14 DAY TRIAL // Stylists say that it’s often the little things, such as a touch of blush or of lipstick, that can make all the difference between looking plain or simply fabulous. Ariane Poole, one of the most popular makeup artists in the UK, has spoken to the Daily Mail about what women of a certain age can and cannot choose for their daily makeup and, from what she says, looking fabulous knows no boundaries in terms of age.
Starting with the least problematic category, that of 20-something women, Poole says that they should always bear in mind that their makeup should emphasize and be all about luminosity. Strong, bold shades for the eyes are also a must, as they go well with any skin tone and create an intense note of rebelliousness and youth. Even if we’re talking of a woman less willing to stand out for her makeup, then it’s the little things she must pay attention to, such as a shimmering mascara instead of the plain black kind.
“Your skin should be luminous, so add a sweep of shimmering highlighter across the tops of the cheekbones. You can wear a sheer metallic shadow in a light shade (silver looks great) all over the eyes. A dash of emerald run along the base of the top lashes gives an instant wow effect to the eyes. Finish with a soft flush of pink to the apples of the cheeks and a sparkly gloss to the lips.” Poole recommends.
For 30+ women, makeup should be all about softness and looking natural, the same makeup artist says. Because it is at this age that the skin on the face starts to easier show the signs of daily stress and perhaps a not too healthy diet, the makeup should be as natural and sweet as possible. Colors such as peach, golden and delicate shades of brown should not lack from the makeup kit of any woman this age, Poole further explains.
“Gold or coppers and browns with a gold fleck look sensational. Eyes, cheeks and lips should all be enhanced with combinations of shimmer and matte. Try a champagne-colored shimmer swept all over the eyes, with an accent of gold or copper tone on the lids. Add definition with a dark brown gel or powder liner close to the lash line. Cheeks should be accented with a tawny blush and highlighted with a touch of soft golden shimmer, and lips will look wonderful in a warm shade.” the makeup artist adds.
Women aged 40+ should go for the sophisticated look, the kind that dazzles without being too obvious. At this age, the emphasis falls on the eyes, which can be best brought out with the smoky eyes effect, Poole says. “Plum shades are a fantastic alternative. Apply a plum shadow to your eyelid and bring it up slightly higher than the crease. Define the shape with a deep rich plum liner. Finally, highlight the brow area with a soft, pink champagne sheen. Keep the emphasis on your eyes by delicately adding a flush of muted rose on the cheeks. Lips can look elegantly understated with a pinkish nude, topped with a hint of shimmer.” she explains.
Elegance is the key word for the makeup of women aged 50+. However, dark browns should be avoided, since they do tend to create the impression of tiredness and old age. Instead, Poole advises women to go for soft shades for the eyes with a touch of shimmer, and for more daring, but still sweet, tones for the lips. One thing is for certain, though: all areas of the face need to be accentuated and well defined at this age. The trick is not to fall in the other extreme and come out looking as if trying too hard.
“Your complexion should glow, so try using a mineral-based foundation which gives the skin a dewy youthfulness. Eyes should be accented and defined. Try a metallic navy shadow, which will accent and define the eyes in a modern way, reflecting blue back into the eyes, making the whites of the eyes look whiter. Lashings of mascara add an extra bit of definition to the eyes. Cheeks need a pop of peachy pink with a hint of shimmer - sweep a subtle shimmer powder over your blusher. Lips need definition and color, so opt for pinks and reds, which are more flattering.” Poole concludes by saying.