This morning I read (and shared) an article about the difference between editorial makeup and the ever growing insta-glam trend makeup.  It was a thought provoking read for me as a Makeup Artist (who admittedly prefers the editorial style) and it explains the difference between the two types of makeup, the arguments for and against both styles and it generated a response on my social media when I asked my clients to comment on their preferred style inspiration.  The comments generally came from ladies in their 30s… struggling with the concept of changing their makeup style from the heavy glam look of the Instagram makeup trend to how they feel they should be applying their makeup now they have reached their 30s.  So I shared a photo on the comments thread of Geri Halliwell, who for me is a perfect inspiration of a woman who used to wear the dramatic makeup look… dramatic eyes, overdrawn lips, very heavily made up.  Yet as she has got older, her look has naturally toned down to a more natural look, glossy skin, nude tones and in my opinion, she has never looked better!  

So then it got me thinking, most of the women I aspire to in terms of iconic beauties are generally aged 30+.  I think as a woman turning 30 it can be a milestone headscratcher.  Am I where I want to be?  Have I achieved what I set out to do?  Should I be married?  Should I be thinking about children?  Am I too old to change my career now? As well as these natural thoughts, our external self changes… skin now falls under the “mature” category, we need to take extra care of our skin as well as working harder to keep those extra fatty pounds at bay.  I’m 36 now and I am scrutinising my face more than ever.  I suppose in my job I’m often surrounded by pretty models, young girls with more elastic in their skin than they could ever appreciate at that age… I’m slapping on the eye cream, trying not to be so expressive in my face (which is very difficult for me), constantly battling with the idea of “a bit of botox…just a bit” and I think its a strange period of life.  You’re not young, you’re not old- you’re in middle somewhere and almost trying to find a new identity again (or maybe that’s just me?).  There are lots of little changes we can make to subtley transition from a 20-something to a 30+.  Stepping up the skin care is an absolute must.  Nothing major, or expensive – just keep it simple.  More water, hydrate your skin with a nice moisturiser and take your makeup off before bed.  Those 3 would definitely be a good start!  However, this is not going to turn in to a lecture or a depressing article about getting older.  Infact, I wanted to do the opposite and remind us that just because we get older, we can still look fabulous!  Its not about being classically beautiful or having skin that goes immediately back in place as soon as you have stretched it it. It’s about confident and embracing the years and making the best of what we have! Be someone else’s inspiration! I’m not telling anyone that they need to grow old gracefully.  If a nip/tuck, botox or a magical potion that promises the world makes you feel better then do it! Who am I to tell you its not a good idea?  I actually have no opinion on cosmetic surgery/aesthetic procedures other than to advise that you do your research fully and don’t make any decisions without being completely sure.  I think that’s a whole other blog to be honest…

So back to my point, here is my inspiration for HOT older ladies… rocking their age from their 30s to their 80s. 

 30s

40s

50s

60s

70s

80s

So next time you start beating yourself up for getting older, just remind yourself  that you are still fabulous!  Less is more when it comes to products.  If you have mature skin, look at your products… try less coverage, opt for creamy products rather than powders, avoid frosted eye colours and if you’re still in doubt, book a lesson with me and I can talk you through some product recommendations and I can teach you how to apply your makeup with confidence.  You can contact me here.

 

Thanks

 

Gemma x