The best makeup tips to look younger

When it comes to hiding fines lines and wrinkles, you might think that your best bet is a dedicated skin care regime or splurging on injectables. While there is nothing wrong with either of these options – in fact, a consistent skin care routine will make a huge difference – achieving a smooth, wrinkle free complexion is also impacted by the way that you apply your makeup. We spoke to Lancôme National Makeup Director, Lara Srokowski, to get her best makeup tips to look younger, including how to hide those pesky under eye wrinkles.

What products or formulas should we avoid using if wrinkles are a concern?

According to Lara, disguising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles starts with avoiding heavy makeup with too much coverage and a matte finish. “For the complexion, try natural light weight foundations with a dewy finish, which will give a more youthful appearance to disguise any imperfections,” says Lara. “My trick for a youthful complexion is to use all liquid products and avoid any powders, try using a stick foundation in two shades darker than your skin tone to contour and cushion style blush on the apples of the cheeks.”

When it comes to your eye makeup, Lara suggests sticking to neutral matte eyeshadow shades and avoiding shimmer or iridescent textures altogether. Next, focus on accentuating your eyelashes and eyebrows. “Eyelashes and brows are also important areas to accentuate by using a lash curler before applying mascara and using a black mascara on the top lashes and brown mascara for the bottom lashes,” she says. “Brows are the frame of your face, the fuller the brow the more youthful you will appear. Use a brow pencil which matches your hair colour to fill in the brow using feather like motions for a natural result.”

bh loves: Lancôme Teint Rénergie Lift RARE Foundation, COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Wrinkle Defying Foundation, La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20

How can we prep our skin to ensure a youthful looking base?

“Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin, your makeup will look as good as the skin underneath so it’s important to prepare the skin properly first,” recommends Lara. Start by prepping your skin with a lightweight serum to promote healthy, luminous skin before applying your makeup. “To ensure your makeup looks natural and is long lasting follow with a luminous primer for the perfect canvas before your foundation application,” she says.

bh loves: Lancôme La Base Pro Primer, Bodyography Foundation Primer, endota spa Perfecting Primer

How can we stop foundation and concealer from sinking into fine lines and wrinkles?

It all comes down to how well you prepped your skin. “Your primer will work to perfect the skin’s texture and tone before applying foundation to ensure a smooth natural finish. When applying foundation use a stippling brush and work the product from the centre of the face outwards for a natural finish. Concerned about under eye wrinkles? “Use concealer only around the eye contour and mix a small amount of eye cream into your concealer for a creamy hydrating texture,” suggest Lara.

bh loves: Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Chi Chi Large Stippling Brush, INIKA Organic Vegan Stippling Brush

What makeup products are non-negotiable for older women?

Aside from a great skin care routine, perfecting your base will ensure that the rest of your makeup looks good. “Skin is the most important part of your look if you can achieve a flawless base the rest of your makeup will compliment the skin,” says Lara. “A good primer is important to ensure you have the perfect base for foundation and then making sure you choose the correct foundation shade and texture for your skin type. A pop of colour for the cheeks is also a must for a youthful glow.”

bh loves: Lancôme Cushion Blush Subtil, Avon mark. Be Blushed Cream Blush Stick, Yves Saint Laurent Crème De Blush