Beauty Tips For Women of All Ages

No matter if you are a teenager, young adult, baby boomer, or a more mature woman, some beauty and fashion tips never change. You can keep yourself looking and feeling great with only a little bit of time and a small amount of effort. 
Even if you aren't accustomed to wearing makeup, some products are so simple to use that it should only take you a few moments to try them out and decide if you like them. Try these beauty tips for women of all ages for a lovely look that is fast, fabulous, and easy to achieve.

1. Use lip gloss or ChapStick to keep your lips soft, moist, and kissable. Use a product with sunscreen (like Softlips or Blistex) to prevent getting sunburn on your lips (a truly awful experience if you've never had it).

2. If you want only a basic, natural look using minimal makeup, go with mascara, neutral colored eye shadow, and lip gloss or lip tint. This is a great everyday look for women who only have a few moments to get ready for the day.

3. To make your eyes "pop," apply dark colored eyeliner, such as brown or black, to both your upper and lower lash line. This look works well with mascara and eye shadow, and especially a smoky eye look. Please note - dark eyeliner can make you look older, so keep this in mind based on the look you are trying to achieve.

4. Protect your skin with a tinted moisturizer containing SPF 15 or greater (like Murad). You can still blend in the imperfections in your skin tone while protecting yourself from the UV rays. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the rest of your exposed skin if you are planning to be out in the sun.

5. Wear a hat on exceptionally hot days or as a fun fashion statement. If you've ever gotten sunburn on your scalp, you'll quickly accept the benefit of wearing a hat to protect the top of your head and your face. Some hats even offer built-in UV protection (like Wallaroo).

Depending on your own personal preferences, you can enhance your look with other classic beauty moves, such as using colored eyeliner, experimenting with foundation and bronzer, or even applying false eyelashes for special events. Mascara and lip gloss are two basic beauty elements that work for any woman, but the more interested you become in makeup, the more you can enjoy the wide and wonderful world of cosmetics and beauty goodies.

Makeup Chair Shouldn't Be a War-Zone For Mature Clients!

"It's too cakey." "I can see my lines." The list of makeup complaints from 40-plus faces is endless. What does it take to move these women to embrace their makeover, not fear it? We need to address their special needs by hiding, not exposing, the signs of a life well lived.

- Makeup artists shouldn't let clients talk them out of foundation-I use a sheer, oil-free one that hides redness and sun spots but isn't caked on. My favorite? MAC Face and Body foundation. Though mature ladies like the dewy look, shimmery foundation only highlights lines, as will shine anywhere on the face. Cover left-over spots with a good camouflage cream of pro quality such as Dermablend.

- Under-eye concealer is an aging woman's worst enemy because it settles into lines. Use a creamy pen-based one. The ultimate concealer is Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Éclat. A less expensive choice is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. To set the concealer and make it last, use a sheer powder such as MAC's Blot Powder compact. If powder accents lines, roll a damp Q-tip over the area.

- Face powder is the 2nd worst enemy. It helps foundation last and tames shine, but go light. Finish powder with down-strokes. You don't want to notice the cheek hairs. Spritz water over the final finish if you are worried about that "powdered" mask appearance.

- Use matte eye shadows. Frosts on mature eyes spotlight skin lines. Stick with neutral taupes, browns, and grays, not trendy color. See MAC and Makeup Forever brands. For drooping lid skin, use one taupe or medium brown shade on the whole lid and into the crease. I like MAC Cork and Quarry.

- Use waterproof eyeliners. Use a lighter color on the lower eye-line than on the lid. Try Annabelle's Smoothliners in Brownie (upper lid) and Bronze (lower eye-line--the only place I like shimmer). Set with eyeshadow in similar shades such as MAC's Brun and Mulch. When you line, swoop the pencil up wider on the outer 1/3 of the lid, to give a non-surgical eye-lift. Finally, line the inside rim of the upper eye; older lids curl up revealing too much flesh.

- Drooping lids will blink and smudge mascara. Use waterproof all the time or at least on the lower lashes. For fullness try L'oreal's Voluminous.

