More ageless beauty tips
Gone off
Always adhere to the shelf life noted on your products. If you can’t remember how long ago you bought something in your makeup bag, it’s probably time to toss it out. (Or, if you were wearing bell-bottoms at the time of purchase, best donate it to science). Old makeup changes texture, loses function and builds up bacteria, especially in products that go on your eyes, mouth or that you dip your fingers into. Try Cargo Cosmetics Blu_ray Lip Gloss, which comes with an indicator to keep track of how long it’s been open.
Smoke signals
Contrary to popular belief, women our age can still indulge in a sultry, smoky eye for evening. “Just keep the darker shades softer and don't migrate too far up the lid,” explains Toronto-based M.A.C senior makeup artist Jane McKay, or you’ll end up highlighting pesky creases. Avoid black, and try some of the subdued hues that have popped up everywhere this season, such as cool greys and warm browns.
Perfect pout
Get yourself the right everyday lipstick. “All women should have a lipstick shade that is an exaggerated version of their own natural lip colour,” says Poppy King, Australian founder of cosmetics company Lipstick Queen. “It will always be a perfectly flattering shade, no matter what the occasion.” Remember, avoid completely matte lipsticks, which can settle into lines. Sheer or creamy textures (like those found in Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge collection) are an older girl’s best friend.
Lift me up
Good brows can frame and lift the face if shaped and maintained properly. “A well-placed arch lifts the outer edges of the eye and can even give the illusion of higher cheekbones,” says San Francisco-based Hilary Foote, vice-president of Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bars (who recommends getting a professional brow arch every three weeks! while tweezing strays at home). Give Benefit Brow Zings brow-shaping kit a try — it comes with tweezers, a brush, brow wax and powder.
Colour your world
Maybe you can't break out the turquoise glitter eyeshadow like your teenage daughter (please don’t), but you can still have some fun with an unexpected colour, especially on nails and toes. Purple polishes, such as OPI’s smoky violet-hued Parlez-Vous or Chanel’s shimmering rich aubergine Vendetta, make a style statement without looking like you’ve just left the disco.
Sweeping beauty
The doll-size applicators that come with most makeup compacts and eyeshadow kits are not worth the time —or the streaking —they offer. Invest in a set of makeup brushes made for grown-ups, and take good care of them by washing regularly to stave off bacteria and also extend bristle life. (Spray on a brush cleaner, such as Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner, or wash them gently with a mild shampoo, rinse and lay flat to dry.)
Straight flush
A swipe of vibrant blush on the apples of the cheeks can take years off your face. “My favourite colours to brighten skin are pinks, corals and peaches,” says McKay. “They make everyone look healthy.” When applying, go easy — there’s a fine line between a lively, cherubic glow and a mad clown.
Be serious
Speaking of clowns, stop smiling when applying your blush. It works as a tool to find the apples of your cheeks, but on more mature skin you can end up sweeping blush into the lines around your eyes, which will highlight wrinkles.
This article originally appeared in the May 2009 issue of More
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