Before we begin, a reminder that, technically speaking, you look the most youthful you’ll ever look right now. (Barring plastic surgery.) Not tomorrow, not next month, certainly not in a year. So as easy as it is to be overcritical of our aging faces (especially those of us in our 50s and beyond), we should celebrate our lovely faces right now because I promise you, we will look back at photos and think “damn I looked good, what in the hell was I complaining about?!”

With that being said, there are some really easy makeup tips that can make such a difference in terms of looking well-rested and vital.

Highlight cheekbones with a balm instead of shimmery highlighters.

Shimmer particles are not a mature woman’s friend. They congregate in fine lines and wrinkles and just…no. A clear balm adds dewiness and LYFE + it hydrates our often dehydrated faces. The way it catches the light without looking makeup-y is A+. Some of my very favorites are this, this, and this.

Hydrate the undereye area with an eye cream directly before applying concealer.

You can’t just go all willy-nilly on mature, textured skin. That canvas needs to practically be wet before concealer goes on. ALL THE MOISTURE, MY FRIENDS. Otherwise, you’re going straight to flaky cakeyland. This eye cream is worth every penny and my most-used concealer right now is this fantastic formula.

Facial mist after makeup

Are we sensing a hydration theme? Setting mists (especially those meant for hydration) keep the skin looking naturally dewy and moisturized while simultaneously keeping your makeup locked and loaded. My favorite setting spray is this one, but I also love this one for refreshing throughout the day.

Avoid full-coverage foundation at all costs.

I understand that full coverage is needed in certain situations, but in general, full-coverage foundations will draw attention to every single skin imperfection on mature skin. Tinted moisturizers are fantastic for mature faces and/or concealer applied just where you need it. One tinted primer that I am LOVING is by GEE Beauty.

Makeup brushes make all the difference.

I recently misplaced my concealer brush and was shocked at the difference while blending out a product under my eyes. The best concealer brush in the world is by Nikki La Rose and quite frankly, her full set is elite. Whoorl10 for 10% off.

Create contrast on face by darkening lashes, eyebrows, and lips.

Studies prove that faces are perceived to be older when they lose contrast and start to look monochromatic. That’s why full lashes, brows, and pigmented lips are key. Mascara? Check. Brow pencil? Check. Lip color that mimics naturally pigmented, rosy lips? CHECK. SARAHVFR15 for 15% off.

Cream products are the GOAT.

What appears to have more life? A dry, matte powder or a creamy wash of goodness?! I rest my case. Cream blushes forever.

Be mindful of where you place your blush.

I’m sure many of you have seen videos surrounding blush placement. Here’s the key - if you want to create a lifted, slimmer look, the upper cheekbone is where you want to place your color. It draws the eye upward and really does work.

However! If you have a naturally small/narrow face like yours truly, applying blush high on the face is only going to make your face look narrower. The apples are what you should focus on. Proof again that not one thing works for everyone.

Create fuller-looking lips with a lip pencil.

I wish I could convince the entire world that a lip pencil is the answer to mature, thinning lips. And when I talk about lip pencils, I don’t mean matching the color to your lipstick. Nope - everyone needs a nude lip pencil just a tad bit darker than your lip to create shadow and depth around the lip, which in turn makes the lips look much fuller. This makes such a difference! My favorite nude lip pencils are by RMS - no lie, I’ve used every shade and love them all. (Well, except Daytime Nude which looks a little warm on me.) Whoorl20 for 20% off.

How many of these tips do you use regularly? What are some other ways to liven up the face with makeup? I’m always looking for new ideas.

xxSJ