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Being fickle creatures, when autumn comes, we all crave a change of look. We’ve left behind the beachy hair and tanned skin we wanted in spring – now we’re craving elegance and sophistication. With the #decure look trending, it seems like the right time to scale things back and opt for simplicity.
As we age, our skin color changes, and so does the texture of our hair. I’m always surprised when hairdressers reach for volumizing products. I want to say, “I think you’re wrong, I have thick hair.” Then I remember that I had thick hair, just as I had pale skin and bushy eyebrows. Not anymore. So take a good look in the mirror. Does that hairstyle suit you? Should you change your part? Is that eyeshadow the best shade for you now? Ask your hairdresser what they think. Visit a makeup counter (I’d go for a brand from a professional makeup artist like Bobbi Brown or Charlotte Tilbury) and get their opinion. Or, if you’re really brave, ask a teenage girl.
Here are seven mistakes I’ve definitely made (and chances are you’ve made them too).
Your lipstick is making your lips look thinner.
Swap your dark, drying lipstick for a new oil-balm-gloss hybrid. I love it. Clarins Lip Balm with Oil in Pale pink (£27, clarins.co.uk). It’s ultra-nourishing and its high shine is perfect for mature lips.
Your base is too heavy
It used to be a matter of choice: buy a formula with decent coverage but expect a mask-like effect. Now, a new series of products evens out skin tone, blurs pores and absorbs shine, all while delivering a natural yet polished look. My pick is Vieve Skin Nova Face Balm (£34, vievebeauty.com).
Your eyeliner is too rough
A feline stroke of black eyeliner is a striking look, but it’s much more flattering to apply a defined dark brown shade right on the lash line. Use a soft pencil (my favorite is Jones Road The best pencil in Brown (above, £22, jonesroadbeauty.com), or use a firm, flat brush and press on a chocolate shadow. Diorshow Mono Color in Poncho (above, £32, dior.com) will last forever.
Your hair color is solid
A solid colour rather than a mix of shades can look harsh on a more mature face. Blending different shades together, like Jennifer Aniston (left), is more flattering. As we age, our skin tone changes and often darkens, so hairdressers recommend using lighter, warmer colours to complement our skin.
Your eyebrows are too short
Full brows look youthful, while sparse brows look anything but. Because we apply makeup in front of the mirror, we often neglect our outer brows. Define and elongate your face to balance it out with a precision pencil that you can stroke to make it look like individual hairs. Like Chanel High Precision Stylo Sourcils (below, £35, chanel.com) and NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pencil (£11.99, boots.com).
Your nails are too tacky
This season, the trend is demure and chic. Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle, says, “I love the deep French style trend from the 80s and 90s.” Here, the white tip curves up the sides of the nail (see below) rather than running straight across, making fingers appear longer and slimmer. Order GelBottle’s Daisy white and Dolly pale pink shades from your nail salon. Find one near you at thegelbottle.com.
Your shadow is too dark
Applying shadow in the crease of your eyelid is a time-tested trick for adding nice definition to the eyes. But to open up older eyes, consider using the colour a little above the crease and using a medium to light brown shade. Then, make sure it’s well blended. Try Elf No Budge Shadow Stick in Copper Chic (£6, elfcosmetics.co.uk).
MORE SMART SHOPPING FOR A FRESHER FACE
By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow (£32, byterry.com). The makeup artist’s favourite eyeshadow stick now comes in a more velvety finish. Its creamy, buttery texture blends beautifully and is infused with subtle Tahitian pearls.
OBxCB 12-Piece Makeup Brush Set (£95, otisbatterbee.com). Blending makeup is key to creating a flawless look, and this comprehensive set has everything you need
Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15 (£43, bobbibrown.co.uk). This hydrating formula comes in 53 shades and stops shine without stripping it away. The matte finish looks polished, but not heavy, and lasts all day.
The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm (£11, boots.com) – Back in stock after selling out, this balm will plump up dehydrated lips and add a sheer layer of flattering colour.
Essence Baby Got Blush (£3.50, essential.eu) – Natural blush is all the rage and this affordable blush blends beautifully, comes in natural shades and has a great applicator that delivers the perfect amount of product.