Get the perfect base in 3 easy steps

By Michelle Nightingale

Beauty

14 November 2011 10:45

Knock of the years in seconds with our guide to achieving a flawless base

1 Choose the right concealer
Most of us are guilty of using the same concealer under our eyes that we use to cover our blemishes. However for best results you need two different concealers; one to  disguise dark under eye circles and one to tackle blemishes and age spots.
To hide under eye bags use a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your foundation and to cover blemishes or age spots choose a concealer that’s a near match to your foundation so it’s undetectable.
Tip: Your ring finger has the lightest touch, so use this to apply and blend your concealer under the eye. Pat gently into the skin so it’s fully blended, as rubbing will only rub most of the product off.

2 Avoid caking on your foundation
Pan stick was revolutionary in its day, but nowadays foundation formulas offer great coverage with a light natural finish – so there’s no excuse for caked on foundation! Mature skin can look dull and translucent as the skin thins with age, so look for light reflecting formulas that will flatter and brighten your skin. 
Tip: When choosing a foundation, always test on your jaw line and check in natural light. Apply a small amount across the middle section of your face and then blend using a foundation brush. 

3 Finish with powder – if you must
If you’re in your 50s or beyond shine won’t be so much of an issue, so actually powder isn’t a necessity. In fact powder, if applied too heavily, can sit in wrinkles making them look far worse than they are. If you really don’t feel dressed without it stick to translucent formulas that won’t give that mask effect – just remember less is more. 
Tip: Swirl a large brush over your powder compact then tap the brush to offload loose particles. Then apply in a light sweeping motion across your nose and forehead.

For more beauty advice see the latest issue of Yours Magazine – out now!