Do you want to banish purple bags under your eyes? Don’t skimp on concealer. Are you looking for fuller, more delicious-looking lips? Opt for a bold lipstick. And for perfect, poreless skin? Of course, look for a foundation with maximum coverage.
Good? Mistaken.
Turns out, these old beauty tips have the same result: They make you look older, no matter what decade you’re in.
Celebrity Sydney makeup artist Tobi Henney is known for her “lightweight” approach and her ability to highlight her clients’ best features, rather than drawing attention to the products themselves.
She has worked with stars of all ages, including actress Jessica Alba, 43, model Barbara Palvin, 31, and designer Diane von Furstenberg, 77, and has created iconic looks for the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival.
And no matter the occasion, in his opinion, less is always more.
Here, she shares the common mistakes women make at different stages of their lives, the products you should banish from your makeup bag, and how to shave the years off your face…
Tobi Henney has spent 15 years traveling the world as a go-to makeup artist for the likes of Jessica Alba, Barbara Palvin and Diane von Furstenberg. Now she shares her beauty secrets.
Tobi says our makeup routine should evolve as we age and experience different concerns. She is pictured with model and actress Barbara Palvin, 31, one of Tobi’s most loyal clients.
twenty-somethings
According to Tobi, women in their twenties tend to make the most mistakes because they don’t yet fully understand their skin’s needs.
The most common mistake Tobi sees among women in their 20s is applying too much foundation, leading to the dreaded “cakey” look like the one seen on then-20-year-old Kendall Jenner when she attended the MTV Movie Awards. in April 2016.
And your most common mistake? Applying too much foundation to achieve perfect skin.
This is a common trend on social media, with topics around contouring, a process in which cosmetics are used to sculpt the face, but which can also rob the face of its natural beauty, leading to the dreaded “pasty” look.
Young skin doesn’t need much coverage, no matter how many flaws you notice. In fact, layering foundation over stains only draws attention to them.
Tobi recommends that younger women use a lighter foundation or tinted moisturizer to enhance their natural skin, such as Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($70), which has a dewy illuminating finish.
The next most common mistake is purchasing the wrong foundation color.
Opt for a brand like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. His Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Long Lasting Foundation ($62) comes in a stunning 50 shades and is an oil-free formula that won’t clog pores. And remember: ‘It’s essential to test makeup in natural light to make sure it matches your skin tone,’ warns Tobi.
Thirty
“This is when women need to start adjusting their makeup routine to account for subtle changes in skin texture, tone, and facial structure,” says Tobi.
You should rule out heavier eyeliner and dark eyeshadows because they make the eye appear smaller. Tobi recommends opting for browns, such as MAC Teddy Eyeliner ($52).
Now is the time to also start with daily sunscreen, essential to avoid premature aging and skin damage. It should become part of your daily routine. Even if the makeup you use says it includes SPF, it’s always safer to buy a specific product and apply it separately.
Attempt La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ ($37.95). Quickly absorbed, suitable for sensitive skin, and dermatologist-approved, it’s become a cult beauty classic for a reason.
You may be used to finishing your makeup with setting powder to mattify a shiny nose or chin, but be careful about overdoing it. Powders will only emphasize fine lines and make your skin look dull.
After a woman turns 30, heavier eyeliners and dark eyeshadows should be discarded because they make the eyes appear smaller. Cara Delevingne, then 30, rocked heavy eyeliner while attending the Vanity Fair Oscar party in Beverly Hills on March 12, 2023.
Tobi’s 15-year career has taken her from Sydney to Los Angeles, where she works with celebrity clients.
Forty
As perimenopause approaches, women need to rethink their makeup routines.
Hormonal changes can often lead to drier, uneven skin tone and texture, and your face may become more sensitive to products.
“Women this age have different skin concerns,” says Tobi, “and certain makeup techniques that worked in the past may not be as flattering.” For example, dramatic, dark or intense lipstick should give way to creamy, hydrating lip colors in softer, more subtle shades, with an added touch of shine.
She explains that darker, matte colors make lips appear thin, but softer, brighter shades will give lips a soft fullness that appears more youthful.
As a woman approaches her forties, dramatic, dark or heavy lipstick, like the one seen here on American actress Kirsten Dunst, should give way to creamy, hydrating lip colors in softer, more subtle shades, with a added touch of shine.
Fifty and beyond
This era is all about “enhancing natural beauty” while maintaining a “fresh, youthful appearance,” but this certainly doesn’t mean ditching makeup entirely.
In fact, Tobi’s number one tip is not to forget your eyebrows. They are often overlooked at this age, just when they need the most attention.
They get thinner as we age, so use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas. This will frame the face and turn back the years.
Using the wrong concealer also ages more mature skin; If it’s too light or too thick, it will only accentuate dark circles and fine lines.
Tobi urges women in their fifties not to ignore their eyebrows, which become thinner as they age and require definition to avoid looking faded (model photo).
‘Choose a light, hydrating concealer that matches your skin tone and apply it sparingly. Invest in a wet Beautyblender makeup sponge ($34) to mix properly.’
Tendencies to avoid at any age
Youthful makeup is all about hydration and dewiness: “Dry, matte skin is very aging, as it can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more visible,” says Tobi.
Instead, use cream-based products that offer a “wet” base upon which you can create your desired look. This creates “hydrated, fresh-looking skin.”
She also warns against any eyeshadow or lashes that drag your eyes down instead of lifting them up. This invariably makes the wearer look years older.
she recommends #1 The serum (from $114) and #2 the serum ($204) for a luxury Australian skincare brand Rationale.
As for the eye shadow, it says MAC Cosmetics They are the best, and the shadow wooden wink ($35) – a light brown with a metallic finish – works for everyone.
Above all, be sure to throw away products that have expired. Mascara washes off faster, so you’ll typically need to refresh it every three months.