Makeup and Skincare Tips For Aging Skin
BEAUTY HOTLINE:
MAKEUP AND SKINCARE TIPS FOR AGING SKIN
Kira Nasrat considers the conundrum of so-called age-appropriate makeup.
- Written By
- Kira Nasrat
KIRA NASRAT / PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA STRICKER FOR THE VIOLET FILES
Known for giving out her cell phone number to our Melrose Place flagship shoppers, VIOLET GREY makeup artist Kira Nasrat is as beloved for her easy charm and humor as she is for her sophisticated smoky eye looks. Clients (who include Gwyneth Paltrow, Margot Robbie, and Jamie Chung) rely on the forthcoming honesty and sage beauty advice she dispenses at a moment’s notice, and most have her on speed-dial. Here, Nasrat brings that same personalized service to Beauty Hotline, her monthly column for The Violet Files. This month’s topic: makeup mandates for every age.
If the thought of your next birthday fills you with dread, fear not. Per Nasrat, don’t have to change your makeup as you get older, but a few tweaks to your routine can keep you looking your best. Here, the artist considers prevention, correction, and the best lipstick—whatever your age.
I just turned 34. Should I change up my skincare at a certain age?
First, I’m convinced that 30 is the new 20—and 34 can be a great year for you and your skin. Depending on your routine, you don’t need to go crazy, but there are a few key elements I recommend to all women who want to keep their skin looking its finest. First, I advise everyone to sleep on a Slip silk pillowcase to prevent lines and wrinkles. Silk doesn’t pull at your skin like cotton can, plus it feels a lot more luxurious—and isn’t a little luxury what every birthday calls for?
Hydration is also key to keeping your complexion at the top of its game. I love the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, which penetrates deeply and moisturizes like you wouldn’t believe. And if you’re out in the sun, make sure you’re wearing sunblock. My favorite is La Mer Reparative Lotion SPF 30 because it is lightweight and works well under makeup.
Last but not least, don’t sleep with your makeup on, even if you had a wild night out. If nothing else, keep Koh Gen Do Spa Water makeup wipes at your bedside for a quick cleanse while lying down. They are packed with botanicals and make it so easy.
I’m in my 40s and I love a bold lip, but my friend claims that at my age, it doesn’t look right. Is she correct, or full of it?
Not true! Don’t get rid of your bold lip; get rid of your girlfriend—at the end of the day, you are 40 and you need to celebrate where you are in life and embrace the beauty looks you love! That said, here are a few tips for making sure your strong pout is always on point.
First, prep. I love Dior’s Lip Maximizer because it really helps plump. When looking for the perfect lipstick, you need to consider the formula, texture, and shade. For example, if at 40 you have a lot of little lines on your lips, don’t buy a lipstick that’s too creamy because it can bleed. I always recommend using the Invisible Lip Liner from Lipstick Queen first, and then layering on one of Lipstick Queen’s Velvet Rope shades—they glide on, just like the name implies.
Finally, make sure to blot a bold color with a tissue before you leave the house. Dab your lips with your fingers and put whatever is left on your cheeks as rouge.
I’m fighting crow’s feet but don’t want Botox. What are some products and makeup tricks that will antiage me?
At the end of the day, what’s going to make you look younger and fresh is less makeup! Start by dabbing a pea-size amount of the ReVive Eye Renewal Serum Firming Booster under the eye to smooth out that area. Then curl your lashes to really open up the eyes with the Utowa Eyelash Curler. Apply a coat of Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara all over your lashes, and layer it by moving in an upward motion. Make sure you get the corners, and also add a bit more mascara on the ends of your lashes to give them a little lift.
Also, go see Kristie Streicher for your brows (she says the right arch can be as anti-aging as an eye lift, and I agree!) and invest in the Dior Brow Styler to fill them in where needed.