Want to become a master of makeup artistry and skincare for mature skin? QC Makeup Academy’s Student Ambassador, Cheri Stevens, has 6 awesome tips to get you started! To learn more about Cheri, read her full Ambassador Feature here!
What is ‘mature skin‘? Why is it important that professional makeup artists have a good working knowledge of mature skin?
Well, for starters, mature skin is everywhere! You see it all the time in film and television. For example, just look at Jane Fonda, Susan Sarandon, Sigourney Weaver, Raquel Welch, etc. All of these women are gorgeous! But they still need to know good skincare. Furthermore, they need an educated makeup artist to make them look and feel fabulous.
This can be done with proper makeup artistry training and good skincare knowledge!
Makeup Artistry: Younger Vs. Mature Skin
What are some of the similarities when it comes to applying makeup on younger skin, versus applying makeup on mature skin? In short, both require a solid understanding of technique. Moreover, they can both utilize creativity through the use of color and application.
On the other hand, what are some of the most common differences? How does makeup artistry for younger skin vary when compared to makeup artistry for mature skin?
The answer is quite simple. The products you choose for a younger client’s skin will be quite different in nature than the products you’d use on mature skin. Mature skin needs a lighter hand. It will also require a more specified skincare regimen that specifically targets mature skin. One example would be cream products that do not dry out the skin. Another prime example would be products that have less shimmer to them.
6 Makeup Artistry and Skincare Tips for Mature Skin
1. Prep the skin with moisture!
Mature skin can be dry. So, using a good moisturizer is essential before applying any makeup! Apply a nice, even layer of moisturizer to the face. Preferably, opt for a moisturizer with some Hyaluronic Acid in it. This will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When you hydrate the skin beforehand, you’re creating a prime, soft, and hydrated canvas for the makeup application.
2. Use targeted ingredients in skincare products!
You’ll need to start by determining your client’s skincare goals.
For example, are they fighting fine lines and wrinkles? Are they looking into adding some Retinol into their routine? Are they out in the sun a lot? If so, you should recommend that they add sunscreen to their regular routine, for added skin protection. Is your client’s skin dry? Look for Hyaluronic Acid in their moisturizer.
Help them turn their skin into the best possible version of itself! Using the right skincare products always comes first. As a result, applying makeup onto it will become a no brainer. And who knows…with good skincare, they might need even less makeup to look amazing!
3. Build in sheer layers!
When it comes to mature skin, you want to apply foundation with a light hand and build as needed. Foundation on mature skin can sometimes settle into fine lines and look cakey. Using sheer layers assures that the makeup is even and smooth, thus preventing it from settling into lines and looking overdone.
4. Add that POP of color!
Sometimes, mature skin can have a dull appearance. The best way to combat this is to make it glow! A nice pop of a cream blush on the cheeks will liven the skin and make the client look fresh. Creams are also great for mature skin because they don’t settle the same way that powders do.
Take it one step further by apply color with a touch of shimmer. This will bring a glow back to your client’s face. No doubt, they’ll feel youthful and fresh!
5. Line that pucker!
Always apply a lip liner to the lips. As we age, our lips can droop and lose definition. Lining the lips can strengthen the natural lip line, prevent lipstick from feathering, and make the lips look their best shape.
Just don’t overline your client’s lips too much, of course! It’s also worth nothing that you should keep the color soft, so as not to make the lips look harsh.
6. Keep it soft!
As we age, we certainly don’t want to be perceived as being older than we are. So, keep the makeup light! Avoid harsh, dark eyeliners, loud colors, or shimmers that highlight lines and wrinkles. Instead, go with soft, matte colors and well-defined lips. You’ll have your client glowing and gorgeous, no matter what age they are!
The Importance of Professional Training
Why is it so crucial for makeup artists to have sufficient training for mature skin? Like with any other area of makeup artistry, a proper education is always important. To be the very best you can be, and acquire the right knowledge needed to do the job, getting certification training is the single best way to go.
When it comes to mature skin, professional training is especially important. This type of makeup artistry requires a very specific set of refined skills. You’ll need to be able to apply products that will enhance your client’s skin and features – while at the same time, omitting ones that would detract from any discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Skincare for Mature Skin
Personally speaking, skincare training has been SO essential for me as a makeup artist! I find this knowledge paramount.
A thorough understanding of skincare helps me better assess the client’s skin prior to the application. Plus, I can properly address any skin issues that could be relevant to the makeup work I’m about to do. It’s important to be educated on which products will be needed for each client, depending on the skin issues and/or type(s) they may have (i.e. dryness, oiliness, discoloration, lines, etc.).
QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course
In Unit D of QC’s Skincare Course, you’ll learn all about working with mature skin. As a graduate of this course, the most important lessons I learned from this particular unit were knowing what happens to aging skin, as well as ways to take care of it with the proper ingredients.
In assignment D4 of the Skincare Unit, Anti-Aging Skincare for Mature Clients, you get to delve into the specifics of mature skin. This particular Not only do you get the chance to work with a client demographic you may not have worked with before; you also get to really examine and assess the issues of a mature client.
These lessons have been very critical for me as a professional makeup artist – and they’ll be just as critical for you, too! Knowing how to properly work with mature skin is an amazing asset to add to your skill-set. Furthermore, you’ll gain a broader sense knowledge of skin types and you’ll be able to add mature skin to your repertoire.
In my opinion, this is not an age bracket to be left out of the mix. Makeup artistry is for ALL ages, and proper skincare training just makes your portfolio that much better!
Makeup Artistry for Mature Skin
This is taught in Unit C of QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course. In assignment C5, The Mature Client Makeup Application, you’re tasked with doing a real-life makeup application on a model with mature skin.
The lessons taught in this unit/assignment are essential for any professional beauty expert. They’ll help you broaden your skill-set and gain the knowledge needed to enhance your client’s face with makeup, without overpowering it. Thus, you can keep their application age-appropriate and beautiful.
