Anti-Aging Makeup Tricks

What is makeup for a certain age? if we're talking 40+, I'd say stick with light coverage and dewy finish if you have normal to dry skin. Unless you are attending a red carpet event which requires heavy-duty makeup, tinted makeup with built-in sun protection and hydration is the way to go. The logic is simple: the more you pile up crap, the more you emphasize wrinkles, sagging and enlarged pores. In contrast, barely-there makeup with strategic highlighting (read: nothing overboard) lifts the face and creates an illusion of youthful look. Yes, you are never too old to enjoy a little highlight. With that said, let me share with you two anti-aging makeup tricks using LifeCell products (1) dewy skin without looking extra greasy (2) plump lips you thought you never had.

pr samples

Here are my techniques: Spritz rosewater before applying facial serum or moisturizer for extra hydration. Since LifeCell Hydrating Antioxidant BB Cream ($47, 1 oz) is 3-in-one (moisturizer, sunscreen spf 30, tinted makeup), it cuts down my normal skincare routine. The texture is slightly thick but blendable. It is also fragrance and paraben-free and most of all, cruelty-free. The major drawback however is its limited shade selection because as of this writing, I see that it is only sold in one shade which is medium. Interestingly, it is two shades darker than what I'm accustomed to (I wear medium and yellow-based works best for me). This one pulls more pink so it's kind of an odd combination. But setting that aside, it does apply nicely on the skin using damp beauty sponge. The formula blurs pores and cancels out uneven skin tone, which if you are a woman of certain age (almost 42 here!) is like manna from heaven. Although the shade isn't an exact fit, it will be (or at least close to what I desire) when I tan in the summer.

My other trick to keeping BB cream intact and survive the threat of humidity is to lightly seal it with loose translucent powder like Cinema Secrets (review soon). Pressing the powder onto your face using damp beauty sponge instead of dusting with a brush works like magic! I live in Hawaii and this technique really helps my makeup stay all day.

LifeCell Hydrating Antioxidant BB Cream (Medium)

For your better appreciation, here's a before-and-after comparison. No makeup and with LifeCell BB on, makeup 10% finished so excuse the bags and uneven brows madam! 

Contrary to what others say, highlighting isn't just for the teens and millenials. If you keep your cool and sparingly highlight your cheekbones and cupid's bow (while keeping the rest of your makeup subtle), you can be 40+ and still be a hot tamale! For my makeup below, I had little sheen and skipped contouring. Since my eye makeup is sort of smokey for daytime, I kept my lips ultra- neutral using LifeCell Lip Plumping Treatment ($49, 0.16 oz). It looks tinted from the tube but it's colorless on my lips. The formula reminds me of YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil. It is very hydrating without feeling sticky. If you want some color, my technique is to apply it first then layer with your favorite lipstick. My lips look fuller than ever!

Here's the finished look. For my eye makeup, I used Viseart Theory Palette Chroma (full review here). For my eyebrows, I used Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil (review here). For my highlight, I used Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow (review here).

Now get 'yo hoops and accessorize lady! Age is only a number. Look young, feel young.