are you over or under ?

I originally wrote this article in November of 2008. I was reviewing some of my previous articles and thought this one  worth recycling As I get busy with family and the Holiday Season, I  will probably republish some of my most read and better articles of  the year.  
  40 years old, that is
Just a few  tips for the over 40 woman....and it wouldn't hurt  younger women to read this too!

• As we get older our skin gets dryer. Drinking plenty of water is beneficial not only for your skin, but your overall health as well. Bottled water is not necessarily the best "green way" to go. Get a refillable water carrier and use a Brita or Pur filter on your home faucet. Save yourself some money ( for buying mineral makeup) and save the landfills all the plastic that will never go away.
  
• Moist skin  instantly make you look younger. However, skin changes as you get older, so remember to use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your current skin type. A moisturizer that worked when you were in your 20's or 30's may not achieve the same results now that you are older . If a moisturizer makes you break out or feels greasy, you are using the wrong product for your skin type. Many national brands have products that are age appropriate for over  the 40 women
  
• Using heavy pancake makeup and powders does not work for dryer skin. Heavily powdered skin will make your skin look  dry. Keep the makeup application light and clean. If your skin has a fairly even tone, don't use a heavy foundation. Tinted moisturizers are a good option to consider.  Sally Hansen has a new product . It is an illuminating primer that can actually be worn alone. It is creamy and comes in a pump bottle. I applied it with a non latex makeup sponge. Looks great alone or applied over your mineral  makeup for an added luminosity.
  
  
• Just as the pigment in our hair changes and it turns gray, the melanin in our skin changes also. Amazing how things work together as we age. Be sure that your foundation or tinted moisturizer still matches your skin color as closely as possible.  If it does not match, take the time to find another foundation that does. It will instantly update your look and you will actually look younger than your years.
  
• Women over 40 do not need to buy in to every seasonal trend that comes a long.A little "chic" goes a long way. You will end up looking silly if you buy up all the latest trends. Classics look fabulous on the over 40 woman.
  
  
• Invest in good  quality make up brushes. A couple of good brushes will make your application quicker, easier, and . more professional looking. It is your choice whether to use natural bristle brushes or synthetic. bristles. I have both , but my favorites are the natural bristle, except for my concealer brush. That one is Taklon.
  
• If you can afford one, schedule a consult with  a professional makeup artist.  If the budget won't allow, there are some wonderful tutorials on YouTube regarding all kinds of makeup application. A lot of these women are makeup artists, and a lot are just like me and you....not a pro artists, but fabulous just the same.
  

Finally, invest in the basics not only for your closet, but your skin care and makeup. A good skincare program can save you tons of tears. The foundation, literally for all your fab looks is your skin, that is your canvas. Putting on all the cosmetics in the world isn't going to work if you don't take care of your skin.Always remember to dress for the occasion, and to paraphrase Coco Chanel....when leaving home always remove one accessory as you go out the door.

Cheers!
Lori