Makeup for "mature" skin

I'm 36 with combination skin and I've found that TruBlend works for me.

Honestly, though, if you do not like the look of foundation, ask her for alternatives. I would do a 2nd trial run with her idea to see how it looks before you rule it out, too.

Good luck!!

Some products don't look good regardless of how well you take care of your skin. Honestly I would keep looking for another makeup artist.

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Thanks, Kerin. I would like to do another trial but I'm afraid she'll charge me again. Do you think she should do it for free?

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Thanks, Jana. That's kind of what my instinct is too. I think she just doesn't get it an isn't used to working on skin that's older than 25. The problem is I've already put 50% payment down for me and three other people I'm kind of thinking I need to test out a bunch of my own foundations and make her use one that I choose - but all the makeup counters are closed due to Covid right now.

Does she offer airbrush foundations? First, at "30+" your skin is not so "mature" that a makeup artist should be baffled by how to apply foundation on you -- that says everything about her lack of skill and nothing about your complexion.... Unfortunately, I'm guessing you're stuck with her with just three weeks to go. I was 60 when daughter's HMUA did my make-up for her wedding (THAT is mature skin! lol ). She did a very light airbrush foundation and I've never felt prettier in my entire life. If there are a total of four people in your party, is this artist doing everyone's makeup or is she working with another artist? If so, can you talk about the other person doing your make-up? If you're stuck with her, I'd probably Google as much as you can about OTC foundation products you can buy in available retailers, and then do some experimenting to find something you're more comfortable with. I'm so sorry.... You deserve to look and feel beautiful!

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Thank you! I am only 36 and I agree that my skin shouldn't be considered that mature, haha. I do think I'm stuck with her with so little time left and $300 wasted already (50% deposit for 3 people + trial). I am seriously considering cutting my losses though and trying to do my makeup myself. I just wish all the makeup places weren't shut down so I could experiment more!! I really need help with matching my foundation and I don't want to waste a fortune just buying stuff for it to not be right. I did my own engagement makeup and was happy with it, more than what she did. What I did wouldn't last long enough for the whole day though.

She's the only one doing makeup and we have someone else for hair, so there's no option to swap out. I am worried too about my mom and sister - their skin and tastes will require even more skill than mine and I feel bad I got them into this.

Should I push her to do another trial until we get it right or am I just fooling myself and need to cut my losses? I am willing to lose that money in order to look and feel good on my wedding day.

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I certainly don't think it will hurt to ask her for another trial. I'd also ask about an airbrush option -- it really is MUCH lighter than other foundations. If she won't do another trial, have the Ulta and/or Sephora stores near you opened yet? By us, they aren't doing makeup applications, but I'm sure they can still help you select products that are right for your skin and coloring. If nothing else, and you'll feel more comfortable, do it yourself.... Good luck!

Ask for a partial second trial since it’s just the foundation. The adjustments she said she would make would have been my suggestions (skip the powder over liquid, don’t go for matte, Dewy setting spray. Have her do the foundation first, you check it, then have her continue on. That way you can still wipe it off if it doesn’t work out. If you are happy with your natural make up, bring it with you as a backup.

Without seeing your skin or the pictures, it’s a little difficult. Do you recall what foundation brand and powder she used? Also, if you have lines and wrinkles, using too much powder isn’t good because it settles into those areas. Also, powder is dry, so it doesn’t work well on dry skin (nor mature skin, which you don’t have). I like using cream foundations because you can build them up to the level of coverage that you want, a little goes a long way and it looks more like natural “skin” if you use the right professional HD brands. Also, the skin prep that she did prior to applying your make up is important too.


Definitely explain to her that your skin was too dry and cakey. Let her explain to you what she plans to do/use instead and and then book another trial.

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Ok, this is good advice! Thank you!

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Thanks, sexypoodle for your response. I wish I had taken pictures. I don't know what brands she was using. I wish I had paid attention - I was just trusting that she knew what she was doing so I didn't pay attention. I agree powder was a mistake. It's a red flag to me that she didn't realize how bad it looked. I texted her after the appointment to express my concerns and she said she wouldn't use powder again. I have a strong feeling the foundation is a problem too though and she only seems to have one brand of those. I'm going to ask about that an also ask for another partial trial.

I had similar concerns and a gluten allergy, so I decided to go to Merle Norman for makeup. The trial was no cost and it’s just $50/person. They tried several products before choosing what looked best.

I’m following this discussion because I am having the same problem.

View Quoted Comment Ulta and Sephora are both open and functioning as usual in Oklahoma. If you’re willing to travel, find a place that is open near(ish) you and go experiment there. I’m headed there tomorrow with my fingers crossed!

If you have time, can you schedule another trial? Also would she be ok using foundation you prefer?

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That's a great tip! I had never heard of them before but I just googled it and there is one less than 2 miles from my house! I'll give them a call.

Edit: I just called them and they are open and offering full service and matching help! Yay! This might be a lifesaver!

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Best of luck, Gayla!!! I do think some places are starting to get back to normal. Time for me to start calling around again.

I would check to see if she offers airbrushing foundation. It may be a little extra but it really helps to avoid the cakey look. And I would definitely request another trial before the wedding date if I were you. If you weren’t happy with the first one, you need to be sure you’ll like her work for the actual day!

View Quoted Comment I hope it works out for you! They were great for me - checked each product for gluten prior to my appointment!

FYI, I really love this YouTube channel for "mature" skin and makeup:

https://www.youtube.com/user/HotandFlashy/featured

Some consider mature skin to be over 30, some over 40. I'm 34 years old and my skin is definitely different than it was when I was in my early-mid 20s.

You should see if the MUA is willing to redo a trial for you at no cost - just ask. She may say no, but she may also say yes. You can ask her just to focus on the areas you didn't like - so maybe its just the face/base but not eyes and other details. If you only want her to redo your concealer, foundation, and any contouring, but leave out the eye makeup, lashes, lips, and brows, she may be willing to do a second trial for free or inexpensively because it will take far less time and product than doing a full face. The goal is just to see how these products sit on your skin over time, so you really don't need a second "full" trial if you liked all of the other things.