As we navigate through the various stages of life, our relationship with makeup often mirrors our personal and style evolution. Natalija Hallert, Cosmax national trainer, shares her expert tips on embracing a new chapter in makeup and self-expression.

There’s a liberating realisation that comes with understanding that beauty isn’t a constant, but a fluid expression of our inner self. Makeup is far more than just pigments and powders; it’s an extension of our persona and an ever-changing tapestry.

Rather than abandoning our makeup brushes as we get older, it’s the prime time to experiment with new colours, textures and looks. We chat with Natalija Hallert, National Trainer for Cosmax Prestige Brands Australia, on embracing the transformative magic of makeup at every age.

Natalija Hallert, Cosmax National Trainer
Natalija Hallert

Do our makeup rituals fall by the wayside as we get older?

You know, it’s totally normal for our beauty routines to evolve as we journey through life. But, hey, who says ageing means we have to kiss our makeup bags goodbye?

Sure, sometimes as we get older, we might feel a bit lost in the makeup aisle. The products we used to love might not seem to work the same magic, and we start wondering if we’re just adding years to our faces instead of that youthful glow. But this doesnt have to be the case. Instead of giving up on makeup, why not embrace this exciting phase of life as an opportunity to discover new looks, techniques and products that enhance your natural beauty? It’s time to banish those makeup fears and embrace the joy of beauty at every age.

What are the best foundations for mature skin?

Before reaching for your foundation, make sure your skin is well-hydrated. Mature skin tends to be drier, so using a moisturiser or hydrating primer can help create a smooth base for your foundation to glide on.

Opt for a sheer or medium coverage foundation that is formulated for mature skin. These formulas are often infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or antioxidants to help nourish the skin while providing coverage. Guerlain Parure Gold Fluid Foundation offers the synergy of a makeup and a skincare and covers without heaviness.

When it comes to foundation appllication, less is definitely more. Start with a small amount of product and build up coverage only where needed to avoid a heavy, cakey look that can accentuate fne lines and wrinkles.

Use a damp makeup sponge or a dense, buffing brush to blend. Pay special attention to areas where fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced, like around the eyes and mouth, to ensure a smooth and natural-looking fnish.

To help prevent your foundation from settling into fine lines and to prolong its wear, lightly dust a translucent setting powder only where needed, focusing on areas that tend to get oily throughout the day. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder is the go-to for a lightweight, ultra-fine powder that gives a blurring effect while setting your makeup all day.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential at any age, so look for a foundation that offers SPF protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Is concealer a no-go?

Concealer can be a fantastic tool for mature skin, helping to brighten under-eye areas, camouflage imperfections and create the look of a more even skin tone. Concealer can be worn at any age but it’s important to choose a creamy, hydrating concealer that won’t settle into fine lines or accentuate dryness. Using an eye cream or a hydrating primer can help hydrate the skin and create a smoother canvas for concealer application.

Also, don’t apply concealer under the entire eye. Skin around the eye area can ba as much as 10 times thinner than other areas of the face, and excess product can give a drooping effect to the area. Apply concealer to just the inner corners of your eye in a C shape, without bringing the product all the way under the eye to the temples.

Try Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Concealer, a multi-purpose concealer that illuminates, conceals and colour corrects.

And the best way to wear blush?

When applying blush, we were always taught to accentuate the apples of our cheeks for a youthful appearance. But to help create a lifting effect, apply blush closer to your cheek bones and blend up to your temples. Cream blushes tend to work better on mature skin, as opposed to powder blushes which can settle in fine lines and wrinkles.

For an extra radiant finish, consider applying a subtle highlighter to the high points of your cheeks, such as the cheekbones, brow bones and the bridge of the nose. This can help to enhance your natural glow and add dimension to your face.

Ultimately, wearing blush is a personal choice, and if you enjoy the youthful, healthy pop of colour it provides, go for it! Just remember to keep the application subtle. Givenchy Prisme Libre Blush is perfect as it comes in a 4-colour palette so that you can mix to get the right shade for you.

Nataliya's picks

What are the eye makeup do’s and don’ts?

Heavy eyeliner: Thick, harsh lines can appear overly dramatic and may accentuate fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Instead, opt for softer, smudged lines or switch to a softer eyeliner formula like a gel or pencil for a more subtle effect.

Dark, matte eyeshadows: Dark, matte eyeshadows can sometimes appear heavy and may accentuate creases and texture on the eyelids. Consider opting for lighter, shimmering shades that can brighten and illuminate the eyes without emphasising any imperfections. A beautiful eyeshadow made from natural ingredients which glides on and lasts is Hermes Ombres D’Hermes Eye Shadow Quartet, which comes in 6 different colour palettes.

Overly sparkly or glittery shadows: While a touch of shimmer can be beautiful, sparkly eyeshadows can draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles, so best to avoid sparkle and glitter textures.

Skipping eyeshadow primer: Using an eyeshadow primer can help prevent creasing and prolong the wear of your eyeshadow.

Excessive mascara: Layering on too much mascara can weigh down lashes and make them appear clumpy. Instead, focus on defining and lengthening lashes with a lengthening or volumising mascara formula, applying with a light hand.

Neglecting eyebrows: As we age, eyebrows may become sparse or lose their shape. Neglecting to groom or fill in eyebrows can leave the face looking unfinished. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas and define the shape of your brows for a more polished look.

Media maven, Ricky Allen Bsc Dip.PA. Dip.HM, is the Director of Aesthetic Reconstructions. She has a wealth of experience in beauty and aesthetic medicine including a long stint as beauty and health editor at Vogue Australia.