A beauty expert has identified the best makeup look for each decade, insisting that for 20-year-olds, “less is more” and those in their 50s should opt for “clear eyeliner.”
Laura Kaymakeup expert and founder Laura Kay Londontold FEMAIL, “It’s important to change your makeup and beauty regimen over time to look and feel your best.”
She added, “In order to look your best, you have to follow a set of makeup rules to not only look younger, but also give graceful compliments depending on whether you’re in your twenties or sixties.”
Here, a British expert reveals tricky makeup tricks anyone can use to enhance their facial features depending on their age…
RULES FOR TWENTIES
With young skin in your 20s, you can opt for either a dewy or matte look with foundation. But too much makeup can age you, so it’s best to keep things light.
“You might assume that 20 is the age when you can be bold and experiment, but anything too heavy will age you prematurely,” the makeup artist said.
“At 20, it is desirable to start a good daily skin care routine that will set you up for years to come.
“Also, always be sure to remove your makeup at the end of the day, which will help you behave.”
Foundation: “Depending on your skin type at 20, you can opt for a dewy or more matte finish, you can try Armani Luminous Silk for a beautiful glow, and on top of that you can use Laura Mercier Translucent Powder to set the tone. foundation and give it a matte finish.
The skin of a man in his 20s looks naturally fresh and hydrated (left), but highlights can add definition and improve complexion (right).
Eyes & Brows: “At 20, less is more, and it’s all about soft, fluffy brows that add subtle definition. A good tip is to add eyeliner inside the eye to brighten up the eyes.
“If you prefer a thicker make-up, try limiting it to just the eyes or brows.”
Cheekbones: “In your 20s you will naturally look fresh, but adding highlights will give an even more youthful glow that will complement and flatter. A nice peach blush on your cheeks is the perfect color for you at this age.”
“Use a bronzer like Nars Illuminate to contour your cheekbones and give them a fresh and healthy look.”
Lips: “A peach gloss on your lips will radiate a fresh glow, choose a lip gloss or lipstick.”
RULES FOR THIRTY
According to Laura, at 30, people see the first signs of aging. The skin begins to lose elasticity, goes away. You can get great coverage with a wet finish, right?
“Usually around this time, most people notice the first signs of aging,” Laura warned.
“Naturally, the aging process causes your skin to lose elasticity, we become less elastic and our skin is not as ‘bright’ as it used to be. Therefore, in your 30s, you should look bolder in order to flatter and appear younger.
Foundation: “For those in their 30s, which is me, I go for CC cream, I love IT makeup, it gives great coverage but still looks natural with a slight dewy finish.”
Eyes and brows: “Instead of eyeliner, you can use eyeshadow to perfectly define your eyes. A good tip is to blend the shadows along the line of the eye socket to create the effect of a smoldering, bolder look.
Model without makeup left. A good tip is to blend the shadows along the line of the eye socket to create the effect of a smoldering and bold look.
Cheekbones: “You have to take care to give your cheekbones a nice healthy glow to keep a youthful look. A liquid bronze highlighter like Laura Kay London Illuminate in Bronze can give you the perfect youthful glow that stays natural.
“To complete the look, apply highlighter on your cheeks, but you need a “maternal T-zone” so that you don’t shine in the wrong places.
Good products to use include Mac Block Powder or Laura Mercier Translucent Powder. Use only on the T-zone to maintain shine on the cheekbones.”
Lips: “For your lips, opt for a glossier look with a lip liner to add definition, but it is important to use a blending gloss with a lip liner, which will successfully help you achieve fuller lips.
“You shouldn’t ignore this technique because in your 30s you may start to see that your lips aren’t as defined as they used to be, but this tricky trick can make your lips look plumper and younger.”
RULES FOR FORTY
The 40s are the new 30s – less especially around the eyes when it comes to concealer as if you put on something heavy it can age a lot. You need to choose products with a light texture,” Laura said.
The 40s are the new 30s – less especially around the eyes when it comes to concealer as if you put on something heavy it can age a lot. You need to choose products with a light texture.
SPF and skincare is everything, make sure you use good quality products like Is Clinical and AlumierMD.”
Foundation: “Choose a wetter foundation like Chanel Vitalumiere or Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation are great products to use, especially if you’re in your late 40s.”
Eyes and brows: “Also, opt for a bolder, fluffier brow to accentuate the eyes and draw attention to that part of the face.
I wouldn’t line the bottom of the eye for anyone over 40 as you don’t want to close your eyes or make your eyes look dull anyway.
You want to achieve a fresh look with a youthful glow, so you should focus on eyeliner at the top of the eyelids and mascara or faux flares if needed.”
Cheekbones: “In your 40s, you want to achieve dewy radiance and highlights on your cheekbones for a fresh, ageless look.”
Lips: “It is extremely important not to choose a light or beige lipstick at 40 as it will make you look older than you are, opt for a brighter color instead.
“Pink lip tones work well as they help lift but won’t look too bright like bolder reds or deeper hues could.
“Don’t go for a dry lipstick formula as it will draw attention to any fine lines, instead opt for a gloss or shimmery lip gloss to give the illusion of plumpness.”
RULES FOR YOUR FIFTIES AND MORE
Starting at age 50, you can really notice the signs of aging. You can play with eye makeup to accentuate their shape. Sheer peach pink lip gloss will complement your eyes
“This is when we can really notice the signs of aging. Our collagen breaks down more and we get extra fine lines and wrinkles.
Our body hair can also start to thin out, and this can be noticeable in our eyebrows, which can appear thinner and sparse in places.”
Foundation: “First of all, in your 50s or 60s, don’t feel like you have to wear makeup in any way. Embrace your age and don’t hide the signs of aging. This will help achieve a rich and youthful complexion.
Use a lightweight concealer to hide any dark circles and a moisturizing foundation to help smooth and soften your look.”
Eyes and brows: “For your brows, buy a good brow kit to keep your brows neatly groomed. You can also invest in permanent makeup to add natural, subtle strokes to your brows to help define and highlight your facial features. Eyebrows may become more defined and smooth, but should still look natural.
“In your 50s and 60s, you can play around with your eye makeup, and a good trick is to apply a lighter powder to the inside of your lid and then blend it in with a darker shade as you move towards the outer edge.
“Really define the eye socket with a small pencil brush and blend for a smooth but effective transition to a lighter color.
“Defined eyeliner also helps to highlight the area. Try to choose natural lashes if you can, since you’ve defined your eyes quite well.”
Lips: A sheer peach or pink glossy lipstick will complement your eyes, and a lip liner will help define the edges without looking too obvious.
“Apply a small amount of highlighter to the cheekbones and back of the nose to accentuate facial features.”