Is Your Makeup Aging You?
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Photos: © Getty Images
Makeup, when used properly, should enhance your natural beauty, not disguise it. As we age, we need to adjust the textures, colors and finishes we use in order to avoid looking older than we really are. With that in mind, we asked model-turned-makeup-artist Jemma Kidd to dish on the best makeup looks for every age.
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Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage
"Almost nothing is off limits makeup-wise, so enjoy bright, provocative colors and expressive textures, and be confident in the way you look," says Kidd. "This is the period in your life to find and create your identity, so your makeup can be vibrant, moody, experimental, or rebellious." Test out a hot pink lip, or be extra-daring like Kat Graham and rock an electric purple smoky eye. Go crazy!
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"This is often a time when you strive for sophistication and try to appear more grown-up in order to be taken more seriously," says Kidd. "Fresh, firm skin means that there are no limitations-all the textures that are tricky for older skin still work perfectly." Trying mixing textures--a loose powder shadow paired with a cream liner--to create a soft and sophisticated eye look like Emma Stone.
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"Now is the time to discover neutrals, but to accessorize them with color," says Kidd. "For day, instead of wearing plain neutrals on the eye, choose shadows with a shimmery texture. Pair them with sheer color on the cheeks and glossy lips." We love Ashley Greene's magenta pout and peach flush.
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Photo: © Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
"By the mid-30s, women start to acquire a more sculpted beauty," says Kidd. "With greater confidence and knowledge, makeup becomes less experimental and a more refined look evolves." Want to wear a sexy smoky eye like Beyoncé? Kidd says go for it! "A smoky eye with color blended in a very soft halo at the edges is more flattering than a geometric shape, especially to any fine lines. As you reach your later 30's, switch from out-and-out glitz to subtle shimmers that are more flattering and won't accentuate fine lines around the eyes," she says.
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"Pale skin, smoldering eyes, and red lips can look inappropriately aging when you're 20, but in your 30s, the Hollywood seductress style comes into its own for evening," says Kidd. Take a cue from Rachel McAdams and pair a creamy, vamped-up red lip with a soft, neutral-toned smoky eye for an age-appropriate look that's perfect for date night.
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"Signs of aging start to show as less collagen is produced and skin loses its elasticity, so firming and anti-aging ingredients become vital allies," says Kidd. For a healthy-looking, naturally radiant complexion like Jennifer Aniston, Kidd says "the emphasis is on bringing back the skin's youthful glow, so look for creamy light-reflecting foundation."
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As you age, some areas of your face need to be softened up and some need to be defined, so you need to learn how to strike a balance, like Nicole Kidman here. "Brows may become sparser, so define them to add structure to the face, and use a lip pencil to redefine the lip shape. Trade black mascara for brown, for a softer look," says Kidd.
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Now is not the time to be experimenting with colors you've never worn before--you could end up looking clownish, not chic. Stick to what you know works for you, like Viola Davis here. "Restrict yourself to a color palette you know suits you. There are beautiful shades of plum, brown, green and gray that are flattering no matter your age, but pinks, yellows and blues can be difficult to wear," says Kidd.
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Don't be afraid of shimmer--embrace it and create a flirty, fun look like Patricia Heaton. "While it's wise to stick to a neutral palette, new technology means that sparkling and metallic formulas are finer than ever before and can be worn by older women without being aging. Beware of pearl and glitter makeup though, as these intensify the appearance of fine lines," says Kidd.
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Want to get a dewy, supermodel glow like Cindy Crawford? Make sure you grab products that will boost your radiance and be sure to keep your skin hydrated. "Matte textures can make the skin look dull, so choose light-reflecting powder and iridescent finishes to create a soft effect," says Kidd. "Care for your skin with very gentle cleansers and rich moisturizers. You may find that with menopause your skin changes--it may become very dry or have oily patches that can lead to blemishes. Treat dry areas with a rich cream or facial oil."
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Getting older doesn't mean you can't wear makeup--just look at Helen Mirren! "Choose light-reflecting formulas and, for extra radiance, add illuminators to foundation," says Kidd. "Liquids and mousses give very sheer coverage and won't look powdery or crease. For even coverage, gently work the foundation into wrinkles by slightly stretching the skin. Use a cream blush to add healthy color. Browns, peaches, and soft pinks are flattering to mature skin. Heavy colors tend to crease in the eyes, so try gentle shades and layer color with a good brush to make it last longer."
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I love the idea using the bright colours, as displayed beautifully here by Kat Graham. The purple smoky eye looks gorgeous! I would love to try this look. On the down-side of things though, my parents, especially my mum, isn't supportive of such vibrant make-up. And I'm 21 years of age. =(
Posted 9:50 PM on 09/ 3/2011