Relating to makeup, people can likely agree on one thing: Foundation — yes, even essentially the most full-coverage of formulas — should enhance your skin’s appearance, not have a mask-like effect that covers your natural complexion. Nevertheless, there is not any denying that as you age your skin changes and so, too, will your needs change by way of what a base product can do for you. Perhaps you’ve got noticed that in the vast majority of makeup tutorials on YouTube and in most makeup ads, the models showcasing complexion products and techniques are within the prime of their youth, nary a tremendous line price filling and with skin possessing the bounce-back rate of a full tank of collagen. That said, we bypassed popular opinion to get the experts’ experience and chatted with among the most experienced makeup artists to bring you helpful advice for shopping, applying, and wearing foundation once you’re in your 40s and above. Read on for his or her must-have tricks to take your makeup game to the subsequent level.

1. Skin-care prep is vital

One of the best strategy to ensure flawless application of foundation, whether you are 14 or 40, is to prep your skin properly prior to the primary drop of makeup. “Moisture is vital, so at all times be sure you begin with a moisturizer that’s hydrating but won’t turn greasy and interrupt your foundation texture,” makeup artist Nick Barosewho counts Kim Cattrall, Angela Bassett, and Holly Hunter as clients, tells Allure.

“Prior to applying foundation, reach for a hydrating moisturizer or a little bit of face oil. You may even dab in the muse with a little bit of the oil left in your fingers so as to add some extra moisture,” says makeup artist Gucci Westman, founding father of Westman Atelier. “Be vigilant about moisturizing in all areas — especially across the eyes, where you would like the skin to feel smooth.” One other Westman-approved tip to get a healthy glow without product: “Circulation can be key. Stimulate your face with a quick massage at night or before applying product to get the blood flowing and add a little bit of glow to the skin.” In the event you’re in search of some circulation assistance, there are jade rollers and gua sha stones to offer that facial massage an additional leg up.

We love the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced and Chanel Le Lift Night Cream for hydrating — but not-at-all-greasy — moisturizers.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

$185 at SkinCeuticals

Chanel Le Lift Night Cream

$175 at Chanel

2. Find the appropriate primer

“A primer that helps blur lines is great because then you definitely won’t really need to make use of as much foundation,” Barose says, namechecking Lancôme’s La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer and Armani Maestro UV Skin Defense Primer as favorites. “You furthermore may don’t have to wear it everywhere in the face. Concentrate on lines or [other areas] of your face [you want to] blur.”