As we age, we’ll inevitably start noticing changes in our skin. Although unavoidable, we can help the situation by adapting our skincare routine to keep skin healthy and slow down the ageing process. This, along with some tweaks to how we apply our make-up, can ensure we’re always looking and feeling our best.
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Having just turned 30, Nafeesah Kherekar, a Cape Town-based professional make-up artist and owner of H2T Make-up Academy South, recently hosted a Glow Up After 30s Make-up Workshop after noticing some fine lines creeping up on her. “Wearing make-up when you are trying to tone down the appearance of fine lines, texture, hormonal acne or rosacea can be daunting. But with the correct application, women with these concerns and more mature skin can actually play with whatever look catches their eye,” says Nafeesah.
She adds that while trends are great, a classic make-up look will work for the office, date night, that big interview and even your child’s school concert. “A versatile yet classic look never goes out of style. Nail that first, before adding trendy looks into your rotation, and remember that the key is balance. For example, pair a bold eye with a subtle lip, and vice versa. It always does the trick.” Here are some more tips she shared in the workshop.
Your skin after 30: what it really needs
Skin at this stage can lose a little of its youthful bounce, so maintaining the moisture barrier becomes essential. Nafeesah’s golden rule is to keep things simple — too many active ingredients or layers can do more harm than good.
Morning routine
Cleanse with lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid stripping the skin of natural oils. While skin is still slightly damp, apply a barrier repair cream with ingredients like ceramides, squalene or niacinamide to lock in moisture. Don’t skip SPF, even on cloudy days — it’s the single most important anti-ageing step.
Night-time routine
If you’ve been wearing makeup, start with an oil cleanser followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. Apply a hydrating toner, then a hyaluronic acid serum while the skin is still damp to help retain moisture. Finish with an eye cream containing retinol and seal it all in with a barrier repair cream. A dab of lip balm or petroleum jelly around the lips keeps dryness at bay.
The aim is simple: hydrated, balanced skin that feels comfortable and smooth before you even reach for make-up.
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Make-up that works with your skin, not against it
Well-prepped skin is the foundation of every good look. “When the skin is nourished, make-up glides on more evenly and lasts longer,” says Nafeesah.
Start by perfecting your base. Once moisturised, apply a light layer of foundation, using a sponge or brush to press it in gently rather than drag it across the skin. Conceal under the eyes only where needed — less is more. Add a touch of cream bronzer to the cheekbones for definition, then sweep blush just above the apples of the cheeks to lift the face.
For eyes, soft matte shadows in neutral tones are your friend. Blend from the outer corners inward for a natural contour, and add a little shimmer or satin finish across the lids to open up the eyes. A coat or two of mascara and a smudged liner at the lash line create definition without heaviness.
Finish with a hydrating mist and a touch of lipstick or gloss. As we’ve mentioned, the key is balance — if you’re going bold on the eyes, keep lips soft, and vice versa.
If you are keen to attend one of Nafeesah’s workshops, keep an eye on her Instagram for updates: nafeesakmua, or for a one-on-one session, get in touch via email: [email protected].
Whether you’re heading to work, dinner or the school run, a simple, polished look can make you feel put-together in minutes. After all, your 30s aren’t about covering up — they’re about showing up, glowing from the inside out.
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Featured image: Pexels