- Curl eyelashes to open and lift the eye. Use Shu Uemura's from Sephora.

- Define sparse and faded eyebrows with powder, not harsh pencil. Brunettes go lighter than their hair; blondes go darker. See Anastasia's eye-brow kits, (Sephora). Note: create an instant face-lift by plucking and powdering-in a higher brow arch.

- Cream blushes are nice for a healthy glow, but whisk over a light coat of sheer powder to control shine. I like MAC's Blushcreme in "Ladyblush."

- Red lipstick ages a woman's face. The darker the lipstick, the thinner the lip looks. Dark colors 
also bleed into lip lines. And frosted lipsticks showcase lip wrinkles, while matte are too dry--use creamy formulas. Apply brownish pinks, not bubblegum or fuchsia. I love MAC's Brave. Other favorites are Revlon's Nude Velvet, MAC's Brick-o-la and Mocha.

- Lip pencils rebuild long-lost lip shape and pigment. Draw slightly beyond the lip to enhance fullness. Never line across the whole lower lip because it runs wider than the upper; swing upward early to join the upper lip. Use natural lip shades like Wet'n Wild's #666 pencil and MAC's Spice.

- Final face tips: with gravity, noses get longer as we age. Dab taupe eye-shadow on the nose tip to hike it up and make the tip recede. Also blend around and into hairline to mask thinning hair.

A good makeup artist won't ever leave clients feeling like they have to grow into their look. We are their expert guidance that should lead to a timeless and classic look. You can learn to be your own makeup expert with a little practice.

Makeup Tips For Women Over 30

Women over the age of 30 have their own unique challenges when it comes to make up and I am looking to address the following:

-What colors are right for me (ex. how do women pick the right 
shades that compliment their eyes and skin tone)?

-Am I too old to wear trendy shades?

-How do I apply eyeshadow, blush, foundation etc.

-What are the key tools necessary to get the best evening look?

-Solutions for common mistakes women over 30 make.

-Are there any rules that women in their 30s, 40s, 50s+ should be 
following?"

I have been in the industry for over 14 years, and I get these questions all the time. The main thing to remember is that makeup should be fun--it is what you make it! Do not look to others for rules...if it feels good to you and makes you feel good about yourself, that is what's important.

-What rules do you use for women over 40?

I really dislike it when people who tell women over 40 "don't wear shimmer!!" It's hogwash. Of course women over 40 can wear shimmer. Just don't overdo it--make sure the product is finely milled and is very high quality. Shimmer actually makes the skin look fresh and dewey, which is exactly what skin over 40 needs!!! It's all about choosing a product that is right for you--not about adhering to "rules". Don't buy the cheap stuff--it will look like glitter, and that's not cute. A Radiance Booster is a perfect example. It gives a golden glow to the skin without looking like you have anything on.

-What Colors Are Right For Me? Am I too old to wear trendy shades?

This is my most asked question. I give the same answer every time: what colors do you like? What colors are you passionate about? This is your starting point. Never wear something because someone tells you to. You need to be comfortable in it. If it is a color you are passionate about, and that you love, it will work--I guarantee. So, put away the "rules" about eye colors and what colors work best for whom. Let's make makeup work for you by using colors that you like, that you are comfortable in--even if it's blue!!! The key is to not overdo it. If you like blue, use a small amount as an eyeliner, not all over the eye. Or, use it as an accenting color. Be subtle, not brash (unless that's the look you're going for!!!)

-How do I apply eyeshadow, blush, foundation etc?

Keep it simple: Always use a base for the eyes. It brightens the eyes and gives longer life to your products. Then, take a bone or nude color all over the eyes. Take a darker color like brown or a shimmery dark color and blend it on the bottom half of the eye. The key is to blend makeup, don't just place it on the skin. Blending it (applying a back and forth motion) makes it last longer, and look better. Then apply eyeliner and mascara, and that is a simple, glamorous look that is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

-Blush is simple: use a very small amount on the front of the cheek, and blend it out.

