Mature skin … what you need to know and should have in your makeup wardrobe.
As skin matures, it tells all the stories of a life well lived. Laughter, the journey, wisdom. But it also calls for a more thoughtful approach to what you have in your makeup wardrobe. And as we experience with growing older, some of the products that we used in our 20s may not work as effectively or effortlessly as before.
Your new makeup heroes will need to hydrate, lift and enhance without settling into fine lines. We spoke to head make-up artist and trainer for NARS South Africa, Marco Louis, to get the scoop on his top 5 must-haves for creating a ‘grown glow’.
The key to beautiful makeup on mature skin isn’t covering up – it’s choosing formulas and techniques that enhance your natural features, nourish the skin, and let your radiance shine through. Whether you’re revisiting your routine or reinventing your signature look, these pro-approved tricks will help you glow smarter, not harder – with the help of a few NARS icons, of course.
- Prep is power … Hydration is your best base
Before any makeup touches your skin, ensure it’s well prepped. Mature skin tends to be drier and more delicate, which means hydration is crucial to achieving a smooth, even finish. Use a rich moisturiser and allow it to absorb fully. Marco’s tip: Think of your foundation as an extension of your skincare. His go-to is the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation – a hybrid base infused with glycerin, oat, and milk thistle that locks in hydration, blurs fine lines and pores, and leaves a radiant finish that mimics healthy skin.
2. Lighten up the eye area gently
The under-eye area becomes thinner with age, so avoid heavy or matte concealers that can crack or settle. Instead, opt for creamy, light-reflective formulas. Marco swears by the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for its ability to brighten without creasing. Always apply with your ring finger and gently tap—don’t drag—to avoid tugging on the skin. Focus on the inner corners and just beneath the shadows, not the entire under-eye
3. Lift with blush and choose creams over powders
Powder blush can accentuate dryness and settle into texture. A liquid or cream blush gives a natural flush and adds youthful dewiness. Afterglow Liquid Blush offers a luminous glow without emphasizing fi ne lines. Marco’s technique: Apply blush slightly higher on the cheekbones and blend upwards toward the temples. It gives a lifted, sculpted effect and revives dullness instantly.
4. Set strategically, not heavily
Setting powder can be a double-edged sword on mature skin. The goal is to reduce shine without mattifying your glow or emphasizing texture. Marco recommends using NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder only where needed – typically the T-zone, under the eyes, and around the mouth. Use a small fluffy brush and press the powder into the skin rather than sweeping it across. Less is more.
5. Restore lip volume with shine and hydration
Aging lips may lose definition and moisture, making traditional matte formulas less forgiving. Look for lipsticks that nourish, smooth, and give subtle shine. Marco loves the Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick – a buttery balm-lipstick hybrid enriched with shea and mango butter. Choose shades close to your natural lip tone or just a touch deeper. It adds vibrancy without looking harsh, and the shine creates the illusion of fuller lips. Pro tip: Outline lips softly with a matching lip pencil to prevent feathering and enhance shape. Bonus pro tip: Less is Luxe! When in doubt, scale it back. The most timeless looks are those that focus on healthy skin, well-placed glow, and confident colour. Let the skin breathe, let the eyes sparkle, and let your smile be the boldest thing in the room. Details: narscosmetics.co.za
