They’re the great foundation debates – should we be using a cream or a powder and does that answer change with age? How do I deal with hot flushes and make-up longevity? And how to best combat pesky pigmentation? Fashion guru Rebecca O’Hearn asked Natio make-up artist and national training manager Christina Schroder to settle these questions (and more) once and for all.
Rebecca O’Hearn: Why should we be using powder or creams?
Christina Schroder: Cream textures tend to look fresher, dewier and more luminous on the skin. When it comes to make-up for the mature customer, it’s less about covering up and more about adding definition to such areas as brows, lip lines and apples of the cheek, which tend to soften with age. There is still use for powders, just use them sparingly. They are great if you have issues with make-up lasting, however, you don’t necessarily need to put powder everywhere. You can just have a light dusting of a translucent powder down the centre of the face to reduce shine or use a little to set concealer under the eye if you have issues with creasing.
When it comes to eyes, don’t be afraid to use a mix of mattes and a little shimmer, but remember – pearly/shimmery colours will tend to show the texture of the skin underneath, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re concerned about wrinkles.
So, which make-up is best to smooth over wrinkles?
Lightweight formulations and creamy textures tend to be the best to soften the appearance of wrinkles. However, skincare is the most important part of the equation, because when you apply make-up, it instantly shows up the texture of the skin underneath. So a basic daily skincare routine, along with a few key treatment products twice a month will work wonders. A gentle exfoliator and a hydrating mask twice a month, along with hydrating serums daily, will help to keep skin plump, hydrated and glowing.
Is a cream or powder better when dealing with hot flushes?
Make-up can tend to ‘melt off’ during times of hot flushes, so an oil-free primer should assist with keeping your make-up in place. The Pure Mineral Face Primer creates a smooth make-up base with a fabulous oil-free formula. Make-up looks fresh and lasts longer, giving you the confidence it’ll stay in place from day through to night. Lightweight textures are best, so I would suggest liquids or creams and a small amount of powder to set.
Skincare can also help during times of hot flushes. A spritz of cooling face mist provides instant relief plus a burst of skin-loving vitamins and hydration. Tip: You can even keep it in the fridge for extra cooling! Rosewater Hydration Drench Mineral Face Mist.
What kind of make-up is better for touch-ups on the go?
The Natio Cleverstick is fabulous for its creamy texture and easy-to-use stick application. The coverage is buildable, depending on your preference – also it won’t ever make a mess in your bag!
What is the best way to combat shine?
You never want your face to look shiny, so combat this with a light dusting of translucent powder, or our new Blotting Papers that control shine without adding any powder. Creams should make you look luminous and radiant, but not shiny.
What application method is best for creams or powders?
I use brushes for both creams and powders. It all comes down to practice when you’re not going to an event, so when the time comes you feel really comfortable with your tools. You also don’t need a lot of different brushes, but if you get the correct ones you’ll get a much nicer, more lightweight and targeted application. Natio uses high-grade synthetic hair for all brushes, so they can be used with liquids, creams and powder.
Which is the best to cover pigmentation? Is it a combination of both?
It is a combination of both if you want maximum coverage, however it depends on what you’re covering. Sometimes applying heavy make-up on pigmentation can tend to draw more attention on the area. It’s best to get a consultant to try product on you, see how it wears and then make your choice. Also you may need to use a brush, as applying products with your fingertips will set it in a heavier fashion and it won’t look as natural.
Spectacles constantly strip make-up from the nose area. What is the best make-up to combat that?
That’s tough. I would say less is more. Creamy textures will tend to slide off on areas where glasses sit and indent the skin. A little powder/powder foundation or avoiding that area all together may be better.
*All images via Pinterest.
Rebecca O’Hearn has had a long career as a fashion and beauty editor at Yours, Woman’s Day and FHM magazines and has styled some of Australia’s most famous faces. Her mission now is to help women of all ages feel confident that their wardrobe and beauty choices are the best they can be. Her website, smartcasualclassic.com, is packed with fashion, beauty and styling tips.
This article first published as Tips for mature make-up application. because when your skin changes so should your make-up
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