How To Apply Makeup To Minimize The Signs Of Aging Skin

While we may wear our wrinkles with pride, it's still important to us to look our best. You don't have to go the Botox route to reduce the signs of aging. Below are six makeup tips that can help you look younger.

1. Skin Care

The first step to young-looking skin is keeping it healthy. A gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer will go a long way towards reducing the appearance of fine lines.

2. Foundation

Foundation should not change the color of your skin; it's best when used to even out skin color.

You want to use a foundation that blends into your natural skin color. Liquid foundation is best for mature skin; avoid powder which can settle into wrinkles, making them more pronounced. Use a foundation brush for application rather than fingers or a sponge for the most flawless finish.

Use concealer after foundation so you can easily see where it's most needed. The concealer color should match the foundation. Lightly pat concealer around your eye for the most natural look.

3. Eye Shadow

Mature women should avoid shimmery or frosted eye makeup as it emphasizes wrinkles. Instead, stay with matte shade that blend easily and help hide the lines.

Light peach or champagne colors can be applied to the eyelid first to help open the eyes. Apply a darker taupe or gray into the crease to add depth. Blend well for a natural appearance.

4. Eye Liner

Applying liner correctly can make eyes look wider and lashes look fuller. However, use a liner that's too dark, and it can make your eyes look harsh. Waterproof liner in a brown shade, applied under the lash line, will give a soft look. Use a pencil liner rather than liquid for a softer line, and work it across the top of your lashes, including in between - follow with mascara.

Use a brow pencil in a color that closely matches your eyebrow color to fill in your eyebrows. Following the natural shape of the brow, use small motions to apply the color. Be careful not to create the "drawn on" look, which is a danger for those of us with thinning brows.

5. Blush

As we age, our skin becomes drier, and collagen loss causes it to sag. Use a shade of blush one shade darker than normal to add depth and contours beneath the cheekbone.

Apply the normal shade to the apple of the cheek, brushing it back lightly towards the temple and blending it into the contour shade to soften the line.

Finally, apply a very light touch of color to the parts of your face where the sun naturally hits - your forehead, top of the chin and top of the nose. All together, this helps to add definition to your cheeks, and will help you appear more youthful.

6. Lipstick

As we age, our lips naturally thin. Applying dark, heavy lipsticks only accentuates this. Instead, use softer rose, peach or coral shades. Use a lipstick to apply color first, then use a matching color pencil to outline the lips.

This keeps the lipstick from spreading out into the lines around your mouth. Make sure the liner is not darker than the lipstick color. Top lips off with a sheer gloss to give them a young and healthy shine.