Good hydration plays a big role in plumping skin and ensuring make-up glides on, but in recent years, improvements in blurring technology have been a game-changer for getting better results from makeup on mature skin too. One of Trinny’s bestselling formulas is called Miracle Blur, a silicone-dense balm that is part primer, part retouching tool, which melts fine lines and pores on your face and lip line, smoothing skin without leaving any residue. It can be worn alone or under makeup, and Trinny herself has admitted to piling it on. 

Miracle Blur, $47.11, from Trinny London

We often conflate a healthy complexion with a sun-kissed glow. And since we all know the dangers of sunbathing, self-tan is part of many a beauty regimen. “The issue is that it makes skin look flat, when what we need to do as we mature is bring shape back to the face,” says Trinny. A better plan: cream bronzer. “This warms up skin in a far more flattering way,” says Trinny. Her advice to die-hard self-tanners: watch your tone. “Find the shade that your skin actually used to go when you had a real tan,” she says.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, $50, from Sephora

Here’s a handy trick when you’re figuring out where you need coverage: “Look in the mirror and think, where do I love my skin the most?” says Trinny. Generally women will love their forehead as we tend to age in the lower half around our face. So then, put the very least amount on your forehead.” Another spot to take easy: The apples of your cheeks. “Most women look wonderful in this area, says Trinny, who says that base is there to help even skin tone only where you need it, rather than to cover everything. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation, $71, from Sephora

Something interesting happened around the time I turned 40: well-intentioned friends and loving family members kept asking if I was tired (cue the pitiful expression)… when I felt absolutely fine. Spritely, even. 

And the thought occurred to me that I just always looked a bit shattered now, and it had nothing to do with how much sleep I had the night before. According to Trinny, my current routine of applying eye cream followed by concealer is a bad idea. Instead, choose a concealer with skincare benefits, “which means you no longer risk make-up disappearing or being applied too heavily,” she says. 

When Trinny formulated her concealer, she combined pigments with some of her favourite skincare ingredients (vitamin C and peptides) to ensure the underlying skin was being nourished while the pigment delivered coverage. 

Consider where you place your concealer too, says make-up artist and founder of By Terry, Terry de Gunzberg, if you want to wake up ageing eyes. “I swipe the concealer under my eyes, and then use my ring finger to lightly dab the concealer around the inner corners, she says. Brightening the inner area, which tends to shadow, will instantly brighten your eyes too.

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Concealer, $65, from Sephora

This may sound counterintuitive, but thick formulas that provide too much coverage are to be avoided. “You can’t actually hide wrinkles so don’t even try,” says Trinny. “You only end up drawing more attention to them.” A more flattering option: buildable formulas. These products, often described as “hydrating”, “light cover”, or “serum” foundations, are designed to be smoothed on in light layers, which means you can build them up to cover spots that are mottled or red, but then keep them light everywhere else so your skin shines through. “The result is more natural-looking,” says Trinny.

Skin Illusion Foundation SPF15, $62, from Clarins

“As we get older, cream blush becomes our best friend,” says Trinny. “It brings vitality back to your face.” The catch: only if you find a shade that mimics the colour you blush, say, after a brisk walk. “That is the shade of a genuine healthy glow for your complexion,” says Trinny. For a natural glow, dab the colour at the top of the apple of your cheek, directly below your pupil, and blend outwards.

Stila Putty Blush Bronzer Duo, $55, from Sephora

For many women, brush blending is a breakthrough, but Trinny suggests reverting to fingertips. “With a brush it’s easy to deposit too much make-up,” she says. “For the kind of targeted coverage required for mature skin, your fingertips get the best results.” This is especially true for formulas that blend most naturally once warmed up, like concealer and cream blush. Use your ring finger and tap or press colour into skin.

To powder or not to powder is the question. Mature skin often gains texture, which is why powder over 40 is something many make-up artists suggest avoiding. The only time they recommend it is when you’re being photographed, as a loose translucent powder will cut glare. Powder also gives make-up staying power, so give your T-zone a very light dusting when there’s no time for touch-ups. 

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, $62, from Sephora

Shimmer can be a double-edged sword: while the right formula in flattering spots will make your skin glow beautifully, too much can emphasise flaws. Opt for a creamy formula that’s not too frosty. According to Trinny, the trick is then placement: “Add a little just below your brow-line and then on your lids, as well as the top of cheekbones too,” she says. “This gives that all-important dimension to your face.” And ultimately, brings a gorgeous glow to your skin.

The Right Light in Firelight, $45.31, from Trinny London

Text: Bauer Syndication

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