How to: Mature Makeup

I've always been curious about the right way to do the makeup of more mature people like people in their late 40's onwards. Their skin is different so I was unsure on how to do it but thankfully I learned this during my makeup classes in Basement Academy.

So here are some tips on how to do mature makeup:

• Make sure that the whole face as well as the eye area is very well moisturized before applying any makeup.
• You may want to use a purple base to brighten up their skin tone.
  
• Mature skin tends to be dry so skip the oil control products and look for products that are moisturizing instead.
• Don't be afraid of shimmer! It still works even with more mature people.
• Mature people may have a preference for lipstick colors such as raisin red, brown, etc. so it's better to ask them what color of lipstick they would like.
  

Specific concerns for mature makeup:

• Expression lines: Use concealer only as needed as they might settle into the expression lines.
• Thinning eyebrows: You might want to draw outside the brows to make them look thicker. Thicker brows will give a more youthful appearance.
• Thinning eyelashes: You might want to ask if they are open to the idea of wearing falsies.
  
• Thin lips: A lip liner is handy for this.
• Drooping skin: Apply makeup in an upwards motion to make a lifting effect.
  

So here's an example of mature makeup. In the before picture, she actually had makeup which she place herself. I just forgot to take a picture of her without any makeup on. HTH!

How to: Men's Makeup

Before I went to Basement Academy, I had absolutely no experience doing men's makeup. I'm glad it was tackled in class because now, I can do makeup for them already. This is very handy because at some point in our lives, we'll be doing makeup for men when we do weddings, photo shoots, etc.

So here's my how-to when it comes to men's makeup:

• Make sure to cleanse and tone very well because men normally have oilier and have more dirt on their faces compared to females.
• Powder foundation is your best choice for males because they hate that sticky feeling on their faces; plus, men tend to be oilier. A two-way foundation is handy because you can apply it dry for men who have good skin already and then use it wet for men who need more coverage.
• Generally, men hate looking white because they think that it doesn't look manly. Since they're not the type who are color and sun-conscious, their arms are probably darker than their face. Use the color of their arms as a guide to what foundation shade to use on their faces. However, some men do not want to look darker, so I think it's best to inform them first of what you're going to do. If they agree, then go, but if not, then use a shade that matches with their faces.
• Don't forget to put powder in the ears and the sides of the neck to make sure that the color is even throughout the face.
• Use concealer as needed.
• When contouring, use downward strokes to make a chiseled appearance.
• NEVER use anything with shimmer. It has to matte all the way.
• Eyeliner, curling lashes and brow trimming are optional. Unless his brows are majorly thick, putting on clear mascara will do.
• A neutral blush can be used especially for men who are pale. Blush through the forehead, chin, cheeks, etc.
• For the lips, a cherry chapstick comes in handy, since a clear lip balm can make them look pale and most men don't want gloss on their lips.

I hope that these tips are handy if ever you decide to do makeup for males.

To finish off, I'd like to share with you an example of doing men's makeup. I made this during my makeup makeup classes in Basement Academy. HTH!