The one product you should throw out of your makeup bag after 50
Blurring, mattifying and setting - face powders can offer plenty of positives to your makeup routine. But what about when they don’t?
When a powder is applied without thought or over-zealously to a mature face, it can lead to undesired effects such as settling into creases, too dry and let’s be honest, a tired and haggard-looking complexion. So should we ditch face powders altogether post-50?
“No, absolutely not!” says makeup artist, Ruby Hammer MBE. “The key though, is to be light-handed and prudent.” A powder can sit in fine lines and go patchy on the skin when it’s not applied correctly, says Ruby. If this has ever happened to you, you’re not alone.
Beauty expert Caroline Hirons had a not-so-flattering experience recently when a makeup artist ‘covered her face with face powder’ and made her look much older than her 55 years.
What is face powder traditionally used for?
Powders are used by both professional makeup artists and consumers, to set and keep makeup in place, to blur and to mattify in certain areas (when you want to avoid looking super shiny).
How do you apply face powder correctly on mature skin?
You have to use it sparingly and apply it strategically. “You are aiming for a light dusting, not full coverage,” advises Ruby. Focus on applying it only in areas where you need to set your makeup, and around your t-zone to mattify it. Avoid the under-eye area and creases around the nostrils and nasolabial folds, plus any other place where there is obvious texture or lines.
Which tools should you use to apply face powder?
“I prefer to use a small fluffy brush with synthetic fibres,” says Ruby. “A smaller brush allows for a lighter hand and more precision making it less likely to cake in fine lines or pores.” Or if you prefer a sponge, the smaller triangular-shaped sponges are brilliant. Pick up a smidge of powder, tap off the excess, then lightly press it onto the skin.
How to choose the best face powder for mature skin?
Most new powder formulations tout hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, and are the ones best suited to mature skin. Opt for finely milled loose powders that are super lightweight and offer a sheer ‘veil’ rather than full coverage. "And choose a formula that reflects the light so that you get a healthy, luminous finish," says Ruby. To ensure the powder doesn’t migrate into wrinkles and your complexion looks fresh and radiant, apply a hydrating mist, like Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist, £48, as a last step.
Shop the best face powders for mature skin
Vital Pressed Skincare Powder
Supercharged skincare actives micro-milled into powder form.
Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder 8HA
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, designed to set, blur and hydrate the skin.
Skin Finish Water Based Powder
Leaves your skin looking like skin.
Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Makeup artists' favourite with hyaluronic acid makes it comfortable for all skin types, even dry skin.
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