My ultimate makeup artist secret to a younger appearance comes down to three steps – plus a hero ingredient to look for
A CELEBRITY makeup artist has revealed the tricks she uses to make mature skin instantly look younger.
She said there’s a key ingredient every beauty routine should include to lock in moisture and prevent sun damage.
Zoe Ukemenan, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, is the founder of the vegan makeup brand Kutivz Kollection.
She has a degree in pharmaceuticals and has worked with stars including singer Shingai Shoniwa and the electro-pop band The Noisettes.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared tips for defying the signs of aging.
POWERFUL PRODUCTS
Ukemenan said mature skin tends to have larger open pores, hyperpigmentation, pronounced fine lines, and a loss of elasticity.
She recommends using a full-coverage foundation with a tone that matches the skin.
“Liquid make-up blends in easier with these features, folding into the skin without the blotchy effect giving an easy finished look,” she said.
“The liquid formulation of foundation, concealer and even blush or eyeshadow should also add moisture back over time as mature skin tends to retain moisture essentially also doubling up as skincare.”
Ukemenan said vitamin E is a “hero ingredient” to look out for when buying beauty products.
“The ingredient is responsible for healing, fighting UV sun damage, and also moisturizing the skin,” she said.
“After liquid application, a soft loose powder can be used in lightly finishing the look without blocking pores and or creating cracks.”
ARTISTIC APPLICATION
Ukemenan said full coverage light wear products, careful application, and soft finish powder are the “ultimate secret” for a youthful appearance.
She said face care products should be applied in an upward motion as this has a “knock-on effect” on how the skin reacts to it.
“For make-up, there is no one rule,” she said.
“Fuller coverage is obtained by dabbing instead of wiping motions, but when it comes to highlighting you need to stroke in upward motions towards the upper cheekbones to create lifts and younger-looking skin.”
BEAUTY BOOSTERS
Ukemenan said aging skin can appear younger after using products that contain retinoids.
She also recommends buying serums with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and skincare that boost collagen.
I would advise against products containing venom.
Zoe Ukemenan
“Kutivz Kollection contains vitamin E in all our products, it is a make-up brand with skincare qualities whilst also championing sustainability,” she said.
“The brand uses core product knowledge, beauty hacks, and understanding of our skincare needs – an all-in-one approach.”
FLAWED FIXER
Ukemenan warned to be “very careful” when taking anti-aging advice from viral videos.
“A particular one I would advise against are the products containing venom,” she said.
“It works by filling out lines and wrinkles temporarily as a reaction to the venom.
“The effect is skin that fluctuates between swollen and flaccid skin which can be more harmful to the dermis over a long term period.”