I receive emails from readers all the time…and this weekend I thought to myself, “I really should start sharing my answers…because if they have a question, most likely several other people have the same question.”
Dear Kel –
I have not worn foundation in probably 25 years, but my skin is getting… older… it’s thinning in some place (G-d help me) and I’m getting more freckles or, um, maybe they’re age spots? In other words, I think it’s time to start wearing foundation again. I’ve also got wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes and don’t want something too heavy that will settle in those wrinkles and accentuate them. Do you have a product recommendation? What foundation should you wear when you are 40 years old? (By the way your skin is so freaking amazing – I’m trying to take better care of mine so I don’t like 80 when I’m 50!)
Foundation You Should Wear When You Are 40 Years Old
The good news…there is never a right or wrong time to start wearing foundation. The bigger (and more complex) question is what kind of foundation should I wear?
But before we go any further, you NEED to have a skincare regiment. While I love the VivierSkin Line, a skincare regiment doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. The key is consistency and products.
I believe EVERYONE should use (at the very least) a facial wash, Vitamin C serum, eye cream, and moisturizer – moisturizer with SPF for the day and a moisturizer/night cream for the evening. (I’ve linked to my favorite drugstore brand products to make shopping easier and you can also check out Recommended Skin Care Routine for 40 Year Olds that has more detailed information.)
If you skin isn’t good underneath, it’s hard for the makeup to do it’s job…ya know?
Second, you need the right tools. You need to get a beauty blender sponge, a foundation brush, and a powder brush (if you want to use powder foundation or “set” you foundation with powder.) The foundation brush is how you will apply the foundation. A brush is great because you can really see how much foundation you are applying and put it exactly where you want coverage. Next, take the beauty blender sponge and tap it around your face to “smooth” the foundation so it just covers, instead of looks like clown makeup. Plus, this is how you make sure you don’t get “too much” in trouble wrinkle zones. Finally, use the powder brush to “set” your foundation with a little powder.
(PS: I wrote a HUGE post about what order to put your make up on…and I can almost guarantee you…you are doing it in the wrong order.)
One of the biggest “lies” you’ll hear is to use a sponge to apply foundation. That is a HUGE NO-NO…it’s the fastest way to use up your foundation because the foundation soaks into the sponge. Save yourself some money (and frustration) and apply foundation with a brush.
Finally, it’s time to pick a brand of foundation.
My tried and true is MAC Studio Tech. I’ve been using this foundation for the past 15 years. I have tried other high dollar brands and keep coming back to MAC for the coverage, price and the fact that it never makes me break out.
(I can’t do mineral makeup, it always makes me get AWFUL pimples…TMI, I know.)
Plus, a little goes a LONG way. Since it is more like a paste than a liquid, it is easier to see how much you are using versus just spreading it all over.
If you want something even lighter (for like every day…around the house, errands, etc.), I LOVE the Nuance line at CVS. You can use their foundation powder as wet or dry. (For wet, you’ll just need to wet a foundation brush, make a paste and apply…dry, just use a powder brush to apply.)
These are just my recommendations. I advise EVERYONE to go to a department store (preferably Nordstrom because they have an amazing return policy and provide FREE makeup lessons) and ask to get “color matched” by several different brands. You’ll see pretty quick which types foundations (liquid, dry, mineral, etc.) look best and provide the right coverage for your skin. And if you purchase at Nordstrom and it doesn’t work out, take it back. The have a no questions asked return policy…because they want you to be happy.
What tips do you have for foundation you should wear when you are 40 years old? Leave a comment and share in on the conversation.
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I have marks and combination skin type .What issue the best product also dark circles. Please advise.
I’ve found, as a professional make-up artist that a nice BB or CC to be a great foundation. Lighter in texture, followed by a quality concealer & brushed loose powder.