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ToggleGo easy with the foundation.
“I believe using less makeup is best on mature skin, so I recommend focusing on the areas where you truly need the coverage and avoiding expression lines. Try using a lighter formula foundation and then building coverage where needed, or try using a concealer rather than ‘blanketing’ the skin and creating a blank canvas. Lean into smarter formulations and use less.” — Kate Lee
Chanel VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
The fluid texture of this foundation goes on feather light and amps up skin’s hydration with hyaluronic acid for natural wrinkle-softening dewiness.
Key Ingredients: “High Definition Light” pigments, hyaluronic acid
Coverage: Light to medium
Shades: 17
Future Skin Gel Foundation
This oil-free gel formula sinks seamlessly into skin for a “your complexion but better” look. For spots that needs some extra love, the coverage is buildable as well.
Key Ingredients: Aloe, Chamomile, Arnica
Coverage: Medium to full
Shades: 15
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Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation
For those who prefer a more matte finish, this foundation wears sheer, but won’t leave skin looking shiny.
Key Ingredients: SPF & Antioxidants with Vitamin E
Coverage: Sheer, matte
Shades: 15+
Define the lash line.
“I recommend using my ‘invisible lining’ technique. Pressing the liner in between each lash along the lash line adds definition, bringing the look of lush and full lashes even before mascara.” —Trish McEvoy, makeup artist
1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eyeliner
A super-thin tip and smooth gel formula make this mechanical liner easy to use for subtle touches.
Formula: Gel
Shades: 5
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Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil
Bold color payoff and a long-wearing formula make this a great choice for all day wear.
Formula: Pencil
Shades: 7
Take time to prime.
“Adding moisture to the complexion and taking time to prep is important. Products that prime the skin should be a light, easily-absorbed and hydrating. Moisturizer or serum work well, avoid using a product with too much emollience as it can cause the make up to move around. Always wait a few minutes for the product to settle before moving on with makeup.”— Kate Lee
Editor’s Note: If using a primer, look for one with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen to boost moisture.
Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base Clear
Prevent creasing that can highlight fine lines with this eyeshadow primer that holds your favorite shade in place for hours on end.
Key Ingredients: Deep-Sea Extract, antioxidant rice extract
Compatible With: Cream, powder
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Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas
This silky liquid primer not only creates a smooth base for your other makeup, it also helps it hold on without creasing or smudges.
Key Ingredients: Fibroin, sericin, and silk powder
Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily
MURAD Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
Makeup artist Kindra Mann is a fan of Murad’s Invisiblur Perfecting Shield because it “fills in fine lines and wrinkles” and “it blends advanced anti-aging treatment with SPF.”
Key Ingredients: Mushroom peptides, sunflower and cucumber extracts, soft-focus complex
Skin Type: All
Brighten and even out the complexion.
A BB cream or skin tint is your beast friend. “If you don’t have the time to totally prep your skin, BB is an all-in-one skin perfecter. Not only does it prime, brighten, and even out the skin, it protects from daily UV exposure. An even skin tone projects a more youthful look.” —Trish McEvoy
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Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm SPF 30
The lightest hint of color gently evens out skin tone—the built in SPF 35 wards off UV rays and free radicals that can induce signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, primrose oil, baikal skullcap
Best for: Normal, dry
Shades: 11
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
With nearly two dozen shades, this hydrating balm offers a wide array of options for every skin tone.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive-derived squalane, mineral-based sunscreen
Coverage: Light
Shades: 20
Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm Instant Solutions BB Cream SPF 35
This semi-sheer formula—available in four shades—leaves a velvety finish on your complexion, while peptides give skin a boost.
Coverage: Medium to full
Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily
Shades: 4
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Exfoliating is the key to smooth application.
“Many women avoid exfoliating and end up looking like they’re wearing heavy makeup, because even the lightest application grabs onto dry patches (aka dead skin). ” —Jenny Smith, makeup artist
Editor’s Note: Steer clear of physical exfoliants as those tend to be abrasive. Chemical exfoliants with ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid will be your skin’s best friend.
Resurfacing Mask
Formulated with beta-hydroxy acid and pomegranate enzymes, this mask melts away dead skin cells to leave your skin looking smoother and brighter.
Key Ingredients: Pink clay, pomegranate enzymes, white willow bark
Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination, oily
Recommended Usage: 3x a week
More: The Best At-Home Chemical Peels
ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
A mix of chemical and physical exfoliants, this treatment tackles signs of dryness and dullness in two minute flat.
Key Ingredients: Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, lactic acid, aloe
Skin Type: All
Recommended Usage: 1-2x a week
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The Method: Polish Exfoliator
Get a dose of microdermabrasion at home with this fine-grit scrub that really sweeps away flakiness.
Key Ingredients: Pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes, magnesium crystals
Skin Type: Normal to combination
Recommended Usage: Once daily
Prep lips before lipstick.
“Scrub the lips, then apply concealer that’s the same color as your skin all over the lip with a foundation brush. Add a balm on top to set, which provides extra hydration. Outline with a liner, fill them in, and use a lip brush or your finger to apply the color.” —Pat McGrath, makeup artist
April Long writes about beauty, wellness, and luxury skincare for Town & Country.
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