Once you reach a certain age it is important that you edit your makeup down to a minimalistic color pallet because nothing ages you more then badly applied makeup. Thick eyeliner, bold lipsticks, clumpy mascara and layered shimmery eye shadow are all applications that can look really aging and need to be avoided on mature skin. The wrong makeup application especially around the eyes, will accentuate creepy eyelids and fine lines and wrinkles. For a more sophisticated look use colors that are closer to your skin tone that have been artfully blended in so they look subtle and classy:

Base – As we age our skin becomes drier and visible signs of aging appear such as fine lines, broken capillaries and dark shadows. For this reason choosing the right foundation base is critical in helping to achieve that youthful dewy finish. Start by using a hydrating moisturizer to make your skin look fresher and follow with a high pigment, light textured liquid foundation, that will work to cover blemishes and appear light and luminous on the skin. Only apply it where you need it because youthful skin should appear fresh and clear. Avoid the use of matte finishes and powder as it can take away your natural glow and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

Eyes – Before you begin thinking about your eyeliner you need to prep your eyes with an eye cream and primer, this will help to moisturize the delicate thin area around the eyes and smooth the way for your eyeshadow, which can have a habit of forming in creases and fading throughout the day. The silicones in the primer will ensure your shadow glides on effortlessly. Follow with a thin coating of foundation that will help to disguise any blood vessels and discolorations

Eye shadow – When thinking about eyeshadow colors it is important not to overdo it, stick to two or three colors that compliment your natural skin tone, such as muted browns beige’s and bronze that work give the eye definition without looking to overdone. Using white in the center of the eyelid will help to give your eyes pop and make them appear larger then they actually are.

Eyeliner – As we age our eyes become less defined and as a result women will tend to draw a hard line across the lower and upper lid in a bid to try to enhance them. Hard edges however can be aging and a softer more blended look can divert attention away from the more obvious signs of aging, such as crow’s feet. Browns, beiges, greys and creams are really flattering, helping to give the eyes definition whilst not looking too overdone.

Mascara – The key to avoiding clumpy lashes is application; mascara needs to be applied right at the base of the lashes. As you draw the mascara through the lashes, wiggle the brush up to the tips, that will help to give the illusion of longer fuller looking lashes. Before applying mascara always curl your lashes because nothing opens them more. Faking it with lashes is also a really great option, especially for the evening; apply a few at the corner of the eye, which can look really flattering.

Lips – As we age our lips start to loose color and collagen, but you don’t have to resort to fillers and injections to make them appear fuller. Avoid using a lip liner that is the wrong color in a bid to make your lips look fuller as this is really dated, use a lip liner that matches your natural lip color and draw a straight line across your cupids bow to give the illusion of a fuller of pout. Finish by highlighting the center of your lips with a dab of lip gloss right in the center, helping to give the illusion of fuller looking lips. Glosses and shimmers will help to make the lips look fuller, whilst opaque matte colors will make them look thinner. Very dark shades can be very aging, to much drama looks dated and old!

The most important thing to remember as we age when it comes to makeup is that less is more, carefully chosen makeup is definitely more flattering.