Linter advises choosing a shade with yellow undertones as well. "Yellow warms up the skin. And the warmer your skin looks, the younger it looks," she previously told Allure. "It just has to have a tint so that the skin tone is sunnier and doesn't go ashy," she adds.
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation
5. Powder with caution
If you've got oily skin, odds are that you don't leave the house without a pressed powder compact. But if you're concerned about accentuating any fine lines or wrinkles, use the stuff sparingly. "Powder is your friend, but you need to be careful where you put it," says Barose, who reaches for Koh Gen Do's Natural Lighting Powder for touch-ups. "Look for one that’s silky — not drying — unless you really need more coverage in certain areas. I usually do most of the coverage with foundation but use sheer, light-reflecting powder to set and keep it polished, focusing on the T-zone." A few sheer powders that fit the bill: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, and Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder.
Koh Gen Do
Koh Gen Do Natural Lighting Powder
6. Use a sponge for best results
While using your fingers may seem like the easiest (and uh, free) way to apply your foundation, using a makeup sponge will ensure an even, natural finish. "I apply foundation on the larger areas of the face first, like the cheeks and forehead, then I go in and tweak around the nose and the chin area," says Linter. "Then lastly, I'll apply concealer, plus maybe a touch of foundation under the eye area."
"[Using your] fingers can look blotchy, uneven, or gloppy, which can make your lines come out more," Barose says. "Invest in ones like Thrive Causmetics' Blend + Blur Sponge or anything similar that you can apply damp." Prefer a brush? That's fine too: "Foundation brushes like the ones from M.A.C. are great, too," Barose adds. (The MAC 187S Duo Fiber Face Brush seamlessly blends powder and liquid formulas.) If desired, you can still use a sponge as a final step — regardless of how you choose to apply your makeup — to create a smooth canvas.
7. When it comes to concealer, the lighter the better
Crow's-feet and dark circles are two common skin concerns when it comes to the undereye area, but with the right techniques people won't even know you've got them. "Avoid thick, drying concealers as they bring out [any fine] lines," says Barose. "When it comes to undereye concealer, you need a formula that will give you coverage but without looking cakey or dry, which emphasizes fine lines.
