The best summer make-up tips for mature skin – according to a celebrity make-up artist
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
As we age, skin can begin to suffer from dullness. But not anymore! Here, make-up pro Gemma Tyler shares her foolproof tips & tricks for a radiant complexion
To us, great summer make-up means a healthy, lit-from-within glow – something that’s beautiful at any age. But a few things happen to our skin as we get older that can make this a little trickier to achieve, particularly as we enter the menopause when collagen and elastin levels tend to decrease and can cause skin to become duller and drier, leading to our cosmetics sitting differently. However, here at Health & Beauty, we celebrate the many joys of ageing and view it as the perfect excuse to indulge in some beauty TLC in a way that really feels like ‘you’.
Good news, then, that there’s a multitude of skincare and make-up products out there brimming with skin-nourishing goodness to help boost our complexion and mood in time for the sunny season. And we’ve got the ultimate expert to hand. Enter celebrity make-up artist Gemma Tyler. Drawing from her years of experience of working with older women, here are her make-up tips and product recommendations for getting the ultimate summer glow – while still celebrating the skin you’re in.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about make-up for mature skin.
Prepping the skin
Define your goal: ‘I always begin by asking my clients what they want to achieve from their make-up,’ says Gemma. ‘It’s important to think about whether you’d like extra moisture, have concerns about texture or redness, need staying power or just want added glow. Luckily, there are products out there that will help you achieve all of this.’
Exfoliate: ‘If skin texture is one of your main concerns, then a gentle exfoliator like Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 for Dry/Combination Skin swept across the complexion with a cotton pad can help, prepping the skin for a nourishing moisturiser.’
Get hands-on: Gemma then suggests taking a minute to massage something like No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Day Cream into the skin. ‘This contains hyaluronic acid, which is a must for making skin look more plumped and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The act of massaging is also amazing for helping to improve blood flow and create radiance.’
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Protect: ‘I always finish with an SPF. It’s necessary for all skin types, but is vital for more mature skin, especially if you’re using actives that can leave it more susceptible to sun damage,’ says Gemma. ‘I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50. It’s water resistant, making it ideal for holidays. Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Protection SPF50 is also a favourite – it’s lightweight, fast-absorbing and delivers invisible SPF50.’
Acing the base
Go for hydrating formulas: 'When choosing foundations, mature skin can often benefit from liquid foundations and skin tints that are bursting with skin-loving ingredients,’ explains Gemma. ‘Some of my favourites include YSL Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation SPF22, which contains SPF, and Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Tint which combines hydrating goodies with a light tint to help improve the texture and tone.’
Use your fingers: In terms of application, Gemma recommends using your fingers to pat the foundation into the skin. ‘This gives skin a flawless, but beautifully natural base that doesn’t feel heavy,’ she says. ‘A concealer can be used sparingly if you’d like to cover blemishes and to brighten the under-eye area. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is available with shades ranging from light to dark, making it ideal for all skin tones. Just a small amount blended under the eye helps reduce the look of dark circles and tiredness.’
Set your handiwork: A setting power is also a must for summer make-up longevity, insists Gemma. ‘MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder has a soft finish and is light reflective, making it perfect for mimicking a healthy glow,’ she says. ‘Finally, I always suggest carrying a hydrating make-up spray like NYX Professional Makeup Make Up Setting Spray. Not only is it great for creating a radiant finish, but it’s a refreshing hit of cool when dealing with a hot flush.’
Cheeks and lips
Have fun: ‘There are no rules when it comes to picking shades for mature skin,’ says Gemma. ‘Make-up should make you happy! In terms of formulas, I love a multipurpose cream blush, such as Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks. It blends easily and looks natural, helping to add a glowy radiance to the skin and a subtle, healthy-looking flush to the cheeks and lips. Don’t be afraid to choose a bright, summery shade like Fresh Melon – it’s universally flattering on all skin tones.’
Line up: ‘I always suggest using a liner, such as No7 Precision Lips Pencil, all over the lip line as a base. This will provide a nourished, plumped-up effect and stop lipstick from feathering and sitting in fine lines.’
Perfecting the peepers
Use a primer: ‘When it comes to eye make-up, it’s really important to use a primer, such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original. This will help prevent creasing and keep everything in place, even on the hottest days,’ says Gemma.
Try a shadow stick: ‘Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour is the perfect addition to a summer evening make-up look,’ enthuses Gemma. ‘It’s foolproof. Simply smudge over the eye and blend out with your fingertips. The consistency is beautifully creamy and easy to work with – it’s among some of the best make-up for mature skin.’
Frame your face: And don’t forget the eyebrows. ‘Full, healthy brows work to frame the face. NYX Professional Makeup Thick It. Stick It! Brow Mascara is amazing for adding volume and depth – ideal as brows begin to get that bit sparser as we age,’ says Gemma.
As Gemma says, there are no rules when it comes to make-up for mature skin. Instead, look for products that enhance what you already have. Whether you’re choosing soothing, hydrating formulas or just want the joy that comes with indulging in a pop of colour, here’s to owning your beautiful skin this summer and beyond.
