Q: How can I make my aging skin look smooth and even-toned without looking heavily made up?
—Becky, 49, Peotone, IL
A: The trick here is to choose the right foundation. Go for a liquid formula that melts right into your skin for a natural finish. Stay away from heavy concealers and powders that dull the skin. Using a skin-brightening primer before applying foundation is another great way to ensure a smooth and youthful appearance.
Q: Being in my late twenties, I’m eager to find a skin-care solution that provides sun protection plus ingredients that combat wrinkles (thinking ahead).
—Theresa, 28, Toronto, ON
A: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against those damaging, aging rays. Choose a moisturizer with a built-in sunscreen to protect yourself in one easy step. Look for makeup containing antioxidants (great age fighters) and other natural skin care goodies like papaya and cork oak extracts that nourish your skin and help keep it in tip-top shape.
Q: How can I make my skin glow without looking too oily?
—Hayley, 23, Sammamish, WA
A: Apply a powder highlight only in key areas, not all over your face. Sweep it on top of the cheekbones, under the brows, and on the inside corners of the eyes. Your skin will glow without looking greasy.
Q: How do I best cover both blemishes and tiny acne scars?
—Monica, 25, Tama, IA
A: A light touch is key; applying too much concealer draws attention. I suggest using a small – tipped concealer brush to dab on a little blemish concealer mixed with a bit of your regular foundation. Use the fine tip of the brush to apply a bit of this mixture, then lightly blend the edges with the brush. Take a cotton swab dipped in a little translucent powder and dab the area to set it.
Q: As an African American, I love my caramel complexion and would love to play it up with not just warm colors, but cool ones as well. Should I?
—Danielle, 35, Philadelphia, PA
A: With your beautiful skin tone, you have a lot more color choices than most women. When choosing cool shades, go deep or bold, but skip pastels—they can look ashy against your complexion. Think in terms of jewel tones, like amethyst, emerald, and navy blue for eyes; for cheeks and lips, try bold pinks, berries, or deep plums.
Q: How can I cancel the red tint in my older eyelids?
—Darla, 56, Boise, ID
A: That’s an easy one. Just tap a little eye shadow base onto the lid. It neutralizes the red and helps shadows stay truer longer.
Q: I’m a former sun worshipper and am now paying the price with dark patches around my jawline. Foundation doesn ’t cover them, and I’ve tried several skin lighteners without success. Suggestions?
—Cindy, 47, Tallahassee, FL
A: This is a call for your dermatologist. There are wonderful new procedures to reverse serious sun damage, such as glycolic peels and lasers. But only a professional dermo should perform them. After treatment, you must be extra diligent about applying sunscreen, or the dark patches will return. In the meantime, stop trying to mask the area with heavy foundation. Instead, brighten your whole complexion by applying a light-reflecting primer before foundation.
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