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Make-up over 40: less powder, more light

Why yesterday’s routine now adds years – and the seven changes that make mature skin look fresher without covering it up

Skin changes – and the make-up that worked at 25 often does exactly the opposite of what it should at 45: it settles into lines, looks flat and makes the skin look tired. The good news: it does not take masses of new products, but a different technique. Seven changes that make the biggest difference.

1. Skincare is half the battle

Mature skin is usually drier. Make-up only lasts and looks even on well-nourished skin. In the morning a rich but fast-absorbing day cream such as Mon Secret Jour, in the evening the night cream – both together in the SECRET SKIN set. Let it absorb for five minutes before make-up begins.

2. Primer instead of a second layer of foundation

Instead of applying more foundation to hide unevenness, a thin layer of Ma Base Secrète Pro Primer smooths the surface. Foundation sits more evenly on it and you only need half as much.

3. Foundation sheer – and a touch warmer

A small drop of INCEPTION liquid foundation with the foundation brush from the centre of the face outwards, building up only where redness or shadows bother you. Many women become slightly paler in the face over the years – half a step warmer (W instead of N) brings back freshness without looking orange.

4. Powder only where needed

This is the most important rule: no powder on the cheeks, not under the eyes, not over fine lines. Just a touch of loose powder on the bridge of the nose, chin and centre of the forehead so the T-zone does not shine. Everything else stays slightly glowy – that makes the skin look plumper.

5. Blush higher and softer

Over the years, volume in the face moves downwards. So place blush not on the apples but on the cheekbones and diagonally upwards towards the temple – that visually lifts. Soft tones such as Peach or Roots from the INCEPTION blush look more natural than strong ones.

6. Define brows softly

Thinned brows make the face look tired, hard brows look severe. With the Eyebrow Definer one tone lighter than the hair, fill only the gaps and brush softly with the brow brush. On the lid a warm brown or a taupe from the DUO palette, no shimmer on the mobile lid.

7. Lips: outline first

Fine lines around the lips let colour "bleed". Draw the outline precisely with the lip brush , then fill and blot. Creamy, rich tones such as Irene or Mariette from the INCEPTION lipstick look fresher than matte, very dark shades. A touch of Powder Gloss in the centre of the lips adds volume.

And what you can leave out

Shimmering highlighters on the cheek area, thick kohl lines on the lower lash line, bronzer all over the face. Fewer products, placed more precisely – that is the difference you can see. Our brushes with bamboo handles and the refill powders last for years; you will find the complete base set in the Teint Creation.

See skincare · See complexion products

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