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Beauty

Why You Should Stop Using Powder Makeup as You Age — And What You Should Swap It With

We all deserve to feel beautiful regardless of age, and makeup can go a long way in boosting our confidence. However, there’s a chance you might be using products that actually highlight those pesky fine lines and drag your features down, instead of helping you put your best face forward. 

You may have noticed some of your favorite powder-based products aren’t working quite as well as they did in your younger days. Celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh says switching to cream-based makeup can help solve the problem. With a clientele of starlets of all ages, like Chloe Grace Moretz (22) and Jessica Chastain (42), Quynh has to be able to adapt her makeup skills to a variety of skin types.

“When most people get older, their skin loses moisture, hydration, and elasticity,” she explained to FIRST. “Switching to cream makeup will look better on the skin.” She recommends finding a cream or liquid foundation that has a semi-matte finish so you don’t have to worry about adding any powder, which can settle into wrinkles and fine lines. 

“I love the new Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation ($50, Nordstrom),” Quynh told us. “It contains hyaluronic acid, which everyone needs to keep their skin hydrated, while offering a buildable, luminous coverage.” For a more budget-friendly option, you can try Nyx Stay Matte Not Flat liquid foundation ($7.15, Amazon). 

If you do find yourself still wanting a powder to help with shine, she suggests finding something sheer and translucent — and using as little of it as possible. Another one of her fixes for shiny skin is blotting paper. You can find some budget-friendly products online, like Sephora’s Blot It! Mattifying Blotting Paper Films ($8, Sephora). 

Quynh also pointed out the importance of starting your makeup routine with a good primer. “It will help smooth out areas while making your makeup stay on longer.” Look for products like like Nyx Pore Filler Primer ($9.80, Ulta), which offers a “cashmere-soft cream” coverage. 

As for cream blushes, Quynh prefers it use them at any age, but especially on older women. “It adds a healthy flush to the skin which helps beat dullness and dryness.” She recommends applying it to the apples of your cheeks and to “make sure to smile in a mirror to see exactly where the natural placement should be.” Her favorite at the moment is Chantecaille Aqua Blush ($44.00, bluemercury). “It’s bright, but blend-able and has a cooling dewy texture.” If you’re looking for something less expensive, Honest Beauty Crème Cheek Blush ($12.34, Amazon) offers plenty shades to choose from.

It might be tough to part with any powder products you’ve come to rely on, but these tips will help shine (in a good way)! 

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