Navigating makeup through the menopause can throw a few challenges our way. The techniques and products people have previously used and loved seem to stop working due to hormonal changes that can significantly impact the skin. Pro MUA Sarah-Jane Froom provides a few things to consider for menopausal makeup application...
Skincare: Does your client have a good skincare regime? If they’re complaining about the way makeup looks on their skin, why not try and book them in for a facial and skin analysis at a salon? Here, the professional therapists can tailor-make a regime for their skin’s specific needs.
Primer: A good primer is your best friend to smooth the appearance of clients’ fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture and open pores. Primer will also keep skin looking flawless throughout the day and keep makeup in place during hot flushes.
Foundation: Choose a lightweight, hydrating foundation or tinted moisturiser infused with skincare ingredients. This will even out the appearance of the skin, giving a fresh, dewy coverage and combatting signs of dry or dull-looking skin. Less is more so apply sparingly where needed.
Under-eye brightener: Use a light-reflecting, hydrating formula under the eyes to combat puffiness and dark circles. Choose a fine, serum-like texture that won’t settle into fine lines. It should simply brighten, smooth and soothe.
Concealer: For blemishes, dark spots and severe redness that is visible after foundation, I recommend a matte concealer. Use a small brush or mini sponge to apply sparingly and keep the concealer the same colour as foundation so it doesn’t highlight breakouts and blemishes.
Mascara: As we get older, our lashes become sparser so go for a volumising mascara to thicken the appearance of lashes. Find a smudge-proof one to avoid transfer onto skin during a hot flush.
Brows: These can become thinner and sometimes patchy with age, and a lot of people also overplucked them in their teens. I use a tinted brow gel to cover greys and comb strays into place then a fine-tipped pencil to mimic hairs and fill in gaps.
Lips: Our lips become thinner and less plump in menopause so use a natural lip liner slightly above and below the upper and lower bow of the lip to enhance shape and size. Liner will also help prevent feathering. Then, opt for lighter lipsticks and glosses for a plumper and fuller appearance – preferably hydrating balmy formulas, but I also love lip oils.
Hydrating spray: These lock in moisture while adding a fresh, dewy finish and combat dryness. This is particularly beneficial during hot flushes throughout the day, which can cause skin to feel dry.
Sarah-Jane Froom is a professional makeup artist, TV presenter and content creator with over 26 years’ experience in the fashion and beauty industry.