Beauty For Your Age

Beauty For Your Age
Article By: Laia Farran


We bring you some tips and expert advice from celebrity make-up artist Jemma Kidd to ensure your skin is kept in tip-top condition, decade after decade.

The skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and as time goes on, it may require special attention. Skin ages mainly due to sun damage and pollution — without which we probably wouldn't develop wrinkles until we were in our 80s. So be mindful of sun protection and regular cleansing.


Start as you mean to go on: Your skin in your 20s
Prevention is the name of the game when you are in your 20s. Sun protection is essential, so ensure you wear an SPF moisturiser. "It is also a good idea to invest in a good cleansing routine and you can start to exfoliate regularly to avoid skin congestion," recommends Jemma. Night cream isn't necessary, as your epidermal cells are regenerating every 20 days. It may be wise to invest in a good tinted moisturiser and a concealer to disguise under-eye circles from late nights! And, of course, drink plenty of water and eat a balanced, healthy diet (as recommended by the Weight Watchers Guidelines).

Radiate in your 30s
This is a crucial stage in your skin's appearance. It is important to nourish your skin, as the epidermal cells become thinner and skin repair slows down. "Less collagen and elastin to support the skin will contribute to the start of wrinkle-forming. Ensure you use a good eye cream and a good moisturiser with built-in SPF of at least 15," says Jemma. Collagen-based products are also advisable at this time, as they will make up for the natural moisture loss. Using a neck cream from your mid-thirties can also prevent later wrinkles in the area. There are no known disadvantages from the use of such products; they will simply support your own skin system. As for make-up, keep it practical, as you are likely to be on the go. Make-up wipes and dual-function products, such as a lip and cheek stain, will be wise choices to have in your handbag, enabling you to get ready at the drop of a hat.

Life begins at 40
When you reach 40, your skin will begin to lose epidermal cells, becoming thinner and taking longer to repair itself. It's a good time to apply night cream in addition to the established beauty regime that you already practise. In terms of make up, Jemma recommends that you adapt to a more mature look: "Switching to a dark brown mascara for a more elegant finish and using light reflective products to add radiance to your complexion" is her advice.

50 and glowing strong!
Today's 50 year olds are looking younger than ever before. Nourishing skincare is important and Vitamins A, B5, C and E are recommended. A good eye cream is also key at this stage in your life. If you have a good routine in place just maintain it, and cheat with your make-up. Jemma Kidd recommends that you use a neutral lip liner to balance your lip shape, and a cream foundation. Not as much powder will be required, and light reflective products will keep you glowing!

The swinging 60s
At this time, your skin will appear thinner as your epidermal cells continue to decrease by 10%, and produce less collagen and elastin. Moisture loss will result in further dryness, so nourishing is absolutely key. Once again, Jemma recommends that you go for elegance: "Use demure shades of make up to bring out the elegance in you and light reflective products to give you a healthy glow." If you are stuck in a make-up routine you have always used, why not book a make-up lesson over the counter to find out which shades suit you best?

Hair: The long and the short of it
People's hair goes grey at different ages as a result of loss of melanin. Some people start going grey in high school whereas others may be well into their 40s before they start. It is a personal choice to dye one's hair or keep it white, and very much down to how you feel about it. There are countless products available in the marketplace, some of which are vegetable-based and therefore not harmful to the hair structure or condition. Go for such options as a long-term solution. As you decide to change your hair color, be mindful of adapting your make-up accordingly, whether you go from grey to brown to blond, red or back to grey!

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