I remember the first time I noticed my wrinkles. I was about to turn 30 and had just seen a black-and-white magazine photo of Debra Winger. In the photo, the then-30-something movie star had her head thrown back while laughing, cute laugh lines on display. She looked so cool that it made me feel okay with my new lines. Since then, I’ve viewed my wrinkles as beautiful. But the fact that I appreciate them doesn’t mean I want them to stand out.
Makeup can make mature skin look older by settling into fine lines. Our skin loses moisture as we age, making our complexions look less plump and more wrinkly. While drinking water can help your skin look more hydrated, it won’t completely erase the passage of time. Foundation, concealer, and powder can fall into lines and draw attention to them. Instead of living with makeup that settles into wrinkles, ensure that your beauty products stay on the surface. Here’s how.
Start with skincare
Using the right moisturiser is the best hack for preventing makeup from working its way into fine lines. It creates a cushion for makeup to comfortably sit on, on top of skin. If you don’t wear it, that makeup will sink right in. Those with dry skin should reach for a rich moisturiser.
For those who have skin on the oily side or who prefer long-lasting and full-coverage makeup (which is more apt to get into lines!) or both: try a thick, oil-free option. Many oil-free moisturisers are thin, but thicker ones will give makeup a substantial layer to sit on.
Give it a few minutes to get absorbed before you apply makeup so it can do its job without leaving behind a residue.
Find the perfect products
When it comes to makeup, my best tips are a lot of don’ts. Don’t choose dense formulas, ones with shimmer, or options with a frosty finish; these will always settle into lines. Avoid multipurpose products, like foundation and powder in one, as they will dry out skin, making lines look more prominent. Instead, layer products so they sit nicely together.
The best sequence is to start with foundation, then apply concealer followed by powder, and finish with blush.
The best makeup for mature skin shouldn’t look cakey or dry you out. It should be moist enough that it moves easily on your skin rather than staying put and settling into wrinkles. Use a foundation that has moisture in it; this will really help plump up skin while providing coverage. To find a moisture-rich foundation, look for a creamy texture and hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil.
The same idea applies when looking for a concealer: Choose a creamy formula that won’t dry out skin and settle in.
Go light on powder
If your skin starts to look shiny, lightly apply a loose or pressed powder on top of makeup to lock your look in place. Since powder dries out skin, applying the right one is key to ensuring that other products won’t settle in. Grab a finely milled talc-free option that feels silky to the touch.
The trick to applying the perfect amount of powder is to start small and add more as needed. First, dip the head of a powder brush into the product to cover the tops of the bristles with a small amount of product. Then lightly tap the handle of the brush against your wrist to remove any excess. Sweep the powdered brush on top of oily areas before using what’s left on the brush to buff the rest of your face for a seamless look.
Replenish moisture
When I notice makeup making a home in my lines, I know it’s time to rehydrate my skin. Instead of using a face spray over my makeup (which wouldn’t do much except spray water on my face), I apply a pea-size amount of lightweight moisturiser to the palms of my hands and then gently touch my palms to my face. This instantly revives skin without ruining makeup.
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