Over-50's Glam Makeup

Last week I rushed to the makeup counters of department stores full of excitement and glee as the new Christmas make up hit the shelves and I wasn’t disappointed.  Tubs of sparkle, tubes of glitter, and bottles of bling everything was shiny, glitzy and exactly how it should be. Picking up an eye-shadow full of iridescent particles I went to buy it when I had a sudden sickening feeling as the realisation of truth dawned upon me and a voice (a Beauty Ed’s voice), gently whispered to me “Molly put it away you’re just too old”. For a second I almost listened but the sparkles captivated me so I bought it and yes, whilst I may look like Tinkerbell’s grandmother this is the one time of year when all my beauty rules are thrown out of the window and glitter rules!  However, as we age a few rules shouldn’t be ignored when applying party make-up:-

 

·         Skin tends to get dryer so choose foundations wisely, it’s best to stick to a tinted moisturiser as anything too heavy will make lines look more prominent.

·         I’ve said it before and will say it again pore minimisers are your best friend, they act as a barrier between skin and makeup gently filling in lines and giving a great base to apply make-up.

·         Liquid eyeliner is your enemy – it’s ageing so favour soft kohl instead.

·         Choose mascaras with caution, as we get older eyes become more irritated so make sure your mascara is formulated for sensitive eyes and doesn’t flake. Viv Shepherd MUA recommends using waterproof mascara.

·         Colour is a must so Viv recommends using a soft blusher as the older we get the more lacklustre our skin becomes.

·         A neutral lip liner will stop colour from bleeding when applying colour to the lips. A satin or gloss is more flattering than matte and whilst neutral colours make lips look fuller a solid, glossy shade will awaken the complexion.

·         Avoid matte eye-shadows and stick to light textures. If using a cream based one make sure you use a primer first and lighter shades are more flattering if you wear glasses.

·         Fill in brows with a good brow-pencil – an earthy shade gives a natural look but avoid heavy colours which will drag the face down.

·         You can wear sparkle but stick to your nails for your Christmas bling.

 

Once again I could fill a paper with the amount of gorgeous beauty products around this Christmas but I’ve tried to narrow it down to some of the best and here’s my pick!

 

MAC Divine Nights Collection is perfect for understated glamour. The Mineralise Eye-shadow Until Dawn £16.50 is muted purple surrounded by soft gold, whilst the Lured to Love Blush £22 is a flattering coral pink, Flair for Finery Lipstick £16.50 is a natural nude and gives a silky sheen which gives the illusion of fuller lips. Stockist www.maccosmetics.co.uk

 

For pure class Clarins cult lipstick Joli Rouge £18 in Clarins Red is one that everyone should own. The iconic shade with blue undertones is universally flattering to all skin tones and immediately updates a daytime to evening look in one quick step and the long-lasting and creamy formula is perfect for dry lips. Their Ombre Minerale Eye shadow £17 can be used wet or dry and is perfect for crepey lids as is smoothing and will stay put all night.  Available nationwide counters.

 

Glamour doesn’t come better than Estee Lauders Christmas Collection and I’ve fallen in love with Eye-shadow Trios Artic Zinc and Amber Alloy £27. Artic Zinc is glistening cool shades of navy, silver and lilac whilst Amber Alloy shimmering shades of mauve, plum and iced pink looks amazing on brown eyes. Their Pure Color High Intensity Lip Lacquer £21 in Chrome Kimono is a beautiful rosy pink.  Available nationwide counters.

 

For a subtle sparkle of glitter the best polish is by far Barry M No 334 £3.99 from Superdrug. This limited edition of gold and rose gold feather specks is different from glitter and incredibly eye-catching.

 

Eye of Horus is a new makeup range in the UK but has long been loved by professional make-up artists and celebrities from Australia to the Philippines. Their Goddess Mascara £13 is perfect for older lashes as contains Moringa Oil which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids so strengthens brittle lashes and is ideal for sensitive eyes. Stockists www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk

 

Clinique All About Shadow Quad Smoke and Mirrors £28 is glamour in a compact. The easy colour step guide ensures the 4 shades of grey from charcoal to silver make a perfect smokey eye. Compliment this look with the Chubby Stick Intense £17 in Mightiest Maraschino a juicy shade of red for full on glamour. Available nationwide counters.

 

bareMinerals Prime Time Primer Eye-shadows £16 are perfect for older eyes as their waterproof formula ensures make-up stays put.  Chroma Violet and Gunmetal are metallic shades a trend seen this winter and due to added primers the crème formula will not crease. Available House of Fraser.

 

Make-Up Atelier Paris Crème Eye Shadows £14 are high quality pigments which allow for seamless blending and perfect for building up colour whether you want a light wash for day or heavier for evening. I love Gris Metal dark, metallic silver, Gris Fume a warm, neutral grey and Bois De Rose a dusky rose. Stockists www.makeupatelierparis.co.uk

 

A huge thank you to my mum for being my model – I’m sure you’ll agree she doesn’t look a day over 50 and to Viv Shepherd for her expert make-up skills for bookings contact 07796 172021. If you have any queries please email molly@askmollybeauty.com or follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty.