BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Cosmetics Cosmetic Tips for Mature Women

I have had conversations with mature women, wherein I have asked when they had begun using cosmetics. They all answered that they had delved into the wonderful world of make-up in their early, or mid-teens. I then asked, why had they begun using make-up? They all had the same answer...to look more mature.

We all probably started experimenting with cosmetics in our teen years, but, hopefully, we aren't still purchasing the same bright, bold, hard, color shades we used back then! Mature women want to look anything but 'older'! And that goes for everything, in our cosmetic choices, from foundation shades and blushes, to eyeliner, and mascara! Believe me, only very young gals can sport those neon shades of blue, green, fuschia, etc. shades of eye shadows, or the metallic and frosted types, or the pinky-pink shades, or flat-red shades, of lipstick. At twenty we may have been able to apply deep shades of pink, or reddish blush, but now, well, we'd look more like Bozo the Clown, trying to carry them off!

The False-Face Look is Long Gone!

The old-fashioned practice of smearing foundation all over the face, covering it entirely, is no more. Today, it is best to apply foundation only where we require it, to even out our complexions. As well, most foundations today do not require a layer of face powder, to achieve a 'set', so to speak. Although we are still being told to powder, usually by spokespersons for cosmetic companies, in reality, this does nothing more than cause a dry, and unflattering look for mature women. Often, a woman may find the powder, even those highly refined, ultra-sheers, are clogging pores, and giving her face a 'caked' look.

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Hi Jeanine. What a great topic to discuss. I think I'll write an article on Makeup for Mature Women <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

While I do agree with you on some points (colour selection and looking younger instead of older), I have to disagree with you on your point of foundation and powder. Yes, foundation is a great product to use for concealing or evening out complexions but you still do need a powder to set everything. Without the powder, your makeup will completely slide right off.

What I like to do with my Older Girls is conceal where required and then very lightly dust their face with a silky powder. A powder that won't sit in the creases. Try it out, you'll love it!

Forgot to add a great link to a fantastic line of makeup specifically for mature skin: www.laurenhutton.com

Hello, CC. Nice to meet you. Oh, the old, 'to powder or not to powder' debate! When I hear from a mature woman that her foundation is sliding, and she needs to powder down her face, I always ask her about her facial moisturizer, then I ask if she's using a special foundation, say one for dry skin. Those greasy moisturizers, ones that sit on the surface of the skin, can be a woman's worst foundation-foe. If she then applies a foundation specially formulated for dry skin, one with extra moisturizing ingredients in its formulation, she may be compounding the problem. Resulting in the vexing 'foundation slide'.

The difference between youthful skin, and more mature skin, is that a young woman's skin is 'dewy', 'plumped', from within, with natural moisture. A mature woman's complexion tends to be drier. We produce less and less natural facial moisture, less natural oils, as we age. A mature woman may resort to using heavy moistuizers, many marketed expressly to the older woman. These may not be absorbed well, into the first layer of her facial skin, and will remain as a layer of slick, on her face.

I usually suggest that mature women look for moisturizers that once applied, are not visibly apparent, or, easily detected if she runs the tip of her finger over her skin. I point out that the tendency to over-apply a moisturizer, thinking more has to be better, should be avoided. I also suggest she try using a foundation for a normal complexion, instead of one for dry skin, thereby banishing the moisturizing extras. The skin can only absorb so much, the rest is left sitting on the face. Adding even an eensy-weensy dusting of dry powder, on top of a layer of grease, well, it is just not an attractive look.

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I don't know if you've ever actually practiced the art of makeup artistry but, in the off chance that you haven't or don't I'll let you in on a major industry secret: apply your moisturizer and wait 15 minutes before applying any cosmetics. This will ensure that all of the moisturizer has been absorbed by the skin and will in fact not mix at all with any cosmetics applied afterwards. Cosmetics applied immediately after the moisturizer goes on become aborbed by the skin. The makeup doesn't slide off, it mixes with the moisturizer.

I am fully aware of the differences in a woman's skin as she ages and to be quite honest with you, not all women experience dry skin. Just because we get older doesn't mean that we all fit into the same square. We should still have our skin assessed from time to time in order to determine what our skin type is if it has in fact changed. Once properly assessed, we can determine what formulation to purchase when it comes to our skin care routine and cosmetics.

I agree with you that heavy moisturizers should not be applied if one will be wearing makeup. Those are best left to the evening when we retire for the night. Our skin repairs itself as we sleep and so a heavy moisturizer (for those with dry skin, keep that in mind) is quite beneficial.

I would also suggest that we choose our moisturizers wisely. Something lighter for the spring and summer and something a little heavier (depending on how dry one's skin becomes) for the winter.

As for foundation, just as I said above, we need to purchase products that are formulated for our particular skin type. So if someone has oily skin, the foundation or duo powder should be formulated for oily skin. In other words, a foundation without oil ("oil-free") is ideal. But always, always, follow up with a very light dusting of powder or you'll foundation will eventually disappear into your skin.

Foundation and powder form a base for one to build on. It's like building a house, if you don't have the proper foundation, your house will collapse. So foundation alone and your makeup will collapse. There are a lot of powders out there that are formulated for mature skin or dry skin and those are the ones that would be best for mature, dry skin.

CC, the face powder debate will rage on...I don't use it, and have no problem with foundation sliding, or disappearing. I have recommended not using face powder, or powder blushes, or powder eye shadows, to many mature women, who have reported to me they are pleased with the more natural look achieved, when they refrain from using these particular products. Sometimes, climbing out of the 'rut' of 'this is the standard way to do it', pays off. More and more today, even the so-called makeup artist experts are advising women to use face powder, 'only if absolutely necessary'. My youngest daughter, now thirty, has stopped the practice of using powder. Even though she was never one to over-do, she told me she just doesn't like the way even a small amount of powder ages her look.

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Oh well!

Woman Sues Estee Lauder

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Okay, looking at my posts, and seeing that this is my first post, makes it look like I don't hang out here. Quite untrue actually. I read a lot but don't write a lot, obviously. I do agree with CC on the powder issue, I'll be 40 next year and quite honestly the lighter based powders do wonders for my skin. They even out my complexion without hanging out in my wrinkles.

I agree with Jeannine too on the some of the colour issues.

But most importantly, Jeannine, I am a professional makeup artist and have worked on several feature films around the world. I am very up to date on literature and I would have to say that your last post, sounds terribly familiar. I'm sure that the original writers of the pieces would appreciate getting some credit for the hard work that they've done. Research isn't easy, trust me, I know first hand.

You are so right, concerning the amount of time and labor that goes into research! I will endeavor to post links to, or name every source used, with each of my posts in future.
Sources for the previous post:

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May, 2005
3WVEC.com
article by Vanessa Coria
concerning Face Shaving for Women

http://www.wvec.com/news/local/stories/wvec_local_052405_beauty_face_shaving.2a78a31f5.html


Until recently I had never heard of it...had no idea the practice of women shaving their faces to exfoliate their skin, had been around for years. I read a bit about this practice somewhere, maybe six months ago, and having my curiosity piqued, I began to search for more information.

We hear about the chemical peels, the microderm abrasion treatments, why aren't we hearing more about this possible skin care option, for women? Not that I'm thinking of lathering up, myself, mind you. No, it's just that compared to the cost of some of the exfoliating methods, and products out there, the cost of a razor and a can of shaving gel sounds pretty good. If it is a viable option, an option that will deliver good results, why not? If a woman can achieve smoother skin, sans the need to apply acids, and other chemicals to her face, I ask again, why not?

In the May, 2005 article for 13WVEC.com, Vanessa Coria quotes Virginia Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Hugo as stating, "This ( face shaving) has a similar affect as microderm abrasion, which patients are paying $100 for." Coria also quotes Dr. Hugo's answer to her query concerning whether or not a woman's facial hair will grow back darker and thicker, if she shaves her face. According to Dr. Hugo, " this is all a myth. It ( facial hair) doesn't."

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Hi Jeannine, I was waiting for Bellezza to respond to your question but I guess she didn't get a chance to before she left. She'll be gone for about 6 months on a film. We work together <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The answer; yes! I can't believe how many women think that of actresses. Believe it or not, their makeup is often very different from when we do it. On set, it is our responsibility to make each actor/actress look incredible. Once they are out of our chairs, their makeup can change completely. The majority of actresses rely on us so much that they don't bother to learn to do their own makeup and just get by with the basics, some sunglasses and a baseball cap.

Regarding the topic of women shaving, yes, we've all heard of it and I'm not crazy about it. Yes, it does exfoliate you. Think of when you're legs are tanned and how quickly your legs lose their colour. Mind you, the same is true for those who wax. Waxing, just like shaving does exfoliate you giving you smoother, softer skin. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion actually remove one to two layers of your skin, not just the dead skin cells sitting on top.

As for the hair growing back darker and thicker, of course it will. But that's only because it's new hair. When hair just comes out, it's darker, it's thicker but left on the skin long enough and it will eventually soften and quite possibly, even lighten up.

Wow what a bunch of info...I shall ignore it all(of course)I am 58 so that makes me old(I cannot reasonable double my age and expect to be alive; so?) but not exactly mature...I have worn makeup for decades and basically because I have melasma and when sunlight or warm wind hits my face the brown patches fire up...yes, I use sunscreen daily, but it still shows up regardless of what I do...that and wrinkles and zits...the fun never ends.

I have tried it all and am currently thinking of finally having all this hair removed from my face before I actually stop having periods and the hair grows with a vengence(I shudder to think!)I do know there is now a laser that targts white and blonde hair BUT has anyone used vaniqa(prescription hair removal cream) I have taken spironolactone for decades and it helps but???

Thanks for the word on the 'illusion' art of film makeup. By the way, on what film is Bellezza working? I'm sure we'd all like to be able to catch it, and possibly get a glimpse of her creativity.

I wonder if she�d share with us, some of the brands of cosmetics she has used, or that she has seen being used, by film makeup artists. I�d very much like to receive this info from an objective source. Each time I endeavor to discover this information, untainted, I discover the makeup artist queried is associated, or affiliated in some way, to a particular company, or brand. Thus, I get the usual product-plugs you�d expect.

I found the face shaving thing interesting, simply for the reason that you just don't hear about it. I put a call in yesterday to a friend, who has a friend, an esthetician, who works for one of those high-end spas, at a resort here in Georgia. I was told by my friend, this woman has been shaving her face for some time now, and only wishes she had started earlier. Hopefully I'll be able to arrange a meeting with her very soon. I have a plethora of questions to ask!

I�m snail-mailing Dr. Ben Hugo, the cosmetic surgeon quoted by Vanessa Coria, in her news story, I�d appreciate a bit more info from him, on this subject. Just color me, Constantly Curious.

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Hi Roni! Why ignore the info? You sound a little down. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I don't think that 58 is old, and I'm sure that a lot of the other women out there will certainly agree with me!

The brown patches have you tried covering them up with a concealer first and then applying the rest of your cosmetics? It works for me.

I have heard of prescription hair removal cream, but I don't have any personal experience of my own to share with you. However, here are some sites for you.

Official Vaniqa Site

Dr Foley's Take on Vaniqa

Info on Vaniqa, Side Effects

I do hope that these links help you.

Good luck!

Hi Jeannine. Both Bellezza and I are Union Makeup Artists and we're really not at liberty to discuss or even mention the projects we work on until they're all said and done. This is mainly to protect the celebrities that are working on the film and to make sure that we don't get swamped by fans wherever we are working.

It's a great industry to be in and I can't wait for my children to get a little bit older so that I can get back to film work! I miss it a lot!

To answer your questions about the products we use, they are for the most part professional products. We are required to use them because they are colour corrected and are stay true to their colours regardless of what medium is being used to shoot; film, video or digital.

Foundations and Powders: RCMA, Cinema Secrets, Ben Nye and Visiora.

For lashes, most of us prefer Max Factor.

For the rest of the face, it all depends on the look we need to achieve which is all based on the script and the idea/vision that the director has in mind. We may use MAC, Makeup Forever, Trucco, L'Oreal etc.

So you see, we're not all affiliated with a particular brand of cosmetics.

I'd be interested in hearing her story as well on face-shaving! Start a different post though so that others that might be interested in it will see it.

I was being facetous; getting old has always struck me as being better than the only alternative!! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I shall definitely give those sites a looksee. Thanks...

Well in that case Roni....are you familiar with this guy? <img src="/images/graemlins/tut.gif" alt="" /> Or what about him: <img src="/images/graemlins/viking.gif" alt="" />

LOL!

Hugs to you!

Wow! I am SO late in replying! I did receive the blanket e-mail, explaining the probs. Bella has been having, as far as accessing, or being able to post, goes, but, really! I have had more than a bit of trouble, on this site! Plus, I have x amount of time, to do x amount of work, posting, and it's been a chore, believe me! I timed the loading of one page, here at Bella Forums...five minutes! And that's just wrong! Bright spot! Late at night, it's all better.

Okay, let's see...CC I can fully understand why a UNION makeup artist couldn't possibly discuss a 'now' project, But, hey! why not tell us all about a past project! A year ago, or two years ago, or hey! one of the films you worked on, personally. I mean, sheesh! makeup artists for the Leonardo di Caprio film, 'The Aviator', are everywhere, talking about everythng they used! I've been told about the makeup brands you mention, and can add I've been told about brands such as MAC, Lanc�me, Christian Dior, and Mehron, as well.

Ohh! And what's your take on how HDTV is changing the 'for tv makeup' thinking! I read recently, where one makeup artist commented on the fact that 'when a particle of face powder looks like a boulder, on the face of an actress, on HDTV, it's time to re-think makeup for television'. I mean, I know tv makeup is like so much more,(spackle-like, really, heavy) than say makeup for film, due to film being able to really control lighting, etc., or even re-shooting a scene, and doing the makeup for specially filtered camera shots, but, wow! HDTV looks to be a catalyst for a completely new line of makeup! And a new line of makeup, for the visual medium, can filter down to little ol' us!

You know, I was hoping to read some great tips from you, and any other makeup artist, concerning how some of the tricks of your trade can be slightly altered, to aid everyday gals. I learned long ago, how using different shades of foundation, or concealer, or blush, can actually accentuate, or de-centuate. I learned how to use makeup to seem to lengthen or shorten or slim the nose, how to vanish any pudge there, just under the jaw, how to slim the face, over-all. These are the kinds of tips I'd like to see, CC. Come on girl! Give! Now, you know you have some good tips...some good tricks o' the trade...some good 'fool the eye' tricks! We promise! We won't tell a soul! <img src="/images/graemlins/angel.gif" alt="" />

And, yes, I have heard from the gal who face-shaves! I tell you what, she's made an 'almost' believer of me! combined with what I've heard back from others, including dermatologists. I have also heard from the cosmetic surgeon I contacted. I'm doing a bit more research, but, I shall indeed, post here what I've learned, eventually. Just gettin' all the facts straight, y'all'.

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Hello,

I'm new to the boards and have enjoyed reading all your beauty tip posts:) I agree with everything you're saying here. I've been getting some great training from a makeup artist who talks about applying the right moisturizer for you and as mentioned here wait a while before applying foundation. Some times women will over moisturizer. I say layer it. Put your moisturizer on sparingly and then add more if you need it. And always, always, find the perfect moisturizer for your skin type.

I just tried out a new facial highlighting pen today. I'm going to have to get some practice:) Has anyone tried this?
The special light-reflecting pigments lift the shadowy areas of your face. So I hear this is great for all and especially for the mature woman. Like the laugh lines, around the nose as well as under the eyes. Your face looks brighter, your tone more even and your face more radiant. You can reapply without the day if needed to refresh your face.

I've also been told that mature women should stay away from eye colors that have a frost to them. Using more of a matte finish is best.

With the new foundation I'm using I don't even use loose powder anymore. It gives me a matte finish and stays all day. Which is great for my oily skin. Plus NO shine at the end of the day either!

Speaking of brown patches and spots. I had a large brown spot on the side of my face. The dermatologist said it could have been from sun damage that I received in my teens. I tried a Home Microdermabrasion Set my company came out with and now the spot is gone! Has anyone been using these systems? I can't live without this now. It really helps refine my pores, exfoliates and has the same professional grade exfoliating crystals used by dermatologists. My skin feels healthier. I have found after using this step to make sure and use the second step. If you buy one that doesn't have the second step you need to be using a good moisturizer. The second step I have is a serum that contains vitamins, antioxidants and anti-irritants. I love that it has a green tea extract in it too. I'm 45 years old so I'm loving it when a product gives me the anti-aging benefits!:) lol

One last mention. I have a "Beauty News" blog and I'm always looking for other experts to submit beauty tips or articles to go on my blog site. If anyone is interested, please let me know. It would be FREE exposure and of course a link back to your website if you have one. What do you think?

Blessings,
Leslie <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This is an interesting discussion. There's alot of information and I'm not sure I read all of it but.... At 56 I am never really happy with my face without foundation. Just wearing foundation in the areas of need doesn't cut it as it did when I was younger. - If I happen to have a tan, I can usually go without but then I never tan my face anymore.

I find that in the salon with the bright lights, even the younger women need foundation to get a nice even look.

I have not been using powder. What is your recommendation of a light powder that works well with mature skin?

I haven't used the at-home, or any other type of microdermabrasion, and probably won't. I have my own skin care philosophy: Less is best, at every age. I cleanse,(using a gentle facial cleanser, and lukewarm water, my exfoliating agent is a clean terry washcloth) and tone,(ice water is my toning agent)and moisturize, and make use of sun-screen.

Leslie, Lynne, I don't use face powder either, haven't for many years. I just didn't like what the powder, even the super-hyped as fine, moisture-rich, nearly-invisible, ones, did for my look. My foundation works fine, with no need for powdering down. I noticed back in the '80s that most of the new liquid or creme foundations pretty much did the job, without a need to follow up with powder, at least, for me.

Yes, leslie, the shimmery eye shadows are not a great look for mature women, who might have a bit of a crepe-like texture, in the above the eye area. I like soft, neutral colors, in creme shadows. If you have an absolute favorite color shade you can only find in a powder, try mixing it with a bit of your moisturizer, and then applying. I have done this often, with great results.

http://www.intouchwithjeannine.com

I love Jeannine!

Post deleted by CC - Cosmetics Host

Makeup, tailored specifically for mature women, at a reasonable price? Well, Revlon has developed such a line, Vital Radiance. I've been anticipating these products arrival in my area. I now find they've arrived, and I will enjoy re-stocking my cosmetic bag with them. Here's a news story concerning the January 2006 launch of the line:

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Hi Jeannine. I've visited your website and found it very helpful and fun! Your site is where I became aware of Revlon's Vital Radiance cosmetics. Have you or anyone you know tried the makeup? I saw it in Wal Mart and was fairly high priced compared to other lines there. I'd appreciate any info you might have about the line.

Breezyblueeyez, forgive this late reply to your posting...

First of all, allow me to thank you for your visit to my site. Glad you enjoyed it.

Now, on to your query. Yes, I've tried a couple of the Vital Radiance products. I took advantage of their 'free customized sample' offer, and received a bit of the Smoothing Face Primer, and the Moisture Covering Compact Makeup. The color-shade choices, suggested by the info. I provided, when I filled out the customization form, were 50% right-on. The Compact Makeup shade was perfect, but, the Primer was just a tad too dark, at least for my pre-tanned complexion. But,I was pleased with the feel and look and wear-ability of both products provided, and shall purchase these, and give other products in the Vital Radiance line a try. From what I've seen as to their un-availability in my local stores, the first batch on the shelves has been selling like hot-cakes! I find empty racks wherein the products were displayed.

http:/www.intouchwithjeannine.com

I think every woman should start using Rose products after 30 years of age. Rose oils and rose water have lept my skin young, fresh looking and nearly wrinkle free. My mom and gradmother have used it for as long as I can remember them and the effect is really amazing. I do not think Rose water is very popular, but I am from Bulgaria and in my country we produce the highest quality rose oil and it really has an anti aging effect. I know we should not advertise here, but I am listing the site I buy from just because it is not easy to fing quality products. I buy my rose products at www.royalessence.net and I am happy with theor quality - I think that's more importnat that price <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How well I remember hearing my Mom talk about the Ladies who used rose water and glycerin for their complexions! Unfortunately not everyone can use the rose products, due to allergic reactions.

As time goes by, one need realize aging is just a natural process, and one that cannot be halted. The best tip to avoid those wrinkles, is to protect your skin from the sun. Even that precaution will not result in absolute wrinkle-free skin. We all age...if we're lucky enough to keep on livin'!

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Let's not forget that the best makeup still wont look its best on "not-so-great" skin! Getting your skin in great condition will make your makeup apply and look better!!!

Mary Kay is a wonderful way to get great skin and great color! For more information, email me at ashleywallace83@marykay.com

do you now the dead sea product from israel?

I think the average woman does believe that an actress just looks that good with plain old makeup. I do not think the normal woman even thinks about lighting either. Tske Oprah for instance. The makeup that turns her from her normal self into the person you see on TV is only half the story, she has amazing lighting, probably the best money can buy.
My daughter is an actress and quite the pro at putting on even normal makeup. She aamazes me how she can transform herself.
We have all seen those no-makeup photos of actresses, pretty scarey !
It should be a clue. As for powder after 40..I used tinted moisturizer because I have pretty decent skin and don't need a lot of coverage but have been thinking of ditching the powdered blush. If anyone has a good suggestion for a tinted blush I would love toknow. Am going to LA next week so hopefully I can find something out there.

Not really a cosmetic tip I suppose.... I think you need a good canvas to start with, so to speak. Aging skin benefits tremendously from a good firming and moisturizing product prior to the application of any cosmetics! Regular exfoliation is also very important to encourage cell turnover and new collagen formation.

