Elan Beauty: A beautiful age

Different things are important to women at different stages in their lives. To a 21-year-old woman, for example, being invited to the party of the year may occupy her waking moments while to a 41-year-old mum, encouraging her children to do their homework may be of greater importance.

The same applies to beauty. A 21-year-old woman’s beauty problems often differ from those of a 41-year-old. Below are some beauty tips that will come in handy at whatever age.

20’s

• Acne is a common skin problem in youth. It is often associated with the activity of hormones and usually, the problem resolves itself with time. There are several products available to help control acne. A good one to try is the Clean & Clear Advantage range of products.

• This may be the time to try out different wild makeup looks but it’s also the time to take care of your skin. Always remove makeup completely from your face before going to bed.

30’s

• For some women, acne persists with the years. If it’s just a mild case of pimples appearing from time to time, try something like Clinique’s Acne Solutions – a 3-step system to treat acne-prone skin. If it’s severe, see a dermatologist. Cleanse and moisturise your face morning and night to keep it looking young.

• You can slow down the appearance of wrinkles with anti-aging products like Simple Anti Wrinkle cream, Avon ANEW products and Estee Lauder’s Day Wear Protective Anti-oxidant crème with SPF.

40’s

• The skin changes as the years go by, especially that on the face. This is owing to various factors from environmental pollution to damage from the sun, and hormonal issues. Change your foundation to suit the current colour and texture of your skin.

• Avoid the powder form of makeup, as the particles tend to settle into lines and muscles. Switch to cream makeup but avoid creamy, shimmery eyeshadows, as they draw attention to wrinkles.

• Skin tends to lose the ability to hold moisture as it ages, so invest in a good moisturiser for dry skin or try mixing your regular body lotion with some good skin oil like Bio-Oil, which reduces the appearance of stretch marks and pigmentation, while moisturising the skin.

50’s

• With age, eyebrows tend to get thinner. Keep eyebrows groomed and enhanced with a good eyebrow powder, which gives a softer effect than a pencil.

• Consider taking a food supplement or multivitamin to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need, but seek your doctor’s advice first.

• Menopause affects women’s skin as well as their moods. Note the difference it is making to your skin and change your beauty routine accordingly.