As much as we don’t like to admit it, we are all aging. The question is how well are you adapting as it happens or are you not adapting at all?

I can honestly say that there are many women that I see in their 50s, 60s and beyond who look more beautiful now than they ever did in their 20s. They are radiant, have a certain confidence and project a self-assuredness that translates to the face and skin in such a positive, beautiful way.

When it comes to skincare and makeup, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should not be using the same skincare products that a 20-year-old would and most often, the makeup trends that work for them will not work for you either.

This is a chance to streamline your skincare to your specific needs, whatever they may be, and to retain a classic elegance with how you present yourself.

Keeping up with the times can be very expensive, especially for those who have a fixed income. While the working woman may feel like she can purchase a new palette of eyeshadow colours every season or a new lipstick with each new texture that appears, not everyone can do this. Your purchases need to be strategic and specific, with no waste or frivolity to your spending.

One of the biggest mistakes that women make is using the same skincare that they have used for the last five, 10 or 15 years. As women mature, their hormones change, and as a result, their skin also changes.

You might find that you had oily skin, which has gone away and become “normal” skin. Or perhaps you were dry and are now oily. No matter how much you love your tried and true cleanser and moisturizer, is it meeting your needs for today?

If you are going to spend money from your limited income, spend it wisely by first taking care of your skin. Invest in a strategic, consistent plan to make it look and feel its best. Then you’re equipped to apply makeup.

I often see mature women wearing large quantities of bright makeup but, from my experience and somewhat-professional opinion, less is definitely more as you get older. It is a good idea to complement your skin with creamy, hydrating products like cream or mousse foundations, cream blushes and even cream eyeshadows.

Lean towards colours that are soft and subtle, with little to no shimmer and definitely no glitter. Simple changes to your routine, such as using a brown or grey eyeliner rather than a harsh black one, will still provide you with the definition you need and will add to your soft and sophisticated look.

While you may feel that you need a splash of colour to your cheeks and lips, you should consider switching from reds, oranges and burgundies to soft roses, pinks and plums. This will be much more flattering and natural-looking.

Always apply your blush sparingly to start and once you’ve finished your eyes and lips, you can re-evaluate your look and determine whether more colour should be added. Blend, blend and more blending is always the way to create a natural flush to your skin. You should never have circles of colour or streaks on your cheeks.

As women get older, they tend to lose some of the volume and fullness to their lips. While it is tempting to draw on your lips where they used to be, proceed very cautiously. Use a slightly lighter shade of lip colour to the peak of the top lip and middle of the lower lip to create the illusion of fullness.

If you feel that a full face of makeup takes too much time and/or money, choose the feature that you have loved from your teen years to now and focus on enhancing that as best you can.

Chrissy Lambert is a freelance makeup artist based in the Lower Mainland. She can be reached at Chrissy@MakeupInfusion.com or MakeupInfusion.com

– by Chrissy Lambert