Makeup artist shares contour tips for women over 50 to look younger

As women age, skin elasticity reduces and it can start to sag, but instead of going under the knife or receiving injections, makeup can instantly transform the face without permanent results. While the younger generation has been contouring for years thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian introducing it into the beauty industry, a makeup artist has shared their tips to contour mature faces to give the appearance of a successful lift.

Contouring is a makeup technique that uses cosmetic products to define, enhance and sculpt the structure of the face. 

There are a few basic principles to contouring and using light and dark shades; lighter colours highlight and make objects come forward, darker colours push back, recede and look less pronounced. 

If you want to make your nose, forehead, or jawline look less obvious, use a darker colour. If you want an area in your face to look bigger or brighter, use lighter colours. 

But for beginners, or mature ladies, celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman has two contour tricks for hiding sagging skin and maximising glow and highlighting bone structure. 

READ MORE: 5 natural ingredients beauty expert recommends to ‘tighten’ saggy skin

1. Use self-tanner as a contour 

Self-tan is great for an all-over body glow, but it is also great for achieving a perfect contour. 

For anyone who is intimidated by contour makeup kits and the contrasting shades, self-tan or self-tanning drops are a great alternative. 

The formula can be applied every few days and it produces a more natural look, but the key is choosing the right tan formula and applying it correctly. 

Brett said: “Light reflection is a huge factor in youthful skin, dewy/moist reads as younger. 

“Rather than use full-bodied highlighters I like to use a super subtle light-catching cream.” 

Tinted facial mousses or cream highlighters are great to add a “touch on the apples of the cheeks, nose and chin”.

Brett recommends adding this “after makeup is done to add a “glowy touch of dewiness that feels natural” and not like you’re wearing lots of makeup. 

Brett said: “Light reflection is a huge factor in youthful skin, dewy/moist reads as younger. 

“Rather than use full-bodied highlighters I like to use a super subtle light-catching cream.” 

Tinted facial mousses or cream highlighters are great to add a “touch on the apples of the cheeks, nose and chin”.

Brett told She Finds that adding this “after makeup is done to add a “glowy touch of dewiness that feels natural” and not like you’re wearing lots of makeup.