When you hear the term "mature skin" do you know what it really mean? It means skin that is less elastic, less hydrated, and looser. It supports spots, lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. This is a normal occurrence and a result of life lived.
Mature skin is physiologically different from a young skin, and should be treated differently.
What happens to our skin as we age?
The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, losses lipids, making the skin drier and thinner. The epidermis does not recover as quickly from injury and blemish. The skin becomes transparent and more susceptible to lesions.
The dermis, the inner layer of our skin losses collagen and elasticity. The supportive subcutaneous fat becomes thinner as well, causing the skin to sag. Pores, follicles and oil glands become prominent and the skin is more sensitive to sun.
Photoaging - changes in the color of the skin happen. Sun freckles, liver spots suddenly appear.
The skin becomes dry.
Gravity, facial movements, exposure to sun, to the elements, to smoke – all those affect the aging of the skin. Gravity causes drooping of the eyebrows, the eyelids, fullness under the chin and longer ears.
What is the best treatment to keep the skin in good shape?
Eating habits, smoking, sun exposure and genetics come to play in influencing the shape of our skin. For a mature skin, all the experts say the same thing: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Get enough sleep and avoid spending time in the sun without sunblock.
Makeup for Mature Skin
Makeup for mature skin serves two purposes: add color to faded skin and cover small blemishes and wrinkles. It is important to understand that mature women's makeup is not done in orders to look younger.
It is done to accentuate the beauty of the mature look. The result should be a feminine look, radiant and compliment the body. Women with mature skin are no less attractive than young women - though in a different way of course.
Every few years a woman should reassess her makeup texture and color and adjust it to her changing skin. What looked good at 40 might not look as good at 50, with the texture of the skin continuing to change.
The makeup foundation for the mature skin should thus be less heavy. Mature skin tends to wrinkle easier with movement of the expression lines and heavy makeup might make those lines seem more visible. The base should be rich in moisture and not dry. So powders are not recommended. All makeup should be applied after the moisturizer had some time to be absorbed. Contrary to our natural inclination to cover what we can, the foundation should not be heavily applied. When the layer is thick it is not absorbed well into the skin and creates a "caked" look and feel. When it comes to makeup for the mature skin, less is more.
What kind of foundation to use?
There are a few steps you should take before you get to the foundation:
Primer
Primer is every good makeup artist secret weapon. It is a makeup base that is clear and oil-free. It improves the end result by bonding the makeup better to the skin and smoothing rough patches. Almost all the companies carry a Primer. It is applies after the cream has been absorbed and before you apply any other product. Primer helps neutralize the oils; it shrinks pores and makes the skin a little smoother to apply the makeup on. An eye Primer will ensure that the eye shadow will stay smooth for long hours and the lip Primer targets the small wrinkles around the mouth and softens dry and cracked lips.
Prices for a face Primer range from $11 for Temptu Primer to Jan Marini for $75.
Filler
The Filler comes in a tube or a pencil. It helps in filling in deep wrinkles for a few hours. The Filer is applied on the expression lines or under the eyes to reduce the swelling and brighten the area.
Concealer
Used to conceal pigmentation and discoloration that can't be covered by makeup alone.
A green concealer will take care of red spots and broken blood vessels, an orange concealer will counter dark spots, and purple concealer will neutralize yellowish spots. It should be one tone lighter than your makeup.
Applying Concealer to the inner and outer corners of the eyes for example, will make the eyes appear refreshed and awake.
Foundation
The foundation should match the color of your jaw. Mature skin needs all the moisture it can get, so try to stay away from powders. Use the products above to do little individual touch up, and then apply the foundation lightly.
For older women skin use liquid makeup that reflects light like Elizabeth Arden Intervene($19 - 36), Clinique Even Better Makeup ($15), Almay Anti-Aging makeup ($10), Laura Mercier Silk Cream foundation ($40), that add luminosity to the skin.
Tip: If you are used to using powder and feel naked without it, use a translucent powder and apply it to the T – your forehead and nose. If you apply it to the whole pace, it will make you look matted.
What to avoid when dealing with mature skin?
Matte makeup formulas: those make the skin look dull and dry.
Too much foundation: apply it lightly, so you won’t look overly made-up. If you have to stay long hours outside the house, apply it lightly and take the bottle with you for touch ups after lunch.
Wrong shade: make sure the shade of the foundation matches your skin tone in daylight as well as under the electric lights of the store. Revisit your decision of the shade every few years.
Wrong application: When applying the foundation use a soft sponge and make sure to blend the edges over your neck and under the ears.
Changes in texture, type and resilience, as well as changes in the shape of our eyes and mouth require an update to your makeup technic. There are plenty of good products for older women that can help you look your beautiful self. Apply it wisely and you'll be a winner.
Read more: Makeup Foundation for Mature Skin: Makeup Tips for Older Women
