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10 Makeup Tricks That Always Work
Put your best face forward with these tried-and-true tips
Actress Viola Davis knows what we're talking about in tip No. 1: Her makeup always looks fresh and flawless, as in this picture with her husband, Julius Tennon, at the Golden Globe Awards in January. Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images When it comes to the insta-trend world of makeup, there’s security and comfort in knowing what really works — and what’s just hype, media and marketing. As a beauty editor who has spent decades on photo shoots with top makeup artists and A-list celebs, I’ve learned the 10 best tried-and-true tips for women age 50-plus. Despite new brands, formulas, and technology, count on these insider secrets for your DIY routine. 1 Start fresh
Successful makeup needs to be applied immediately after washing, exfoliating and moisturizing your face. The combo of warm water, facial massage and your choice of cream, oil or serum gets things going by plumping up lines, buffing away flakes and hydrating dry or postmenopausal skin. This means absolutely no gaps between cleansing, moisturizing and applying makeup. To be clear: You can’t wash your face, eat, check your messages, shop online or talk on the phone, and then pick up where you left off. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. 2 Do eye makeup before face makeup
It’s the smart mess-free order. No worries about powder shadow fallout on cheeks or under-eye liner smears that can “dirty” foundation, blush or concealer and require a redo. Prepping lids with a primer or cream shadow first will keep eye makeup fresh and guarantee a smoother, more even application. 3 Brown or black gel-pencil liner powers up eyes
More pigmented than typical kohl pencils, less messy than brush-on gels and more flattering than harsh liquids or markers, these waterproof liners recreate firmer, more defined eyes. Rest your elbow on a table for a steady hand. Look in the mirror, raise your chin and sketch along the base of the upper lid in small back-and-forth movements. Start at the very outer eye and work toward the tear duct, tapering off three-quarters of the way in. Get close to the lash roots as possible to thoroughly fill gaps. The dense pigment (not line thickness) is what produces a strong border. Reinforce eye shape by “tight-lining” the waterline under the upper lashes. Gently press the brow bone to expose the underside of the rim and line. Use a light touch when lining beneath the eyes, or for more drama (especially on deep-set or hooded eyes), line the lower-lid waterline instead. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > Actress Julia Roberts is a fan of neutral eye-makeup shades. Amy Graves/WireImage/Getty Images 5 Use neutral shadows to accent eyes
Natural hues — warm tones for dark eyes, cool tones for light eyes — never fail. There’s no need to do the whole contour deal. But know that a pale, shimmery shadow on lids can add sparkle to tired eyes, a medium shade in the crease and just above it can erase any fleshy overhang and make eyes appear larger, and the darkest browns and charcoals work as a smoky top coat for your gel eyeliner to soften the look or hide squiggles. 6 Do your brows
Make the effort to fill, extend and groom them (even if you wear bangs or glasses) . Keep it natural. Use a brow pencil in short, feathery strokes following the direction of hair growth. Then, if necessary, fill in sparse areas with powder, which will cling to the pencil base. Use a spiral brush or a clean old mascara wand to blend. 7 Go for glow and brightness not coverage
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