Hack: Makeup for Ages 35yrs +

Hello friends! I know last month I didn't blog much, but I did not forget about you. You, yes you...my faithful readers that keep me going and keep me passionate about all things makeup and beauty. 

Recently on Twitter, I did a poll asking what you wanted to read about next. And 67% of you voted for this post about makeup for ages 35 years and older.  This year I will turn 39 years old and my love for makeup has not diminished in the slightest. In fact, I love makeup even more now than I did when I was younger. I don't know if it is because I am more confident or it is that I am feeling super inspired by all of the fun new makeup launches, but I am more enthusiastic about cruelty-free beauty than ever before. 

I thought about how my approach to makeup has changed over the years and compiled a list of my favorite beauty hacks for those ages 35 and up. 

Below are my top ten hacks to keep you loving makeup and looking your best no matter what age you are:

1. Practice good skincare habits. This is obviously always important, but even more so as we age. I don't write this only for superficial reasons, but also as a reminder to take a little time for yourself. Indulge in facial masks, exfoliate twice a week, and embrace facial oils. Tarte Maracuja Oil has been a long time staple in my beauty arsenal. It can be used under moisturizer, in the last step of your nighttime skincare routine, or mixed in with your foundation. 

2. Opt for a dewy foundation.  While your skin type should always be considered, the goal is skin that looks hydrated and nourished, not dry and overly matte. Some choices I love are IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream or Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint. If you prefer to stick with your current foundation, or wear mineral foundation, try adding a thin layer of Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow underneath for added luminosity. 

3. Use highlighter strategically, such as on the top of your cheekbones, and inner corner of the eyes.

4. To cover dark circles, opt for a color corrector under your concealer. The newest one to my collection is Jeffree Star Cosmetics Magic Star Concealer in Peach.

5. Use liquid and cream products instead of powder. If your skin is on the oily side, powders can be used, just use them sparingly. A good trick is to pat off any excess on the back of your hand before applying it to your face with your favorite puff, sponge or brush.

6. Lengthen those lashes! Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, then apply a few coats of your favorite lengthening mascara. This helps make your lashes the star of the show to create a more youthful look. Try Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes for a formula that not only makes your lashes appear longer, but is also waterproof and helps hold the curl.

7. Go for a classic makeup look rather than trying to keep up with every new trend. Bronze and/or natural looks never go out of style. 

8. Skin should always look natural, and eyeshadow always looks lovely when kept soft, rather than some of the sharp graphic eyeliner looks that come in and out of fashion.  If lining your eyes is a must for you, try using eyeshadow in place of your usual eye pencil. Simply use an angled eyeshadow brush and a dark matte powder eyeshadow to line your eyes close to the lashline instead of gel, pencil or liquid liner.

9. Think dewy not disco ball. The glass skin look can create a youthful appearance, but too much glitter in your highlighter can make things look overdone and out of place on mature skin. Instead, try a cream highlighter formula or blend your powder highlighter underneath your powder blush for a light from within glow. 

10. Invest in good quality, soft makeup brushes. I recommend this step regardlessof your age. However,  the older we get the more important it is that our tools are not pulling or tugging at the skin. Some great choices that don't irritate my delicate skin are makeup brushes from IT Cosmetics, the Wayne Goss Synthetic Set, or Scott Barnes (perfect for personal or professional use).

Here is an example of a makeup look I wore the other day using the ten hacks listed above:

I hope you find these hacks helpful. Please let me know if you try them or have any hacks that you would like to share with us in the comments below. 

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @MakeupMatters1 

*This is not a sponsored post. The products mentioned in this post were purchased by me, unless otherwise stated. Some brands pictured may have sent me products to review in the past, but this in no way alters my opinions. All thoughts are my own.