The Secret to Looking Younger? Less Makeup Is More
Tuesday May 6, 2008
Julianne Moore, 47, had a fabulous quote in the May 12 US Weekly (my guilty pleasure). When asked why she often goes without makeup she said: "I think that less is better, especially as you get older. Too much makeup on an older woman can really make you look like a freak."
I couldn't agree more. In fact, I believe nothing ages a woman more than pancake makeup, which is why some actresses (hello Miley Cyrus!) can sometimes look 30 when they're really, oh, maybe 10.
When it comes to foundation, don't slather the stuff all over your face. Instead, concentrate on the areas that need evening out: usually the areas under the eyes, along the nose and at the chin. When applying foundation, use your fingers rather than a sponge, which soaks up (and wastes) your foundation.
About's new makeup guide, Faith Lawless, breaks down the top foundations for women over 40.
Photo Julianne Moore April 26 by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival
Comments
Using a foundation brush is better than using fingers, and definitely better than using a sponge. Let’s face it: Many women just grab their makeup bags and start doing their faces without washing their hands first; we do not need potential breakout bacteria on our faces, now do we? When we use our fingers, their oils tend to make the foundation color go a bit darker (I believe they call that color oxidation). A brush is much more hygenic–if you use it correctly: wash it at the end of the day with mild soap and warm water. This can be done while you get yourself ready for bed, it only takes about two minutes: I promise, it will be dry in the morning. Remember, the same goes for concealer brushes; the other brushes–blush, powder, shadow–can be washed once a week. Clean makeup brushes help keep your skin clear and pretty.
Hi Marisol,
Yes, foundation brushes are very popular with makeup artists and are excellent for blending in foundation. I never took to mine, however. I don’t even know where it is!
I disagree with the comments suggesting that foundation only be applied to certain places on the face. Staying completely indoors is probably O.K., but whenever I plan to go out of the house I use it along with my moisturizer of at least 15 SPF for sun exposure protection. I usually mix only a drop or two of liquid foundation with my SPF moisturizer, which gives a sheer look and provides extra protection. I also agree that a sponge soaks up too much of the product and prefer to thoroughly wash my hands and then apply my moisturizer/foundation.
HI,
I use a tinted moisturizer that has the spf in it. I prefer to use that or a foundation with moisturizer in it. I agree with Carlene. I also put it all over my face. I can’t see just putting it on certain areas. To me that would look to uneven. It also would not protect my whole face.
I also mixed moisturizers with my foundations & it turned out very good. Better than some store bought products. I like the sheer look. When I was younger I wore alot of makeup. People told me that I did not need that much makeup. They were right. I don’t like to wear too much makeup. I can’t use any powder because my skin is very dry. Powder does not work for me anymore. I use mascara (1 coat), a ligth blush or bronzer & lipstick or lipgloss. It looks good. Some women overdo it. I hope that everyone has a wonderful day. Judy K. Chicago.
yes i agree more makeup makes you look much older especially when it is part of your daily routine to put more everyday. less is better and more beautiful. i mean no matter what any woman wants to cover on her face she doesn’t want everybody to know that she is wearing a pot of foundation/conclear on her face.