Makeup after 30+

[knavy]

Hello Everyone! I used to chat on BNOTB threads several years ago. I bought a ton of makeup over the summer because I’m trying to be more consistent about wearing it. One thing I’ve noticed when I do wear makeup is that it tends to accentuate the wrinkles in my face. I’m 31 now, so I guess I need to take a different approach to makeup. I’m curious if you would mind sharing what changes you made to not accentuate lines and wrinkles. Was it just changing products? Different application techniques? I appreciate the help. I’ll probably stick around and post because I need so start using the giant horde of makeip I have around.

[wawa]

It's all about the skincare.

Whats your cleanser/moisturizer/sunscreen/etc routine like?

Beyond that you may just need a different formula. Some settle in my wrinkles, some don't. Or a better primer.

[gastro]

Make sure your skin is moisturized, use a good primer under makeup, visit a dermatologist. Good skin = makeup looking good. Regular facials and skincare from my dermatologist have made my skin so much better.

[Pippin]

Ditto it’s all about the skincare. I really like Smashbox’s oil primer to dab around my undereyes to help that area not look dry and gross. I’m also starting to appreciate cream blushes/highlights more.

[mortomo]

I find that moisture, regular exfoliation, a hydrating foundation primer and the right foundation make all the difference. For me it's been a lot of trial and error to get the right combo and I'm still always looking for something 'better'.

For me, matte=accentuating imperfections, so I stay away from matte formulas of foundation, primer and setting sprays.

[knavy]

Thank you all! That’s 100% the problem. I really need to make an appointment to see a dermatologist and take better care of my skin. I still get acne but now I have wrinkles too and it’s like a cruel joke. It’s like my hair and skin suddenly changed. My skin is way drier than it ever used to be and gets patchy. It’s like the mosturizures don’t hydrate enough or they are too heavy and sit on my skin. I was using the Kate Sommerville exfolikate cleanser but it doesn’t seem to really get the job done. I have dr Dennis gross alpha beta peels but I always forget to use them.
My hair is horrid. I have a dry scalp but it gets oily super fast, lots of breakage at the hairline, and super dry ends.
I’m willing to pay for stuff, I keep asking professionals for suggestions but they don’t give me product suggestions just general “use sulphate free shampoo.” . I don’t even style my hair much anymore so it’s not excessive heat damage.

[tiramisu]

knavy I think it's worth seeing if not moisture in all areas would be helpful for you.

Also, for chemical exfoliant, there are lots of other options that might be easier for you to remember. Maybe just a gentle hydrating cleanser that still removes everything and probably some kind of topical BHA. I use a daily 2% BHA lotion, but I have dry skin, so I need all the moisture I can get. A weekly AHA almost like a mini peel could be helpful, too.

[Chuppathingy]

In addition to the chemical exfoliants others have mentioned, the best thing I've done for my skin is adding retinol. Retinol and a high SPF are my best friends.

[jaycee]

Another valuable thing for skin care is to drink a lot of water and get enough sleep.

[mrsukyankee]

knavy, I found that sulfate free shampoo doesn't work for my scalp/hair. I now use a low-poo shampoo and condition every single time (making sure it doesn't get onto my scalp if possible). I use Elvive Colour Protect Low Shampoo.

For my skin, I layer lighter types of moisturising things versus one heavy moisturiser, especially in the morning (I like heavier stuff in the evenings). My morning routine tends to be Secret Key essence, Iunik Vit/Hyaluronic toner, Dr. Frog Water Fullcharge & Mizon all-in-one snail repair cream. It seems to really work well with my dryness. At night I'll introduce oils to the dryer parts of my skin as well as a moisturiser (Ponds) or a sleeping pack.

I have rosacea and sensitive skin which doesn't work well with retinol so I use 5% lactic acid instead which seems to keep my skin cells moving so the moisture I'm adding can really get into the skin. And like jaycee, I'm HUGE into drinking water. And I wear SPF 50 every day that isn't rainy (on those days I may wear 50 but usually 30).

[Pippin]

Rose hip oil is great for healing up acne scars. For minor wrinkles I really like the Mizon Snail Ampoule which you can find on Amazon. I really notice a difference when I’m using that. Also I might as well recommend the Biore Watery Essence spf which is also on Amazon. It’s not greasy at all and works great under makeup.

[pantsparty]

I would look at a chemical exfoliator. I like Makeup Artist's Choice's lactic acid serum, it's good for morning application. Sign up for coupon codes because they send out 30% codes every so often. Definitely a sunscreen and in the evening, I rotate between retinol and AHA/BHA treatments. For moisture I like COSRX Snail All In One cream which I mix with a few drops of The Ordinary's marula oil.

[mortomo]

If you're struggling with acne and fine lines, you might want to look into Curology ( curology.com ). I just started using it a little over a month ago and my skin has really cleared up and actually looks nice. I was having bad hormonal breakouts. Curology is a prescription, but you don't have to go to a doctor. It's all done online and the cost is reasonable. You get your first bottle for free. I just requested more anti-aging ingredients in my formulation and this is what my next bottle will have in it:

– tretinoin 0.009% (unclogs pores and improves skin texture)
– clindamycin 1% (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory)
– azelaic acid 9% (antibacterial that also fights redness and hyperpigmentation)