Soft make-up is having a moment. We’re swapping harsh lines for natural-looking and luminous make-up. And not only is it flattering for mature skin, it’s minimal effort.
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We’re moving away from heavy foundations, sharp contours and layers of powder, in favour of soft make-up. And this approach is more about enhancing the skin’s natural glow. This can be particularly flattering for mature skin – fresh, luminous make-up that’s easy to do and maintain.
Start with a skin-like, lightweight base
You don’t want products that’ll mask the skin. So instead of a full-coverage matte foundation, consider a tinted serum, lightweight tinted moisturiser or skin tint. These formulas can help even out your skin tone, while your natural skin shines through.
Apply your base quite sparingly – concentrate the product only where you need it instead of layering it over the whole face. Use your finger tips or a damp sponge to create a natural-looking finish.
Choose cream formulas
For a healthy glow, cream blushes, highlighters and bronzers can create that soft, believable radiance. Some powders can settle into fine lines and emphasise texture, whereas cream formulas tend to melt more naturally into the skin.
For blush, take note of placement. Rather than concentrating on the apples of the cheeks, apply it a bit higher and blend it up towards the temples. This creates a subtle lifted effect and maintains a fresh, youthful look.
A cream bronzer can be applied around the perimeter of the face and lighter beneath the cheekbones. But keep in mind that soft make-up is about gentle definition, not dramatic contouring.
Be strategic about concealer
Be careful not to apply too much concealer around the eyes. Apply only where there’s noticeable discolouration or pigmentation. Then blend the edges. Opt for a hydrating formula, which can brighten the area without creating a creased appearance.
Finish with soft definition
Go for softly blended definition rather than harsh lines. Brush up the brows, use a wash of eyeshadow – preferably cream or satin-finish – and then mascara to open the eyes. To keep the overall effect fresh, opt for a tinted lip balm, gloss or creamy lipstick to complete the look.
The bottom line
The point of soft make-up is so your skin can look like skin. You may be tempted one more layer but a lighter hand, strategic placement and luminous textures can often create more impact.
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Featured image: Pexels
