
Fine lines and wrinkles
It’s important not to go overboard with foundation in an effort to mask lines and wrinkles. Besides looking cakey, too much product can sink into any lines and make them more evident. The same goes for concealers; go for lightweight formulas that contain light-reflecting particles, which will also combat dark under-eye circles.
Before applying foundation, using a primer will moisturise your skin and help to hold your foundation in place. Primers are designed to smooth and conceal fine lines and uneven skin texture. ‘Primers are important for creating a flawless complexion,’ says Terrett. ‘What works a treat for reducing years off the complexion is a pore-minimising and fine-line diffusing primer.’
You can set your foundation with a powder if you feel the need to – a light, translucent powder is your best option. Also keep in mind that too much powder will highlight wrinkles and dryness, so use sparingly.
Dull skin
As we age, our body slows down the natural exfoliation process – which can leave skin feeling and looking dull. ‘Prepare your skin with plenty of hydration! Start by using a moisture-rich cream,’ says Terrett. ‘Don’t forget your peepers. The delicate skin surrounding the eyes needs plenty of love; prep your eye area with a specialised cream tailored to the eye area.’
Combat lackluster skin by investing in a tinted moisturiser that contains luminescent particles. A light-reflective formula will help create the illusion of a glowing complexion.
For an extra glow, use an illuminator. Containing shiny minerals that attract light, illuminators can be strategically placed for an intensified highlight, or they can be mixed into your foundation or moisturiser for an all-over glow. Brighteners are also an important skincare product when it comes to addressing skin dullness.
Thinning brows
Thin eyebrows can be instantly ageing and unflattering. Ward off sparse brows by filling them in with an eyebrow powder. Choose a powder which is a similar colour to your existing hairs and follow the lines of your existing eyebrows, rather than trying to create a new shape. An angled brow brush will give you the best results.
Strong, well-groomed eyebrows will help achieve a more youthful appearance (while sticking with today’s brow trends).
