Here is the step-by-step virtual makeover for Edith (created with Photoshop on the same picture).
Edith asked me for a sophisticated look at work.
Before :
Step 1: Eyebrows
Before any makeup, I suggest an eyebrow shaping to “open” her eyes and give a more feminine look.
To learn how to pluck and define your eyebrows, click here.
Step 2: Foundation
I recommend a foundation base to smooth the skin before applying foundation, like Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. It fills and smoothes away the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
Edith has a dull complexion. So she should use an illuminating foundation, to give a glowing complexion and bring light to her face.
Step 3: Concealer
Same as for foundation: a concealer with illuminating properties would be perfect. I would also choose an anti-wrinkle formula to smooth fine lines.
Step 4: Bronzing Powder
For her olive complexion, an illuminating golden bronzing powder would give a healthy glow.
Step 5: Brow highlighting pencil
This is my magic makeup tip for mature eyes. Edith should apply this kind of pencil under her brow (on the brow bone) following the arch, and then lightly blend it. An ivory or soft pink shade would add a lifted look the the entire eye area. My favorite one is Benefit High Brow, a linen-pink highlighting pencil.
If you don’t have a “brow lifting pencil”, you can use a cream finish matte ivory eyeshadow or a bit of concealer (but choose the lighter shade available).
Step 6: Ivory or light pink eyeshadow
For the mobile eyelid, I suggest to apply a matte ivory eyeshadow, with pink undertones. I would blend it on the entire eyelid to reach the brow bone pencil (but don’t apply the eyeshadow on top of the pencil).
Step 7: Medium taupe eyeshadow
For mature eyes, it’s better to use medium shades instead of dark shades. I would choose a taupe with pink undertones (also matte finish).
To correct her hooded eyelid, I would apply the taupe shade much higher than we would with a regular eyelid. To see the complete makeup technique for hooded eyelids, click here. But with mature eye, the makeup should be lighter and softer.
Step 8: Eye Pencil
I suggest a plum-brown or charcoal eye pencil to enhance her eyes (for dark eyes, we need to use a dark pencil). Edith should apply it on the outer corner of the eye, near the upper and lower lash line. Don’t apply the pencil in the inner corner of the eye. I recommend to stop the line towards the pupil.
Step 9: Mascara
For her dark brown eyes, she needs a black mascara. A lengthening formula will make her eyes look bigger (she has short lashes).
Step 10: Blush
A neutral-pink matte shade would enhance her mahogany hair strands.
Step 11: Lipstick
Edith already wears a plum lipstick on her picture. I think this shade is too dark for her lips. I suggest a lighter shade, like a pink, but still with purple undertones. I also suggest to apply a lip contour a bit outside the natural lip line to correct her thin lips and give a plump effect.
Edith asked me for for a sophisticated look at work. Here is the final result.
Before
After