I’ve been a beauty editor for 40 years, here’s my advice

In 40 years of doing the beauty rounds, the advice I have gleaned from the pros has been plentiful. Here’s my pick of the best.

Legendary make-up artist Bobbi Brown gave me her best blush tip in New York when she decreed, “There’s nothing that makes a woman look prettier than a shot of blush applied with a brush. Your perfect blush shade is the colour of your cheeks when you are flushed.”

On the skin front, guru Melanie Grant says, “Sun protection is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine, year-round. Always apply a broad spectrum SPF50+ as the final step in your morning routine. Also, incorporate a vitamin C serum.”

Dermal therapist Jocelyn Petroni has a simple bit of advice: “Right after you put on hand cream, press the palms of your hands against your cheeks for great dewiness.”

Another great skincare tip comes from dermatologist Renée Rouleau. “Immediately after washing your face and patting it dry with a towel, your skin is most vulnerable to dehydration from osmosis. You have a 60-second window before moisture evaporation occurs. By applying your first product during this valuable golden minute, you will seal hydration into the skin.”

When it comes to neutralising skin redness and discolouration, there is no need to cover every single centimetre of your face with foundation. Hourglass’s Marc Reagan suggests we “apply foundation on the areas that need the most help, then ‘join the dots’ by buffing out with a brush”.

For best foundation blending, make-up artist Liz Kelsh says, “If a make-up brush is your tool of choice for foundation application, make sure the bristles are synthetic. The fibres are less porous, meaning liquid make-up is transferred onto the skin rather than soaked up by the brush.”

On the fragrance front, Michael Edwards, connoisseur of everything scent-related, perfectly captures the power of perfume as “a work of art. It can lift our days, haunt our nights and create the milestones of memory. Perfume is liquid emotion.”

Eco warriors (basically all of us), should check out TerraCycle. Multiple brands, including Garnier and Maybelline, have signed up to this recycling program, which encourages consumers to leave hard-to-recycle empties at designated drop-off points.

Colourist Damien Rayner is my go-to guy for hair fixes. His top tip? “In your 40s, the trick is to go for volume: straight hair pushes your features forward, volume softens and is more flattering.”

The best advice, though, comes from actor Jane Fonda. Referring to her plastic surgery procedures, she says, “I didn’t want them to get rid of my wrinkles. When a woman feels good about herself and is powerful from the inside, it shows. You can be perfect physically, but if you’re not happy, it’s going to show in your eyes.”

Ask Steph

How can I protect the delicate area under my eyes from the sun?

The best way to keep this spot sun-safe is to make sure your daily SPF50+ sunscreen reaches that area. Apply it gently, using your ring finger to disperse the product. Try SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ ($68).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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