The joys of aging can be less enthusiastic when it comes to makeup—this is especially true when it comes to matte formulations. Cosmetics are designed to enhance your complexion and facial features, but matte makeup and mature skin can be a challenging combination. For starters, aging skin means decreased collagen production and less elasticity. Skin can also become increasingly dry, which isn’t ideal for a shine-free makeup look. But that doesn’t mean pulling off the matte trend is impossible on mature skin. With the right routine, you don’t have to shy away from popular looks like the recent butter skin trend. Ahead, we tapped two celebrity makeup artists for their tips for nailing matte makeup on mature skin and the best application techniques for creating a youthful appearance.
Featured experts
- Christian Briceno is a celebrity makeup artist
- Tayaba Jafri is an editorial makeup artist and the global beauty director at Laura Mercier
Matte makeup and mature skin challenges
While fine lines can pose a problem for a matte makeup look, they’re not the main concern. “As skin matures, it naturally becomes drier, and matte formulas can emphasize that dryness, causing the makeup to appear cakey,” explains editorial makeup artist Tayaba Jafri. Even if you have oily or combination skin, she notes that dehydration beneath the surface can be an issue. Collagen production is another area that can be challenging with matte makeup products. “Less elasticity causes lines and fine wrinkles that can make the skin difficult to work on with mattifying products,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. The key, as both MUAs note, lies in the application process. According to Briceno, too much product can look heavy and weighed down, while Jafri says that the wrong placement can leave the skin looking dull and dry.
How to apply matte makeup on mature skin
Prepping your skin with hydrating products beforehand is essential. “Look for a rich moisturizer that will help soothe dryness and give the skin a hydrated appearance. Massaging the product will increase blood flow and naturally plump up the skin,” says Briceno. He recommends incorporating a face mist that can be used before and during makeup application. But the prepping stage doesn’t end with your skin-care routine. Achieving a shine-free look often requires a primer, and Jafri mentions that a blurring formula is the best option for mature skin. “A fully matte face isn’t necessary, especially on mature skin, to create the matte effect,” she says. In that vein, she recommends only using the primer where it’s needed most.
The foundation you choose will depend on your skin’s needs and whether it tends to be more oily or dry. However, the experts agree that a demi-matte formula is best for mature skin, as it delivers more of a youthful appearance. “Matte makeup should still leave the skin looking lively,” says Jafri. To finish your look, she recommends setting the makeup with soft-matte powder to mattify, not flatten the skin, and locking it in with a setting spray.
Matte makeup products for mature skin
