‘I’m a 74-Year-Old Makeup Artist—These Are the Three Products I Swear By for Creating a 5-Minute Face’

As we get older, our skin needs more moisture—and it can be challenging to find makeup products that work. “As skin ages, oil production slows down,” says Dr. Maral Skelsey told Well + Good, “Oil glands become smaller and fewer in number, and lowered hormone levels affect how much oil is produced.” The reduced levels of moisture can make skin feel dry and result in makeup creasing or flaking throughout the day.

That’s why 74-year-old makeup artist, Elise Marquam Jahns is a big proponent of adjusting your makeup routine as you age. “The skincare, makeup techniques, and products we used in our 20s and 30s don’t work quite as well for us as we move into our 40s and beyond,” she says. “So it’s important to learn the techniques and products that do work for us now.”

But don’t worry: Adjusting your makeup routine doesn’t mean it has to take any more time out of your routine. If you’re someone who loves a 5-minute face, read on for Jahn’s makeup must-haves for mature skin.

Start with exfoliation

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder — $65.00

“Good skin prep becomes even more vital before applying makeup as we get older,” says Jahns. This process starts with exfoliation, as it’s crucial to regularly slough off dead skin cells to properly prepare mature skin for makeup. “Since our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down as we age, it causes a buildup of dead and dull skin,” says Jahns. “Regular exfoliation accelerates cell turnover, which in turn softens fine lines and wrinkles and reduces hyperpigmentation.” She recommends Tatcha’s Rice Polish, which employs Japanese rice bran to offer gentle physical exfoliation, and comes in a variety of formulations to target specific skin types.

After you’ve exfoliated, Jahns suggests following up with a hydrating moisturizer to really prime your skin for what’s to come.

Use a foundation-concealer stick

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick — $38.00

When you’ve only got five minutes, a multi-purpose product is key, which is why Jahns recommends using a foundation-and-concealer stick to get the most bang for your buck. “I especially love Merit’s Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer,” she says. “This foundation is not only quick and easy to just swipe across the face, but it also has enough coverage to conceal redness and discoloration.”

For what it’s worth, our editors love this “perfecting” complexion stick, too. It goes on in 10 seconds flat, and offers light, buildable coverage with a dewy, skin-like finish. In addition, the creamy formula is packed with fatty acids that help to lock in moisture, making it the perfect pick for mature skin.

Add a pop of color

Tarte Quick Stick™ Waterproof Shadow & Liner — $25.00

Speaking of multi-purpose products, Jahns also recommends adding a pop of color with formulas that do twice the work—like cream blushes (which can double as lip tints) and bronzing highlighters.

One particular double-duty product she loves? These eyeliner/eyeshadow sticks, which will give you full glam in a few quick swipes. “Having a one-and-done cream eyeshadow teamed with eyeliner is really a brilliant formula for creating a quick, out-the-door eye look,” says Jahns. “Tarte’s Quick Sticks are especially wonderful for those of us with sensitive eyes.”

Sandy Lintner, another makeup artist in her 70s, has a helpful tip for how to apply this type of product: “Do a thicker liner than usual on your upper lid, and do almost no liner at all on your lower lid,” she says. “This lifts up the [gaze of] anyone who is looking at you.”

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