Staying Fit
Just when we got the knack of a matte dark smoky eye and found a full-coverage foundation that covered every skin flaw ... makeup got a makeover. It seems like all the old rules and routines are out, and color, shimmer and sheer are in. But are they for us? I asked four top makeup artists — Jenna Anton, Gita Bass, Laura Geller and Tim Quinn — and the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Here are their favorite 2021 tips and products, plus my own beauty-editor advice and low-cost options, too. Bet you try more than one!
1. Add a skin serum to improve your makeup.
If stay-at-home time and maskne taught us anything, it was to get our skin fresh and glowing again ASAP. That's because even the greatest foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer can't disguise dry, rough or fatigued skin. Your big game changer now may be simply adding a vitamin C serum to stimulate collagen and help fade dark spots. “Minimizing discoloration starts with high concentrations of vitamin C to lighten and brighten skin so less makeup is needed,” says makeup artist Gita Bass. Beauty guru Tim Quinn agrees. “Improving your skin care at 50 really frees you to choose skin-enhancing makeups that are sheer and designed to blur imperfections rather than masking them,” he says. “I like the Vi Derm Vitamin C Brightening Concentrate ($88, vipeel.com) to address dull complexions.” For a less expensive option, the bargain-shopper in me suggests you try Olay Regenerist Tone Perfection Serum Vitamin B3 + Vitamin C ($30, target.com) or No7 Radiance + 15% Vitamin C Serum ($20, target.com) under your moisturizer.
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2. Make primer a must.
Don't get too hung up on the word “primer,” though, since this prep product goes by other names. Applied after your last skin-care item but before makeup, it's the layer that adds extra glow, moisture and glide. Makeup artist Laura Geller suggests “the combo of a luminizing primer and foundation with a little pearl in it to minimize the look of spots and discolorations.” Bass says “a hydrating primer also makes foundation and concealer work more efficiently so there's no product settling into fine lines and wrinkles.” My tip: Blend a small amount of primer all over, then wait a full minute before jumping in with foundation or concealer. Try Milani Illuminating Face Primer in Bright Side ($12, target.com), e.l.f. Illuminating Face Primer ($6, target.com), L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer ($15, ulta.com), or Laura Geller Spackle Perfecting Primer: Original Champagne Glow ($32, laurageller.com).
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