There's no denying that makeup can be a powerful tool. It can help you feel more confident, polished, and put-together – even on days when you're running on little to no sleep. But as we mature, our skin, style, and preferences change, so our makeup routine should naturally follow suit. 

So, if you're over 25 and still rocking the same makeup look you did in your early 20s, then it might be time for an update. By following these rules, you can achieve a polished look without spending hours in front of the mirror or hundreds of dollars on new products.

A great skincare routine is one of the most important makeup rules every woman should follow. A good skincare routine will help you maintain healthy skin and have a good complexion, which is the cornerstone of any beautiful makeup look. 

So, if you’re over 25, there are a few things you should do in your skincare routine to make sure you’re taking care of your skin in the best way possible. First, you should use a gentle cleanser to remove oil, makeup, and environmental pollutants that are lingering on your skin from being outside. Then, you should use a serum to address a particular skin concern you may have, such as dryness, dehydration, fine lines, and acne. Next is a good moisturizer that will help soften the skin and make it look plump and glowy.

Use simple but effective skincare: cleanser, targeted serum, moisturizer, and sun protection.

If you want to go the extra mile, getting a facial once a month is an excellent place to start. Your esthetician can determine what type of facial would be best for your skin type and concerns, which will keep your skin looking its best.

Product To Try: Biossance – Rapid Radiance Set, $35

Before starting your makeup, it's always important to prep your skin with a good primer. A primer will help create an even canvas for your makeup and help it last longer throughout the day.

There are different types of primers for different skin types and skin concerns, so it's important to choose one that's best suited for your needs. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a mattifying primer that will help control shine throughout the day and keep your makeup looking fresh for longer. If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a hydrating primer that will help moisturize your skin and create a dewy finish.

And if you have sensitive skin, there are primers that are specifically formulated for this skin condition that will help soothe irritations. A good place to start is by opting for something that's free of alcohol and fragrance.

Product To Try: Rare Beauty – Pore Diffusing Primer, $26

Experimenting with makeup is fun, and many of us are guilty of always being on the hunt for that one product that will become the new holy grail in our routine and will somehow make our makeup look better. But if makeup isn't your profession, chances are you don't need 10 different eyeshadow palettes or 20 different shades of lipstick.

So, instead of constantly buying new makeup products, it's better to have a small makeup collection that consists of high-quality products that you know work well for you. But don't get me wrong. When I say "high-quality," I don't necessarily mean expensive because we all know that expensive doesn't guarantee better performance. In fact, there are plenty of drugstore makeup products that work just as well, if not better, than some of the more expensive brands out there. I am talking about being mindful of the ingredients in your makeup products and making sure they’re not harsh or irritating to your skin and that they will benefit your skin in some way.

Be mindful of the ingredients in your makeup products.

On the other hand, don't just buy stuff because it’s cheap or you see it on sale and think it might come in handy at some point. Chances are, it will end up collecting dust in your makeup collection, expiring, and taking up valuable space. It's better to have fewer, good-quality products you love and regularly use than many makeup products that'll go to waste.

Product To Try: Dior – BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation, $40

If there's something worth spending an extra dollar on when it comes to makeup, I would definitely place high-quality makeup brushes on the first spot. Not only will they help you apply your makeup better, but they will also last longer than the cheap ones, which means you'll save money in the long run.

There are different types of makeup brushes for different purposes, but if you're starting out, I would recommend getting a decent set that consists of complexion and eye brushes for a well-rounded makeup routine.

Product To Try: Sigma Beauty – Essential Brush Set, $160

Lipsticks are definitely the makeup product we’re all weak for. It's incredibly tempting to want to try every new shade that comes out, but as we become more mature and confident in our looks and style, we come to realize that it's better to stick to one or two signature shades that we love and feel comfortable (and confident and beautiful!) wearing.

To find your perfect lipstick shade, it's important to take into account your skin tone, undertone, and overall look you're going for. If you're unsure where to start, a classic nude lipstick is always a good idea, as this timeless shade will complement any skin tone and can be worn day and night.

Product To Try: Charlotte Tilbury – Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillowtalk, $34

Makeup trends are a fun way to experiment with our looks, try new techniques, and express our creativity. But that doesn't mean we should follow every single makeup trend blindly without considering whether it actually works for us or not.

Besides, makeup trends can be a slippery slope toward frustration over constantly trying to keep up and never feeling like you're good enough because some things don't work for everyone. This is why it's incredibly important to develop your personal style based on how you actually like to look and things you like to use and wear because then you will feel no obligation to, and have no interest in, following trends that cycle in and out each season.

Stick to what you know works for you and makes you feel good about yourself.

So, if you want to experiment with trends, do it for fun and don't take it too seriously. Otherwise, stick to what you know works for you and makes you feel good about yourself.

Product To Try: tarte – Tartelette™ In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette, $40

A 2016 brow is a makeup trend that has stayed behind for a good reason. Not only did you need five different products to achieve the look, but it also took a solid 20 minutes each morning to make each brow perfect (if you can even call it that). But another reason why the full-face matte look fell out of fashion is that the women who were doing it grew up and realized less is definitely more suitable when it comes to makeup.

Wearing too much makeup will often make you look unnatural, cakey, and overdone. Enter: the natural makeup look that’s quick and easy but still makes you look polished and put together. A natural makeup look usually consists of concealer, mascara, brow gel, and a lip color of your choice. Adding a touch of blush or contour is optional but definitely not necessary to make you look awake, put together, and ready for the day.

But this particular tip isn't only about makeup. It also has a lot to do with accepting ourselves for who we are and not feeling like we need to layer on a ton of makeup to look presentable. As we mature, we start to realize that our imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful and that we don't need to hide behind a mask of makeup to feel confident.

Using makeup to enhance our natural beauty instead of covering it up is a much more empowering and healthy way of thinking, and it's something every woman over 25 (and younger) should keep in mind.

Product To Try: Lancôme – Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara, $27

While makeup can be a way of expressing our creativity and individuality, it's important to remember that there are certain rules we should follow to ensure we're still looking our best. Makeup can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but it should never be used to hide who we are or to make us feel like we're not good enough. By following these simple tips, we can help ourselves feel more confident and beautiful inside and out.

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