Anti-aging makeup for mature skin: The right makeup starts with a good "base"

Article taken from: https://mdpr.jp/beauty/detail/4639406

Are you afraid that wearing makeup will magnify the imperfections in your skin? Have you ever thought to yourself, "Foundation makes me look way older"? 

If you've ever struggled with this, it is time I shared with you my little secret. In this article, I will teach you how to blend makeup with skincare and the best ways to avoid aging yourself by accident while doing your beauty routine. As a 48-year old woman myself, I too struggled with this issue well into my 40s, but through a lot of trial and error, I was able to establish a tried and true routine that is perfectly tailored to my own skin.

The secret lies into how well you manage prep your skin before putting on foundation. Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds!

THE TWO CATEGORIES

Makeup bases are made up of two main categories. The first one works in the background, quiet and unassuming, like a wire-puller or a backstage hand, while the second is usually the star of the show.

What are some of the characteristics of our “wire-puller” makeup base?

Its role is to raise the quality of the base makeup. For that reason, it has no visible skin correction effect. Even when you use this base by itself, there is no drastic change like when you use foundation.

What is our "star of the show" then? 

This makeup base corrects the unevenness of our skin and is excellent at bringing back some colour and brightness to your complexion. The star of the show can provide great results even if you don't use foundation, concealer, or face powder. Each product's ability to cover blemishes and colour-correct can vary, but paired with the right foundation (provided you know their classifications appropriately, which you now do because I have provided them for you!) will help you combine them effectively.

The key when combining them is to leave strategic gaps!

The effect of aging occurs when too much product is caked onto the face: too much foundation on top of covering powder or concealer creates an unnatural finish which leads to the skin looking older than it is in reality.

The secret to looking youthful is moderation.

Let's look at the four results we were able to get from different combinations.

PRODUCTS USED

ELIXIR DAY CARE REVOLUTION toner,

SP +aa

Total: five types

UV effect SPF50+

PA++++

Weight: 35g

Retail price: 3410yen (30 US dollars)

With a natural pink and brightening effect, it instantly covers the dullness and blemishes of mature skin, creating a bright and plump impression. Bright areas reflect light for a glowing look, while darker areas subtly recede — enhancing facial structure naturally. You can polish your look further by then adding concealer and face powder.

After using a water-based toner, use an emulsion with a pink undertone. This combo has fulfils two functions: moisturising and caring for mature skin. Its light texture improves the elasticity of your skin and provides a natural rose tone to your complexion. The result? A glossy, chic finish!

CHACOTT Shaping primer

Total two colours: 001 Light beige (image), 002 Beige

UV effect: SPF50+

PA+++

Weight:25g

Retail price: 2200yen (30 US dollars)

Foundation to use alongside primer for optimal results (Inoui Foundation)

INOUI Liquid foundation

Total five colours : 00, 01 (in image), 02, 03, 04 

UV effect: SPF50+

PA++++

Quantity: 30mL

Retail price: 9350yen (100 US dollars)

INOUI foundation is lightweight in nature and gives a natural three-dimensional look while creating a glossy finish. A liquid foundation that lasts all day without crumbling, it brings out your natural bone structure, complexion, and skin texture, giving you fresh, radiant skin. Another one of its advantages is its versatility: because of its quality as a moisturizer, it is efficient in all seasons.

WAKEMAKE’s Seamless Wear Cushion

Total 4 colours: 21N Vanilla, 22N Neutral, 22P Rosy Neutral (image),

23 Beige

UV effect: SPF50+

PA+++

Weight: 15g

Retail price: 2970yen (35 US dollars)

This is the foundation you should purchase if you want a perfect finish.

Seamless semi-matte formula, lightweight and breathable on the skin, its finish creates the illusion of chiselled facial features, it naturally camouflages problem areas such as enlarged pores or dullness. It can double as skincare because of its moisturising effect, and helps prevent dry skin.

Results of combinations

a. Elixir Toner + INOUI/WAKEMAKE Cushion

Using a less visible base has the advantage of concealing most signs of aging. Even more, you can use it with lightweight foundations as well, so it is perfect for all makeup routines. You can see clear skin at the top, then bottom left is the prepped skin only. Product A is INOUI and B showcases WAKEMAKE.

b. CHACOTT + INOUI/WAKEMAKE Cushion

Using a more visible base has the advantage of heightening your own natural beauty without the use of additional foundation, regardless of how well the foundation covers problem areas or not. However, if both the foundation and base are full coverage, signs of aging become more visible.

SO, WHAT DO WE THINK?

If you compare the images, you can tell that the finished look varies greatly depending on if and how you combine the products. It is also handy when the foundation and base are from the same brand. However, by focusing on how well the powder can cover problem areas and using colour corrector, as well combining this knowledge with the aforementioned strategy of "leaving gaps", one is able to create an entirely different look with a youthful and unique finish.

Now that you know our tips and tricks, it's time to build up your own beauty regime that will do more than simply enhance your looks - it will provide long-term benefits to skin than deserves to be cared for.

Author: Sachiko Endo

Beauty writer, active in all areas of media, Sachiko Endo began her career in 2011, after earning her certification as MUA of the year. While writing beauty columns, she featured on multiple radio broadcasts and TV programmes, and was involved greatly in various productions of TV cosmetic adverts.

Translated by: Ana Badica