“Why Isn’t My Foundation Working Anymore?”
I’ve been using the same foundation for decades, but it just doesn’t have the same effect anymore. What’s going on? I’m 48, if that matters.
Your skin changes throughout your life, but especially during peri-menopause and menopause. So, yes, your foundation needs an upgrade.
And if you haven’t changed your foundation in years, you are not benefiting from the new formulations available. Is your current base making your skin look dull, vanishing into your skin before the day is over or sliding off completely?
You can now find foundations infused with hydrating serums, with moisturising formulations, illuminating properties and even soothing ingredients for sensitive skin, a common concern for women as they age.
Some of my favourite make-up brands were started by female make-up artists around our age – Charlotte Tilbury, By Terry, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown. These women understand the needs of mature skin, so they’re a good place to start.
While there are many products you can easily scrimp on, I always recommend women splurge on foundation. Unlike high-end brands, cheaper brands don’t have the extensive range of shades and a beautiful skin finish requires a perfect skin-colour match. When you find the right shade, I also recommend purchasing the next shade along. If it’s summer, buy a lighter shade for winter; if it’s winter, buy a darker shade for summer. During the in-between months you can blend the two.
And speaking of blending, the most common mistake we all make with foundation is being heavy-handed. You really only need three dabs: on your forehead, nose and chin, and then blend outward towards your hairline.
It can be smart to cultivate a “foundation wardrobe” so you always have the right base for the occasion. Here’s my list of what every woman needs.
1. A DEWY-YET-FULL-COVERAGE, LONG-WEARING FOUNDATION
Two new favourites are Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation, $70, with 50 natural-looking shades; and Elizabeth Arden’s Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation, $56, a next-gen foundation-meets skincare. It plumps, brightens and evens out skin tone in 40 skin-beautifying shades.
2. A TINTED MOISTURISER
Weekend Skin Hydra Skin Tint by Mecca Cosmetica, $40, regularly sells out with good reason. It’s lightweight and magically illuminates skin for a healthy glow.
3. FOR EVERYDAY WEAR
Rimmel’s Lasting Finish, $18.95, is seriously good for dry skin. Infused with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, it’s hydrating enough so it doesn’t sit in wrinkles.
4. AN ILLUMINATING FOUNDATION FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $100, in 40 shades, created by renowned make-up artist Pat McGrath 20 years ago, is still the ultimate “lit from within” flawless base. It never disappoints.
Words_ Adriana Donnola blogs at Shop With A Beauty Editor
Photos_Polina Kovaleve/Pexels + supplied