As we mature, so does our skin, which means that adjusting our makeup techniques can help us feel more confident in our appearance. While this transition may feel challenging at times, many women find that adapting their routine makes a noticeable difference. Luckily, Dawn Pfingsten, the style expert behind Just Doing My Best, has made it her mission to support women over 40, 50, and beyond through these changes with practical advice. To give you a sense of her approach, here’s a glimpse of what she shares on her platform.

Tips for Longer-Lasting, Smoother Makeup

For many women, under-eye makeup settling into fine lines can sometimes make the face appear older rather than refreshed. While this can be frustrating, you may be able to minimize it by simplifying your routine. This often involves using fewer products, applying them strategically, and setting them carefully for a polished, longer-wearing result.

Dawn suggests breaking this down into four key steps:

1. Start with a Hydrated Base – Skincare plays a key role in achieving smoother makeup. She recommends a nourishing moisturizer followed by SPF to prep the skin, which can help create a smooth canvas and reduce dryness that sometimes leads to creasing.
2. Use a Lightweight, Hydrating Foundation – She often favors luminous, light-to-medium coverage options like the Revolution Skin Silk Luminous Serum Foundation. Its hydrating formula tends to feel weightless—making it a great option for mature skin—and she advises skipping application directly under the eyes, reserving that area for targeted products.
3. Apply a Color Corrector for Brightening – To help neutralize dark circles or fatigue, she suggests trying the budget-friendly Catrice Color Corrector. It can help brighten the under-eye area, preparing the skin for seamless concealer application.
4. Blend Concealer Thoughtfully – With the corrector in place, she recommends applying a small amount of concealer, blending gently to avoid excess buildup that might emphasize texture.

A Refreshing Setting Technique

Another useful takeaway is an alternative setting method designed to help lock in under-eye makeup while reducing creasing. Rather than reaching for powder right away, Dawn’s method involves using a damp makeup sponge to:

• Lightly Mist the Sponge with Setting Spray – First, try spritzing a makeup sponge with a fine mist of setting spray, ensuring it’s damp but not soaked to allow for precise application.
• Bounce, Don’t Press – Then, using a gentle bouncing motion, tap the sponge under the eyes to set the concealer, helping to preserve the layers beneath without disrupting them.
• Absorb Excess Product – The damp sponge can help lift any surplus makeup while the setting spray works to secure the look, potentially delivering a smoother, cake-free finish.

To Powder or Not to Powder?

While powder has traditionally been a go-to for many, Pfingsten encourages her audience to experiment with her method without it first. In many cases, the setting spray and sponge combo may provide enough hold, which could reduce the risk of the product settling into fine lines.

This approach aims to minimize layers under the eyes and take advantage of the damp sponge and setting spray for a lighter, more enduring result. The potential benefits include less creasing, reduced heavy buildup, and a naturally refreshed look that works with your skin, rather than masking it.

Celebrating Beauty at Every Age

Pfingsten built her channel on the belief that beauty for mature women can be straightforward, effective, and accessible, and her methods aim to reflect that. She combines cost-effective solutions with an understanding of mature skin to help create flattering looks that highlight natural beauty.

For more practical tips on beauty and style, explore Dawn Pfingsten’s Just Doing My Best, where she encourages women to embrace their unique beauty with confidence at every stage of life.

Published by Jeremy S.