As beauty trends evolve and our skin changes with age, many in the UK are seeking guidance on how to best approach their makeup routines. From teenagers experimenting with cosmetics to individuals navigating midlife beauty, understanding the fundamentals of application and product choice can make a significant difference. Industry experts emphasise that the foundation of any successful makeup look begins not with cosmetics, but with a diligent skincare regimen.
Kate Hughes, a London and Ibiza-based freelance makeup artist specialising in midlife beauty, stresses the paramount importance of skincare. She explains that as we age, the natural process of cell turnover slows, leading to a duller complexion due to a build-up of dead skin cells. To combat this, Hughes, aged 56, advocates for regular exfoliation, often three to four times a week. For those new to exfoliation, she recommends starting once a week with gentle exfoliating pads before gradually introducing liquid exfoliants. This approach, she notes, helps achieve the coveted 'dewy' and 'fresh' look.
For younger individuals, the advice from Bobbi Brown, founder of Jones Road Beauty and Bobbi Brown cosmetics, is to keep makeup minimal. Brown suggests that while there isn't a definitive 'right' age to start wearing makeup, the focus should be on subtle enhancement. A touch of lip gloss, a tinted moisturiser, or a hint of blush or mascara are often sufficient. The goal, she explains, is to look like an enhanced version of oneself, rather than attempting to cover up or transform entirely. Confidence, Brown asserts, remains the most impactful accessory.
A common mistake across all age groups, particularly from adolescence onwards, is attempting to mask blemishes with heavy layers of makeup. Both Bobbi Brown and London-based makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, who received an MBE in 2025 for her contributions to makeup artistry, advise against this. Brown highlights that thick coverage often draws more attention to the blemish. Instead, Eldridge champions 'pinpoint concealing' – applying a skin-toned concealer precisely to the necessary areas and blending the edges, thereby allowing the natural skin to show through and shifting focus away from problem areas.
For those contending with warmer climates or humid conditions, such as the 30C heat and 80% humidity Hughes experiences in Ibiza, preventing makeup from melting is a key concern. Hughes recommends the 'makeup sandwich' method: applying a 'grippy' primer, followed by a setting spray, then your makeup, and finally another layer of setting spray. This layering technique significantly extends makeup longevity, though it's typically reserved for special occasions rather than daily wear. Furthermore, Hughes strongly advises consistent use of high SPF, seeking shade, and wearing protective accessories like hats and sunglasses, citing dermatological advice that one must choose between good skin and a suntan.