“Wrinkles only go where smiles have been” – I try to remind myself of this cute little quote everytime I look in the mirror lately! Our face really does tell our story. We cannot change the natural aging process unfortunately. Genetics play a part, but our environment and lifestyle choices also strongly determine how our skin looks.
Thankfully, in this day and age, there are so many things we can do daily to boost aging skin. Skin protection for me is the key. Even if it’s snowing outside (rare in Portugal, I know!), protect your skin daily. Wear your sun hat, ladies. I know a tan looks amazing, but, personally, I would rather have less wrinkles in the long run. Use a good cleanser, exfoliate often and moisturise daily. Wearing a night serum before you go to bed will also do wonders.
Moisturisers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid are invaluable as our own levels of hyaluronic acid significantly decrease as we get older. It helps keep the skin hydrated and supple.
Unfortunately, menopause also makes our skin drier. Smoking is a huge factor in the aging process as nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing oxygen flow and nutrients to the skin cells. If you quit, you will literally notice a change in your skin within weeks.
What we eat and drink really shows on our skin and affects the aging process, so it’s good to be aware of this.
So, what age are we when we are considered to have ‘mature skin’? Brace yourselves … it’s 40! I’m currently 40 myself and still feel 26! Around this age, our skin’s elasticity and flexibility decrease, it becomes more slack, fine, drier and uneven. Those dreaded fine lines and wrinkles appear with more pronounced expression lines.
So when it comes to makeup, what works best? I’m a firm believer in doing what you love and works for you, but my belief is, less is more. Be sure not to skip on your moisturiser and primer; this helps with creating a flawless base.
Finding a hydrating foundation, tinted moisturiser or BB cream that melts into the skin is key. Choose a liquid foundation, use it sparingly just where you need it, then use a light concealer over the areas where you need more help.
I love Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing makeup. It has our favourite hyaluronic acid, which helps plump those fine lines. It also helps even out your skin tone, creating a brighter skin tone.
It’s heat and sweat resistant, too – good for those hot flushes and this sticky weather. (Sephora €42.50)
Another less expensive option, but equally as effective, is L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Anti-ageing Radiant Foundation. It gives a brighter, luminous complexion and is so lightweight on the skin. It’s a medium to full coverage that doesn’t sit into lines or wrinkles and is specially designed for mature skin. My mother loves this foundation! (Douglas €14.21)
A big tip I give to all my clients with mature skin is to use cream blushes and bronzers instead of powder-based ones. As we get older, powder sits more into our lines and wrinkles. So it’s best to use it sparingly. Currently I’m using the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush. It really goes on the skin beautifully and comes in 10 pretty shades. I personally love the Petal Poppin shade. It’s a soft pink/peachy colour, stunning for summer. (Sephora €22.90)
Also, as we get older, our lips also become thinner, so it’s important to use a lip liner to get back a little shape and volume. Adding a little lipgloss over our lipstick or alone will also give the impression of younger looking lips.
Lastly, perhaps one of the most neglected patches of skin, the neck area, contains thin, delicate skin which also needs love and attention with daily spf 50!
But at the end of the day, I also believe age is really just a number, so let’s not be so concerned about what age we are. Let’s keep living our best life!
By Sharon Phillips
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Sharon Phillips is a well-known, fully qualified makeup artist from Ireland. She has been working in the makeup industry in Portugal for nearly a decade and specialises in bridal makeup, editorial photoshoots and film and television. Her passion is helping women feel and look fabulous through makeup.
www.makeupalgarve.com
