Once Father Time ticks into the midnight hour, and your 20-something years turn into your 30-something years, women who enjoy wearing makeup may begin to notice changes in the way their skin responds to their usual go-to foundations, concealers, and even blushes or bronzers. The tried and true makeup tips we counted on for years no longer hold their same power, and thank goodness for that!
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Society, the media, and even our own intrinsic beliefs lead women to believe different things about the ways our bodies should look and behave, and often times this leads to the makeup tips that we choose to use. However, since we are living and breathing humans, the beauty of our bodies lies within the fact that we are alive!
We are already beautiful, and as such makeup should have no effect on our perception of beauty. Makeup ought to be given the power to boost our confidence and creativity on a level that matters solely to us. Simply using the same makeup tips we’ve always used won’t have this effect, and it’s time to reevaluate what we want and need in our makeup routine.
Wear What Fits, Not What You Wish/Think Should Fit
If you’re using makeup to look younger, then that’s your prerogative, but that’s not what this article is going to cover. Aging gracefully doesn’t mean you have to pretend you’re 10 years younger, keep your age a secret, or head to your cosmetic surgeon to “fix” something out of embarrassment or shame. It also doesn’t mean that you must wear makeup that women of your desired generation are wearing if it’s not what you want to do.
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The same rule applies to makeup tips as applies to clothes: If it’s not the right size/fit, it’s not going to look good and you’re not going to feel good in it. If you’re tall, then be tall! Stand up straight and find clothing that allows you to be fully who you are! If you’re a size 12 now after being a size 8 for the past 10 years, let’s go shopping and find something fabulous! If you’re 20, then wear makeup that will work for 20-year old skin. If you’re 35, it’s the same rule. Be 35, and be fully 35!
For the women who enjoy using makeup for the office, for work, on stage, or anything else, there are certain ways to work with our bodies and skin needs to get the most out of our makeup experience.
As a performer, I’ve worn the same version of the makeup you see in these photos for the better part of 20 years now-including a full coverage, thick foundation, a bold lip, and thick eyelashes. Now, as a 34-year old, I’ve learned that my skin needs have changed and I have started exploring some other options that would be more comfortable for me, look good on camera, in person, and on stage, and become easy to replicate.
(As evidenced in the photo below, it’s also helpful to wear something that won’t sweat off because, living in Central Florida, your face melting off before lunch is commonplace.)
Here are 10 makeup tips that have helped me that I hope can lead you to make your own decisions about the makeup you want to wear in your 30s and beyond. You are already beautiful, so it’s time to have fun and get creative!
10 Makeup Tips You Need In Your Arsenal
- Hydrate Your Skin From The Inside Out
I know, this seems like a cheap trick to get you to drink more water. Sometimes, that’s what it takes. However, drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated, but it helps to flush toxins from your system, keep your organs running optimally, and reduce inflammation. All of these internal benefits become visible in the way our skin, hair, and nails present themselves. So, go refill that water bottle and get started! - Find A Skincare Routine That Works For You
Spending hundreds of dollars on a skincare routine isn’t necessary, but changing your skincare routine to suit the skin you’re in now is paramount to the look and feel of the makeup you will be applying. Finding a gentle cleanser (like this one or this one) that is recommended by your dermatologist is a great start. Followed by a moisturizer, an eye cream, and sunscreen is a great way to start getting specific about what your skin needs to look and feel its best.
Not sure if you need an eye cream? Here’s a quick quiz: If you have found yourself wondering what happened to Devon Sawa or Jonathan Taylor Thomas, it’s time. - Prime Your Skin
Even if you don’t plan to wear foundation, wearing a good foundation primer can create a smooth feeling and a matte or glossy look over your SPF. Something like this one is a great way to start. - Spot Correction Is Key
Depending on the “look” you’re going for, and as long as you’ve moisturized all of your skin, spot correction is the best way to approach an everyday look. This means finding a moisturizing and corrective concealer that matches, not highlights, your skin tone. If you don’t already know, it’s important to learn your skin’s undertones. Warmer tones and cooler tones make up your skin’s natural color and knowing this will help you choose the concealer and foundation that works best for you. - Contour And Highlight
This does not mean that you’re in the qualifying round to become a Kardashian, but it means you’re going to accentuate certain aspects of your face so that the lights can bring out the best in your facial structure. Highlighting in the corners of your eyes, your cheekbones, and perhaps your cupid’s bow brings a lot of light to your already beautiful face. Adding a concealer or foundation which is a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone to the shadows of your face counter the highlights and add a beautiful, warm depth. If you’re not sure where to start with contouring and highlighting, this is a great video to start learning. - Find The Correct Placement For Your Blush
Believe it or not, the location of your blush plays a major role in your appearance. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can lift or lower the overall look of your face. - It’s All In The Eyes
Makeup tips often refer to the windows to the soul, but the eye area features the most delicate and thinnest skin on our face. Extra pulling and tugging can stretch that sensitive skin and reverse all that hard work your eye cream is doing. While a stunning cat-eye is fun, perhaps it isn’t your preferred look for everyday wear. A thick line of eyeliner creates a bold look, but if this line is softened with a smudging brush, then an eye pencil becomes a totally customizable look that you can change up every day, and gently blending out eyeliner is more gentle than tugging or pulling each day. - Comb Your Eyebrows
Even if your eyebrows are fair and blonde, combing them out is a simple yet delicate final touch to your beautiful face. - Line Your Lips
As previously mentioned, I’m a fan of a bold lip. Unfortunately, my favorites when I was 25 no longer work because those fine lines don’t lie when it comes to a deep red. Lining your lips creates a strict barrier between lip and skin, and finding a moisturizing and easily blended lip liner (this is my favorite and it lasts all day) makes it easy to see why women have been doing this for years. Adding a buttery-soft gloss on top completes this look with a touch of flair. - Enjoy Your Beauty
You only get one you, and you are living a completely unique day because it will never happen again. Finding the beauty and specialness of yourself when you look in the mirror is perhaps the most effective makeup tip you’ll ever receive, and it’s not even about makeup.
Makeup tips aren’t always about wearing makeup. While wearing makeup should be fun, what it should not be is a tool used to cover up or pretend certain features don’t exist. By starting with a good foundation and caring for your hydration and skin health, your skin will start to speak for itself. Anything else is just an accessory to an already beautiful person-you!
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