When it comes to buying the right make-up, less is definitely more.
According to experts, we’re using far too many products on our skin which can cause dryness and clogged pores. Most women’s dressing tables are cluttered with mascaras, lipsticks, eyeshadows and foundations, costing almost £22,000 over a lifetime.
So how many products do we need? Well, just three well-chosen cosmetics, according to one beauty brand.
As we age, the most useful three things will change — the trick is knowing which to pick.The average woman uses 16 products a day. But many of these may be unnecessary. If you choose cosmetics that are tailored to suit the needs of your skin, you cut out the clutter.
A BB cream, for example — a tinted cream that evens skin tone — can perk up mature skin far more effectively than an expensive foundation. It is also a great buy for a teenager who may be conscious of acne but doesn’t need to look too made up.
Another canny buy is an eyeshadow and eyeliner duo which can be used by older women to define dwindling eyebrows and by younger women for a sophisticated smoky eye look to take them from office to party.
Amelia (pictured), 15, wore a BB cream, mascara and highlighter
To this end, celebrity make-up artist Oonagh Connor has devised a clever make-up sudoku. Just read down, across or diagonally (as suggested in each decade age box) to find the three that will make the most of your looks.
TEENS
Amelia, 15
BB cream; mascara/eyeliner; highlighter powder
celebrity make-up artist Oonagh Connor says: Hormones mean breakouts and shiny skin. What’s more, teenagers frequently think they need to wear masses of make-up.
But there’s no need to cake it on, and it’s vital to remove it and clean skin at night so that pores don’t get blocked.
A light BB cream is all that’s needed to perfect young, unlined skin. Use one (like this cream from No 7) that contains a decent SPF 15.
A mascara and eyeliner in one is inexpensive and ingenious for getting that on-trend cat’s eye flick. A face powder with a slight sheen can be used as a cover-up on shiny areas.
Freya, 22 wore a face palette, bronzer/lipstick, waterprooof shadow liner
TWENTIES
Freya, 22
Face palette; bronzer/lipstick; waterprooof shadow liner
Oonagh says: One well chosen palette will provide colours for both day and night looks and can be used to hide dark circles.
This is often the decade in which women burn the candle at both ends. Skin can look tired, but there’s no need for foundation — the highlighter from this face palette was used to diguise dark circles. The Joan Collins bronzer brought out the cheekbones.
The Eyeko shadow liner (a shadow and liner in one) was used to define the eyes for a look which is slick but still young and fresh.
Becca, 35 wore face palette; make-up duo foundation and concealer; highlighter powder
THIRTIES
Becca, 35
Face palette; make-up duo foundation and concealer; highlighter powder
Oonagh says: It’s all about perfecting the skin at this age as you may still get the odd spot, but fine lines could also form.
This Lancome make-up duo is genius because it has a concealer incorporated in the lid and the foundation is light but has staying power.
Hannah, 41 wore bronzer/lipstick; make-up duo foundation and concealer; mascara/eyeliner
FORTIES
Hannah, 41
Bronzer/lipstick; make-up duo foundation and concealer; mascara/eyeliner
Oonagh says: Eyes look less defined in your 40s; if you’re tired, it shows.
An expensive base will even out the skin tone, while contour with a bronzer to emphasise cheekbones and define a face which may have lost some of its youthfulness.
Open up eyes with eyeliner and a decent mascara — it doesn’t have to be expensive. Finish with the lipstick.
Joanne, 54, wore face palette; lengthening mascara; BB cream
FIFTIES
Joanne, 54
Face palette; lengthening mascara; BB cream
Oonagh says: By this decade, your cheeks and nose are more likely to have a pink tinge, due to thread veins beneath the skin. But this is easily corrected with a BB cream to restore luminosity.
Muted and natural tones are more flattering at this age, so ignore the shiny shades on the face palette, which will catch in the eye creases. Instead, use the matte vanilla base and smoky brown on the eyes. The peach (rather than pink) blusher on this palette warms the skin.
Dust the bronzer under the jawline to make the jaw look firmer.
Mascara is a must, as eyelashes will be thinner.
Margaret, 66 wor waterproof shadow liner; make-up duo foundation and concealer; BB cream
SIXTIES
Margaret, 66
Waterproof shadow liner; make-up duo foundation and concealer; BB cream
Oonagh syas: As the brow starts to sag downwards, the socket may have a hooded look, so it’s harder to define the eyes.
The softness of this shadow liner’s pencil means it can be used underneath the eyes, shading downwards to create a subtle smokiness.
For this age group, the BB cream works well as a primer, over which the make-up duo foundation can be dabbed where extra coverage is needed.
The latter is light enough that it won’t sink into wrinkles, but foundation should be used sparingly on more mature skin.
Strong eyes don’t necessarily need colour on the lips as well. Keep it simple.
Linda, 70 wore lengthening mascara; make-up duo foundation and concealer; lips and cheeks cream
SEVENTIES
Linda, 70
Lengthening mascara; make-up duo foundation and concealer; lips and cheeks cream
Oonagh says: This is the decade when genes and a healthy lifestyle pay dividends. Good skin in your 70s can make you look ten years younger.
In the same way, make-up can make a huge difference.
Eyes may need more help, as they can appear sunken. Create clear-looking skin with the Lancome foundation, which won’t sit in wrinkles and so emphasise them.
A good mascara will make eyes look larger, while you can use the lips and cheeks cream to give a flattering blush and a subtle tint to your lips
Marie, 81 wore waterproof shadow liner; lips and cheeks cream; highlighter powder
EIGHTIES
Marie, 81
Waterproof shadow liner; lips and cheeks cream; highlighter powder
Oonagh says: Dryness and sun damage may be prominent by now, and it’s harder to create an even skin tone. Eyebrows often look sparse, and you may struggle to look glowing.
But less is more. Define dwindling brows with the shadow liner. And instead of a thick base, which may sink into wrinkles, try a layer of powder — it might be sufficient to make skin look fresh, especially with a dusting of blusher and a touch of colour on lips.