-Foundation: always use moisturizer first...then, apply a powder foundation. It will even out the skin tone, eradicate redness, while feeling like you have nothing on. Foundation should be a tad lighter than your skin tone. Dark foundation will age you, so when in doubt, go a little lighter, and you can always change the tone or color with bronzer.

-What are the key tools necessary to get the best evening look?

Honestly, women have been raving Radiance boosters. It is an all-in-one product for eyes, lips, and face. It adds glamour and glow without looking like you have anything on. You simply dust it over your face with a brush, and you will take ten years off your face! It's luxurious, glamorous and simple!

-Solutions for common mistakes women over 30 make?

I think women are nervous with makeup after the age of 30. They lose their sense of adventure, and decide to go safe. This is fine, but remember: makeup is supposed to be fun-to accentuate who you are!!! I think the biggest mistake is that women over 30 and 40 go into "neutral" mode. Meaning, they only buy neutral colors. Some solutions to this are to buy a shimmery steel grey. This color looks good on ANYONE! Or a shimmery Bronze. Again, you can't go wrong with this color, and it will add some adventure to your makeup wardrobe!

Make Up Tips to Slim Your Face

Playing Up Your Eyes

Eyes are the key to a slimmer face. The bigger the eyes the smaller the face will appear as a whole. Play up the eyes by putting extra mascara on the top lashes. Avoid mascara on the bottom lash, this will encase the eyes and make them appear smaller.

Use the shadow in the crease of the eyes. Then to highlight the eyes use a light iridescent powder just under your brow to make your eyes appear larger and brighter. Smooth it all together with a clean finger for a polished look.

The biggest mistake most women make with their eye color is choosing shadows that match their natural eye color. Here are a couple of suggestions when it comes to eye shadows.

• Brown - Pretty versatile, browns can go with just about anything. Depending on how dark brown your eyes are go for a much lighter brown and offset with a cool violet or lavender.
• Blue - Deep browns, warm earthy reds like a copper or rust.
• Green or Hazel - Stick with golden earthy tones, deep violets, or soft neutrals.
• Grey - Cool icy colors, purples, or dusty charcoal.

Luscious Lips

Big full lips can also offset the roundness of your face to make it appear slimmer in contrast.

To keep lips full trace the outside of your lips with a nude (flesh tone) pencil and smooth with your finger to create the illusion of depth. If you still want to use lip liner, do it on the inside of this nude line. Avoid tracing the entire lip with liner. This will make your lips appear thinner. Instead use the lip liner modestly to enhance the widest parts of the lip.

Avoid glossy lipstick. Instead go for a muted lip stain and apply your gloss separately. Apply a dab of gloss at the widest part of your lips only. This will create the illusion of depth and fullness. Top off this look with a tiny dab of shimmer right under you nose and above the arch of the lip and blend for sexy pouty lips.

Stay away from dramatic and bright colors. Remember, you want to choose a lipstick that makes you look like you're not wearing lipstick at all, and that you just have fabulous, naturally full, lips.

Cheeks From Flushed to Blushed

While your eyes are the focal point of your face, your cheeks dominate in the space category. This is usually where the best make up intentions fail.

Just like you did with your eyes, you are going to shadow the recessed parts of the cheek and enhanced the highest part of the cheekbone. To do this, suck your cheeks in and make the fish face.

Use a bronzer that works well with your skin tone and apply to the "sucked in" part of you cheek when you're making the fish face. Then apply a light iridescent blush to highlight the highest part of the cheekbone and fade toward your temples. Smooth together with your finger.

Complete the look by dabbing just a touch of bronzer to your forehead, nose and chin for a natural look.

Laying a good foundation for your foundation

Regardless what kind of foundation you use; good skin care can shine through any make up. To make your make up last all day, be sure you are applying your foundation on a relatively oil free surface. Make sure your face is clean and wipe it down with astringent before beginning your makeup routine. Astringent not only takes care of the surface oil, but it also dissolves oil in the pores, making them appear smaller. Also it helps the foundation adhere better to your skin so that it's not melting off your face halfway through your day.

