Cleanse with an oil cleanser
If you are using a harsh foaming cleanser that dries out your skin and strips it of natural oils, then stop. Your skin should never feel “squeaky clean”. Bareminerals has recently expanded its range to include skincare, and the products are very good: a lot of you will like them. Use the Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil (€23), which has lots of skin-friendly seed oils to give your skin a head start.
Use a good serum
A great serum will plump skin up instantly if it is full of water attractors such as hyaluronic acid combined with other complementary ingredients. Although the jury is still out on the supposedly magical age-reversing properties of peptides, even sceptics agree that these short-chain proteins are very good moisturisers. No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum (€38) also works to smooth and firm skin and brighten it with vitamin C. It’s one of the most effective serums on the market at this price point.
Moisturise under foundation
A lot of people use serum instead of moisturiser, which is perfectly fine if you have young or oily skin. However, dry and mature skin will usually feel unhappy without a moisturiser; use it as a final skincare step during the day. I really like day moisturisers that contain brightening ingredients; try Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening & Protecting Moisturiser Pump (€39.99)
Use a good primer
You’ve done all your skincare prep and there’s just one more stage before you apply your make-up. A good primer will keep everything in place and smooth over lines. It’s not rocket science; most primers are filled with silicones, which provide great slip and a good base for foundation. I like a new hydrating primer, Too Faced Hangover Primer (€32), which is good for dry skin as it will prevent foundation from clumping and clinging to flaky bits.
Stop using full-coverage foundation
Full coverage is usually not the best choice for dry and mature skin. Its consistency is too thick and it will often settle into lines. If you’ve just bought a full bottle of your favourite, don’t despair: mix it with moisturiser or add a drop or two of facial oil to make it lighter and more fluid. Medium-coverage foundations that glide on to dry skin include Artistry Youth Xtend Smoothing Foundation (€49.50, artistry.ie) and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation (€16.50 )
Brighten up your under-eye area
Heavy-duty putty-style concealer under the eye area is not a good idea; save it for your spots. A much better idea are lovely light concealer/radiance pens. Use a formula such as Stila Aqua Glow Serum Concealer (€23.50) as it is light and won’t settle into lines. It is available in several shades and is suitable for all skin tones and colours. A roller-ball style under-eye gizmo that I like is Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Eye Roll-On (€13.99)
Plump up your lips
Lips thin as we age, but it’s very easy to make them look fuller without resorting to trout-pout-style fillers. The trick is to use more than just one lip colour and type of lippie. Drawing lip liner outside of the natural lip line is a trend that has returned from the 1980s (where it probably should have stayed). If it is done subtly it does make a difference, however. After liner, fill in your lips with your main colour. Highlight the cupids bow on the top lip and the centre of your lower lip with a light gloss. Don’t use a cheap lip plumper – they are normally rubbish. Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment (€43) makes lips look smoother and plumper.
Don’t give up on glitter
People run scared at the thought of using shimmery or glittery eyeshadow in case it highlights crow’s feet. Keep it to the centre of your eyelids and you will get all of the effect without any spillover. Eye gloss is particularly on-trend and it can look lovely. People argue that you can get the same effect with Vaseline but I really don’t agree. Try Mac eye glosses (€21) as you get a great shine and can add depth to your eyes very precisely. And easily. Never forget the easily part. It’s my favourite bit.
