Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Stokes answers readers’ questions on the best moisturiser for older skin, foundation for dry skin and the bugbear of freckles.
“I have pale skin with freckles and broken veins. Is there a light foundation that would provide adequate cover and even out the colour?”
Unfortunately, most light foundations won’t cover broken veins. I’d recommend using a light, green concealer to combat the redness of broken veins. Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions in Corrective Green is great. Use sparingly: if you apply too much green concealer it can leave a grey tinge on your skin. Try using a thin brush to apply. Follow the lines of the veins and blend using the heat of your fingertip. Apply a natural base then add extra concealer if needed.
I love freckles and don’t think they should be covered! But if you do want to cover freckles and age spots you need a heavy duty concealer with a high pigment. I like MAC’s Studio Sculpt Concealer.
I always apply concealer after foundation. This way you can see where you really need extra coverage. Let your base settle then apply, using a small concealer brush to the areas needed. Blend with your finger, then, using a sponge, lightly dab over with a touch of base. The concealer should blend in to your base.
“I am desperately trying to find both a moisturiser and a tinted moisturiser because, due to an underactive thyroid, my skin is very dry and very fine.”
Liz Earle has just launched Sheer Skin Tint, a great avobenzone free, tinted moisturiser. It has a built in, mineral SPF15. I’ve tried it and it gives a gorgeous light dewy coverage. You could try mixing with a touch of concealer for a fuller depth of colour. But have you thought about trying a natural rose oil instead of a moisturizer? It’s a great treatment for fine, dry skin. It has natural anti-ageing benefits as it improves cell generation and thickens the skin. Aromatherapy Associates have an amazing range of natural oils for the skin, including Rose Renew which I think would be perfect for you. Again none of their products contain avobenzone.
“I’m 60 and have fine, dry skin. I’ve read that creams with hyaluronic are good for older skins because they retain moisture. I’ve also read good things about retinol. Which one is better?”
Hyaluronic acid does retain moisture in the skin. We’re born with natural HA in our eyes, joints and skin, it helps to retain water in our skin. Sun exposure and ageing both contribute to a decrease. When used in mosturisers, it it said to hydrate the epidermis (top layer of skin) and trap moisture underneath, giving the skin a fuller, firmer appearance.
It can hold 1000 times its weight in water. I’ve tried Time Zone Release by Estee Lauder which contains HA and it had amazing results. My skin definitely felt more hydrated and plumper. Another great, more affordable, option is the Anew range by Avon.
Retinol is vitamin A. It works by promoting the natural collagen in our skin and increases cell production. It can also reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage. L’oreal Experitise Revitalift is a great eye cream that I use containing pro retinol A. Some products only contain a small amount. Matis Caviar Retinol contains 10%, which is high. It has great reviews, but the downside is it’s £158. No.7 Protect and Perfect beauty serum works well and is a bit kinder on the purse.