Expert summer make-up tips for mature skin
Photo: Matt Monfredi
After 30 years in the industry, make-up artist Anna Durston (50) knows a thing or two about how to make women look and feel their best. She has worked with high-profile names such as actress: Jenny Agutter, journalists Laura Kuenssburg and Tina Daheley, chef Monica Galetti and food writer and broadcaster Mary Berry. She has also done numerous editorial and commercial shoots, and over the years our paths have crossed many times. I’ve always appreciated her positive approach towards the ageing process and her calls for greater inclusivity in the industry.
Anna strongly believes that beauty and age go hand-in-hand. She urges women to take time for themselves, spend time researching the right products and to ask for help or advice when it’s needed. Here she shares how to create a light, understated make-up look for summer:
Try a less-products-is-more approach in the summer months – so there’s less chance of make-up shifting or sweating off. I usually prep summer skin with La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Moisturiser, which I wear with a high-factor SPF (for daytime). Using lighter textures allows you to build them up as necessary. I recommend a tinted moisturiser to even-out discolouration and create a natural finish. Nars Tinted Moisturiser is a great all-rounder. The Max Factor Tinted Moisturiser is also easy to put on and the price is brilliant (I use it all the time on photoshoots). Then, add a touch of concealer here and there, to mask any discolouration or age spots.
If it’s a really hot and sweaty day, keep eyeliner to a fine line and close to the lashes to minimise smudging. I use Hourglass Mascara to add volume, lift and separation, creating the effect of fuller looking lashes. I always fill out my brows with Wunderbrow Gel – defined eyebrows really lift your face – it makes such a difference.
The glow you get with a cream blush in summer is lovely. I like using NYX Sweet Cheeks Blush Mousse. Creamy formulations work brilliantly on mature skin because they don’t settle into lines like many powders do. As a final touch, I lightly dust my face with Beauty Pie One Powder Wonder. It’s a finely-milled, nearly translucent powder, which takes away unwanted shine without ‘mattifying’ the skin too much. It’s a fantastic powder for older skin because it doesn’t feel heavy or cake-y.
Refresh your skin throughout the day using a skin tonic or mist. I rate the Kefir Tea Mist from Elemis which has a lovely light fragrance. Keep one in your bag for a quick spritz to nourish flushed skin. To refresh your make-up, lightly mist all over your face and then, gently use your ring finger to gently pat it around for added moisture and help to even out your make-up again.
On lips, a tinted balm will add moisture and a hint of colour which is easy to top-up. I like the cheap and cheerful Vaseline Rosy Tinted Lip Balm and always carry it with me – and I know Team TNMA are big fans of Burt’s Bees.
Follow Anna on Instagram HERE. Photography: Matt Monfredi
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Discussion (10 Comments)
Susanna says:
Helpful and encouraging affirmation of my normal minimalist approach – thank you! I like a moisturizer with SPF (Acure has a great line) and light foundation on top. The best blush I have found is the compressed fine powder from Benefit – cream blushes just disappear on me. And you can’t beat the Sephora translucent lipstick range for price, staying power, and a huge variety of shades. The one thing I have completely given up on as I get older (66 now) is my eyes. I can’t find mascara and liner that don’t irritate me and run, so I just get my brows shaped and colored regularly and hide behind my glasses!
Kim says:
I have extremely sensitive skin & eyes and have found the Better Than Sex and Benefit primer mascaras really good (& I don’t bother with mascara on top)
Jill Hunter says:
Thank you very much for this article. I have made a note of many of the products, especially the Max Factor tinted moisteriser. I have just started using their nail varnish banishing memories of their former advertisements when they were the ‘make up to the stars’
Susan says:
I like Ilia super serum skin tint. It has an spf of 40. An Ilia representative at Sephora suggested using a brush rather than patting on like a serum. I have used the products for several years. It is a keeper! I live in the US so not sure it is available in the UK.
I’ve been using La Roche Posay moisturizer in the summer for years. It’s a great brand which we can buy at he drugstore here in Canada. Yah.
Liza Green says:
This is so helpful, I’m keen to try some of the ideas here. I’ve been using La Roche Posay Anthelios tinted spf 50 moisturiser for some time now in the summer, and find it kills two bird with one stone, although I do use a lightweight moisturiser underneath it too. And for the lady who has given up on mascara I’ve found L’Oréal Age perfect for sensitive eyes really good, it’s comes in brown which I find is a softer look than harsh black. Have spent a fortune over the years on cream or gel blushers and bronzers so afraid I stick to the powder versions if I need an extra boost of colour.
Susanna says:
Thanks for the tip, especially because I can get this mascara at the drugstore – I plan to give it a try! What is it about cream and gel blushers for some skins? Sounds like you have the same issue as I do. I’ve been eyeing up the Anthelios tinted moisturizer for a while, and your recommendation might just tip me over …
Frankie says:
Can recommend Trinny London make up (also skincare!). Finally found a range of products that suit me.
Gill says:
The Beauty Pie powder is the best I’ve ever used. I’ve now got my daughter and daughter in law hooked xxxx
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Informative blog. My make up routine is minimal – a BB cream when it’s not hot outside, and a lip tint that I wear all the time. I want people I meet to see me and not me through makeup.