Never, never sleep in your make up. Sleeping in your make up can clog up your pores, making them larger. At the end of the day wash your face thoroughly with an exfoliating scrub. If you do not regularly exfoliate your face dead skins cells can pile up on the surface of your skin, making it appear ashen and making you look older.

Blemishes

We've all gotten them at some point. That dreaded zit or that horrible cold sore. Use make up as a tool to misdirect the eye where you want it to go. For example if you have got a monster zit on your forehead, go ahead and cover it up with some concealer but then go for a bolder lip color or some sparkly lip gloss (I know I just told you to keep you lipstick natural but when a zit is involved I can make an exception).

Or if you're sporting a cold sore do not try to cover it up with lipstick, you will only draw more attention to it. Instead go with a muted lip color and go a little more dramatic on your eyes, or even throw on some dazzling earrings.

Eye Make Up Tips for Older Women

Once you reach a certain age it is important that you edit your makeup down to a minimalistic color pallet because nothing ages you more then badly applied makeup. Thick eyeliner, bold lipsticks, clumpy mascara and layered shimmery eye shadow are all applications that can look really aging and need to be avoided on mature skin. The wrong makeup application especially around the eyes, will accentuate creepy eyelids and fine lines and wrinkles. For a more sophisticated look use colors that are closer to your skin tone that have been artfully blended in so they look subtle and classy:

Base: As we age our skin becomes drier and visible signs of aging appear such as fine lines, broken capillaries and dark shadows. For this reason choosing the right foundation base is critical in helping to achieve that youthful dewy finish. Start by using a hydrating moisturizer to make your skin look fresher and follow with a high pigment, light textured liquid foundation, that will work to cover blemishes and appear light and luminous on the skin. Only apply it where you need it because youthful skin should appear fresh and clear. Avoid the use of matte finishes and powder as it can take away your natural glow and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

Eyes: Before you begin thinking about your eyeliner you need to prep your eyes with an eye cream and primer, this will help to moisturize the delicate thin area around the eyes and smooth the way for your eyeshadow, which can have a habit of forming in creases and fading throughout the day. The silicones in the primer will ensure your shadow glides on effortlessly. Follow with a thin coating of foundation that will help to disguise any blood vessels and discolorations

Eye shadow: When thinking about eyeshadow colors it is important not to overdo it, stick to two or three colors that compliment your natural skin tone, such as muted browns beige's and bronze that work give the eye definition without looking to overdone. Using white in the center of the eyelid will help to give your eyes pop and make them appear larger then they actually are.

Eyeliner: As we age our eyes become less defined and as a result women will tend to draw a hard line across the lower and upper lid in a bid to try to enhance them. Hard edges however can be aging and a softer more blended look can divert attention away from the more obvious signs of aging, such as crow's feet. Browns, beiges, greys and creams are really flattering, helping to give the eyes definition whilst not looking too overdone.

Mascara: The key to avoiding clumpy lashes is application; mascara needs to be applied right at the base of the lashes. As you draw the mascara through the lashes, wiggle the brush up to the tips, that will help to give the illusion of longer fuller looking lashes. Before applying mascara always curl your lashes because nothing opens them more. Faking it with lashes is also a really great option, especially for the evening; apply a few at the corner of the eye, which can look really flattering.

Lips: As we age our lips start to loose color and collagen, but you don't have to resort to fillers and injections to make them appear fuller. Avoid using a lip liner that is the wrong color in a bid to make your lips look fuller as this is really dated, use a lip liner that matches your natural lip color and draw a straight line across your cupids bow to give the illusion of a fuller of pout. Finish by highlighting the center of your lips with a dab of lip gloss right in the center, helping to give the illusion of fuller looking lips. Glosses and shimmers will help to make the lips look fuller, whilst opaque matte colors will make them look thinner. Very dark shades can be very aging, to much drama looks dated and old!

The most important thing to remember as we age when it comes to makeup is that less is more, carefully chosen makeup is definitely more flattering.