Makeup Tips from Obagi for Your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond!

To that end, we sat down with Chicago-based professional makeup artist Kate Johnson and asked her to share her tips for women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Read her tips below (the same ones that she shares with her celebrity clients!).

Obagi: How should a woman in her 30s approach foundation verses a woman in her 50s or 60s?

Kate: Many women I’ve worked with in their 30s are often times going through a type of PTSD of having overly oily skin in their teens. They started using products in their teens that strip away the good oils and now their skin reflects that. They come to me and say "But I’m so oily!" So for a woman in her 30s, finding the right skin care system - maybe for the first time ever - is key.

The best tip I have for a woman in her 50’s or 60s is to use a lighter, more crème-based foundation. Crème-to-powder is gorgeous, keeps the skin hydrated, and flows over the skin beautifully.

Obagi: What about the eyes - what tips do you have?

Kate: Most women know that glitter on the eyes isn’t super attractive and should be used only sparingly. But many women I work with who are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s have gone the total opposite direction and tend to only apply matte shadows to their eyes. In my opinion, this choice can be just as bad as the glitter because it tends to look dull on the eyes. Instead, I encourage women to use a shadow with a soft sheen that mimics the natural glow of the skin and creates the look that eye shadow is really supposed to – a defined eye shape.

For eyeliner, I like to use a felt tip pen liner to define the eye, because a pencil just drags and leaves what I call a “Morse Code Effect,” those lines and dots that can look very unattractive. I also like using a tiny dense brush to smudge the eye shadow if I’m going for a softer look.

Obagi: Are there any tips that an Obagi woman should keep in mind when she’s applying makeup to her lips?

Kate: I’m a fan of lip stain at any age. That and some good old organic balm for days off is great.

Obagi: Finally, Kate, I have to ask you about blush. Blush, to me, seems to be the makeup that most women are afraid of. What do you recommend?

Kate: First, don’t be afraid of blush! A high-quality blush, applied with a great fan brush, can really add a great look and finishing touch to your makeup. I like to use a nice mauve color - the right shade will work with many different skin tones.

So there you have it, makeup tips from an expert to help you look fabulous at any age. And, above all else, remember this: