by 
New Year’s Eve makeup is often about hiding a lot of sins from the previous week. But the temptation to put on a little more, to hide a more puffy face and dark bags under the eyes, can sometimes make us look older.
As a 51-year-old, I noticed that certain things (e.g. matte foundation or the wrong color of lipstick) can add a few years in the blink of an eye. What’s the point of all these cutting-edge rejuvenating serums and masks in my bathroom if some stuff in my vanity bag can cancel them out?
Eager to learn how to look more Brigitte Bardot than Granny Pig on New Year’s Eve, I turned to makeup artist Wendy Rowe for help. In addition to perfecting her makeup on countless Vogue covers, Rowe is the person Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, Helen Mirren, Priyanka Chopra and Olivia Wilde call when they want to look fabulous on the red carpet.
Here’s Wendy Rowe’s checklist of essentials for perfect glam.
Number 1: The right foundation
“Avoid anything with a matte or powdery finish as it will just end up looking cakey and accentuate your lines. A good tinted moisturizer is much more flattering as we age. And apply it with your fingers. Always go for something with a dewy, radiant finish (the clearer the better). If you feel that the coverage is too light in some places, just use a good concealer to cover pigmentation, cracked veins and dark circles under the eyes. And be sparing with the concealer as it can be a bit powdery.”
Wendy recommends:
Westman Atelier Skin Drops £62, Net-a-Porter (net-a-porter.com)
Vanish Airbrush Concealer Hourglass £32, Space Nk (spacen.com)
Number 2: Eyebrows in the right shade
“Choose an eyebrow pencil one shade lighter than usual. Anything too dark on your brows can make them look too heavy and make your eyes look smaller. You want to try to open your eye as much as possible. Soft ash colors work really well for most people (and never use any browns with red). As for the shape, work with what you have. Big, full eyebrows are more youthful, but don’t try to recreate them because they will just look like a clown.
Wendy recommends:
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil, £33, Space NK (spacenk)
Number 3: Be careful with mascara
“If mascara is applied too thickly, it will cause the eye to close, which we want to keep as open and uplifted as possible. Forget false eyelashes or volumizing mascaras because they just look too cluttered. A fine, natural-looking mascara is much more flattering after a certain age. And always choose a waterproof mascara as it is less prone to smearing.
Wendy recommends:
Chanel Noir Allure Mascara, £37 (John Lewis)
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara. £9.99 (Boots.com)
Number 4: Give a shine with lipstick
“Our lips get dry as we age, so anything with a matte finish will make them look even drier. Plus matte lipstick just isn’t flattering. The nude shade is also important. Charlotte Tilbury’s pillow talk isn’t for everyone! In general, nude shades of blue or red will enliven the face. And using a really soft lip pencil is a good way to make lips that have become a bit thinner look fuller.
Wendy recommends:
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer, £18, (Victoria Beckham)
Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick, Number 08, £27 (Feelunique)
Number 5: Soften your eyeliner
“A heavy, dark eyeliner really ages because it closes the eyes and makes them appear smaller. It can be much more flattering to simply apply a dot of eyeliner pencil between the eyelashes on the eyelid instead of drawing an actual line. And just make the outer corners and then blend with a brush. Try using browns or browns that are softer and more flattering.”
wendy loves:
Kajal Victoria Beckham Satin Liner, £22 (victoriabeckhambeauty.com)
Number 6: Matte your eye shadow
Always opt for a matte bronzer or eyeshadow instead of something shimmery. The sparkles will fall into the creases and emphasize the lines.
wendy loves:
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, £43, John Lewis (johnlewis.com)
Dior Satin Finish 5 Couleurs Couture Palette, £49 (dior.com)
