While it would be nice to recapture the smooth, unlined skin of youth, the wisdom that comes with age is a sweet reward that most women wouldn’t trade for younger looking skin. Fortunately, there’s no need to. The products you choose to put on your face play an important role in how youthful your skin looks. If you’re still wearing the same cosmetics you wore ten years ago, it may be time for a change to help play up your more mature skin. Here’s how to choose the best cosmetics for aging skin.

Start with the Basics

The two most important cosmetic products for mature skin are a good moisturizer and sunscreen. Hydration is critical for enhancing the appearance of older skin, and applying a moisturizer before makeup helps it to go on more smoothly. If possible, choose a moisturizer with organic ingredients that’s free of mineral oil which can clog pores. For the thinner skin around your eyes, it may be helpful to use an eye cream to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines. After moisturizing, apply a sunscreen if you’ll be going outdoors to protect your skin from further sun damage.

Foundation

In an attempt to get better coverage, many women make the mistake of choosing a formulation that’s too heavy. A heavy foundation won’t downplay fine lines and wrinkles and may actually enhance them. You’ll get better results with light, moisturizing foundation or a mineral based formula that’s applied with a brush. Mature skin can look overdone with heavy, pancake make-up. Choose a shade that’s similar to your own natural skin color to avoid a line of demarcation when you apply it. Think light and natural when choosing a foundation. If you have pigmented areas that need more coverage, apply concealer to those areas before applying makeup. If you use powder, apply it lightly with a brush and choose a shade that matches your foundation.

Cheek Color

Mature skin has a tendency to look sallow and washed out, so most women need a little cheek color. The key is to choose the right formulation and apply it with a light hand. Cream blush works best for mature skin because the added emollients allow for smoothing blending and a more natural overall appearance. Apply blush lightly to the apples of your checks and blend thoroughly to ensure there are no lines of demarcation. Again, the key is light and natural.

Eye Color

The secret to great eye color, as with other cosmetics, is to keep the look as natural as possible. Stay away from shimmering shadows that can enhance fine lines and choose a matte eye shadow shade to complement your eye color. (a shade that’s opposite on the color wheel). Avoid choosing a shade that’s too dark which can make eyes look smaller. Lining your lower lid lightly with a gel eye pencil can subtly enhance their appearance. Avoid black mascara or eyeliner and always use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to open up your eyes. Choose a soft shade of brown for both eyeliner and mascara for a subtle effect.

Lip Color

Mature lips can be dry which causes lipstick to flake off easily. One way to prevent this is to apply moisturizing cream to a damp washcloth and use it to exfoliate your lips. This will remove dead skin cells so your lip color will go on more smoothly and evenly. Always apply a moisturizer before putting on lip color. Choose a lip pencil in a shade that’s close to your natural lip color and outline the outer edges of your lips lightly to add more definition. Follow up by applying a moisturizing shade of lip color in a matte tone. Stay away from dark shades of lipstick which make lips look smaller. Soft pinks and peaches usually work well.

You now have a soft, natural look that’s flattering to your more mature skin. Don’t be surprised if people think you look ten years younger!