Okay so I have to chime in here. First I AM a mid 40's female, and more importantly, like CC I am a professional makeup artist. We need to make the distinction between pro freelance artists and the counter artists who are salespeople, not trained well in the art or science of makeup--sorry everyone but there is a difference between what CC and I are trained to do when working with models, TV personalities, business people for headshots, advertising, music videos, film and the such, AND what counter sales people have the chance to do with makeup. We've seen it all and understand what stays and lasts on the skin. But more importantly, we know that you MUST powder the face for foundation to set and not look like a greasy oil slick. AND because we aren't using many of the foundations found at mass market counters, we've got ones that do look great on mature skin. I can highly recommend one of the MAC pro ones--FACE AND BODY--NO I don't work for MAC and never did but it's the one I use on all mature clients and they love it. I've talked many women into using it who've never worn and like wearing foundation and they use the blot powder to set and are thrilled.

You DO have to use powder to have longevity out of your foundation; that's more of a fact than opinion. What IS opinion is whether you look older when powdered and most people do if they choose the wrong powder. Lines like RCMA are lines no one has heard about but you can use that powder and have a camera close up of a face and not know it was just powdered. It's what you use and unfortunately, to stay young looking with makeup, you need to stay away from many mass market counters. You can still buy the products the pros use, but you need to consult with us on what they are and where to get them. I just had to jump in on the discussion because I'm 45 and wear lots of foundation and powder and look younger because I get to cover up the ills of my years in the sun, my broken blood vessels and acne scars. And like CC said, more mature women have oils as a skin issue than dryness. So I'm with you on this one CC..foundation does need setting with powder. Colette www.facemaker.ca

I have a problem with cosmetics....I am 48, my skin is oily, blotchy and I have acne. I also have very large pores,dark spots and acne scars. I use Neutragena products because they have acne medication in them. My problem is this....I put on foundation, powder, light blush, and all the other stuff....it doesn't look good immediately....after about an hour, my makeup looks really good. After 4 hours (approximately) the oil in my skin has mixed with the makeup and clogs in the acne scars and pores making me look like I have polka dots on my face. Are there ANY cosmetics out there for extremely oily acne prone skin? I have tried numerous different brands and they all end up doing the greasy polka dot thing. I need some help. I do not use moisterizer (my skin is oily enough and all moisturizer does is make it more oily), I wash my face with phisoderm and use a salicylic acid acne cream (I am allergic to peroxide and can't use any acne preventions such as Proactiv, etc.), before I put on my makeup. Help!!!

do you tone your skin after you cleanse it?

I woud suggest getting on a skin regiment for oily and ance skin. I can recommend Arbonne Clear Advantage. I have abour 30 clients on this product line and most of their porblems have cleared up. The kit lasts roughly 2-3 months and costs about 66 dollars. It is a COMPLETE kit which includes a cleanser, toner, acne lotion (to treat the acne), an eye cream, and a nutritional supplement designed to help treat the acne from the inside out.

After that, I would suggest considering airbrush or mineral makeups as they sit on the surface of the skin. Also consider a sealer for the skin. it seal out the oil so your makeup can last without it become washed out.

for information on the Arbonne Clear Advantage system go to www.arbonne.com

Thank you Jace. I'll give it a shot....heaven knows I've tried everything else.

Arbonne is a great product! I agree with Jase - The Clear Advantage or the Intelligence for face line.

The best thing I did when I turned 40 was to invest in a good brush kit. Replacing those sad "sponge" applicators that come with the majority of your shadows and blushes really paid off.

I recommend Sephora. www.sephora.com

There are a lot of great anti-aging techniques for mature skin, but the best cosmetics are still the common sense ones - wear sunscreen, drink lots of water, get plenty of restful sleep, stay active, don't smoke, eat healthy/take vitamins and try to avoid stress.

All of those are free! Well, sunscreen isn't free. But it costs less than La Mer. LOL. You can also wear a hat and sunglasses when you go out.

I agree with red that a professional brush kit makes a big difference in how your makeup looks when applied and can take years off simply by allowing you to not over-do anything - you can use a more skillful touch with excellent brushes. Sephora is nice, Origins, Too Faced and Body Shop all make wonderful brushes.

About powder, it's really all about your skin, the season/climate in question, and the powder itself. I don't think there is any one answer about ANY kind of cosmetic. That's what makes makeup fun!