Slough it Off: Rough, dry patches can dull the complexion and cause makeup to "grab" in spots and go on unevenly. Use a gentle cleanser or lotion with alpha-hydroxy acids to help encourage cell turnover and remove the dead cells that can accumulate on the skin's surface. At this stage in the game, manual exfoliants, which incorporate beads or grains, will most likely be too harsh and irritating.
Go for Moisture: If you're not using one already, switch to an extra-emollient creamy yet non-greasy moisturizer. These formulas will help skin to look fresher and more radiant while plumping up lines and wrinkles so they are less visible. Avoid matte and semi-matte foundations because they can dry out the complexion and rob it of its radiance, not to mention accentuate lines and wrinkles. Moisturizing, transparent textures will impart vibrancy without settling into creases.
Fake a Fresh Flush: There's nothing like a bright touch of color on cheeks to give your looks an instant lift. The key is to select a color that makes you look healthy and practically blends itself. If you have to work to blend it, the color is either too dark or too bright. Cream blush is fantastic for dry skin. For longer wear, after you dab it onto the apples of cheeks and blend it up and back toward your hairline, lightly dust cheeks with a silky, airy face power. Top with hint of matching powder blush on just the apples.
Define Your Eyes: Now more than ever, a touch of eye makeup can really perk up your look by giving you much-needed definition. At bare minimum, take the time to brush on some mascara. If time allows, and you're comfortable wearing more makeup, add dark brown liner. Apply the liner just on the upper lashline or on both top and bottom lashlines—whatever you feel most comfortable in. But, don't apply liner just on the bottom lashline. This will only draw your eyes downward and make you look tired.
Save Lip Liner for Last: Our lips get smaller as we get older (the result of diminished collagen production). While it may be tempting, don't try to make them look bigger by drawing outside of lip lines. Instead, create lusher lips by wearing creamy, soft shades. To avoid feathering—and avoid an overly harsh looking line—line your lips with lip pencil after applying your lipstick.
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About this Author
Bobbi Brown, founder and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years and is known for her philosophy that "makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.
