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Maureen Devereux, 90, is a retired midwife with an MBE for her humanitarian work in Africa.
‘I don’t really bother with make-up as I worry about it looking heavy,’ says Maureen. ‘I had an off-putting experience at a beauty counter in New York back in my 20s when they used far too much product. Today I’d like a well-groomed look that’s as simple as possible to do because I have less energy now.’
BEFORE
SOLUTION
Aimee Adams is Tess Daly’s go-to make-up artist, but finds working with non-celebrities equally rewarding. She instantly bonded with Maureen, calling her ‘beautiful inside and out’, and tapped into her knowledge of techniques and products to enhance Maureen’s natural beauty. ‘On a mature face it’s about using simple cream formulations rather than heavy powders,’ Aimee says. ‘Also, use fingers rather than brushes to blend.’
First, she prepped Maureen’s face with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-function Moisturiser (£21.99, cultbeauty.co.uk), which is ideal for older skin in need of a hit of concentrated moisture. Then she applied Pixi On-The-Glow Base Hydrating Foundation (£22, sephora.co.uk), ‘because it’s so easy to apply – just stripe it on to the skin and blend with your fingers. It’s really moisturising, adds a sheer veil of coverage and makes your skin look warmer.’
Aimee notes that mature skin can often develop areas of redness, with broken veins and blemishes around the cheeks, nose and eyes. ‘Maureen is lucky enough not to be troubled much by this, but where she is I’ve used Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer (£27, boots.com). I really rate it as it doesn’t crease or sit in wrinkles.’
For blush, Aimee chose Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick in Peachy Glow (£30, charlottetilbury.com). ‘As you age, a blush that’s too red or pink emphasises ruddiness, so I like to use a peachy shade.’
For brows, Aimee doesn’t like ‘anything that looks artificial. I want a product that will subtly define and bolster what’s already there. For Maureen, I like Rimmel Wonder’full 24Hr Waterproof Brow Mascara in Light (£8.99, lookfantastic.com), which is pale and ashy, so looks very natural.’
While Aimee avoids sparkle on mature eyes, she doesn’t want them to look ‘flat’. She opted for a slightly shimmery eyeshadow on Maureen’s lids to bring a little luminosity. ‘I like Max Factor Eyefinity All Day Eyeshadow in Lovely Rose (£5.99, amazon.co.uk), as it doesn’t crease or look too glittery. For mascara I used No7 Age Defying All-In-One Serum Mascara (£15.95, boots.com). It’s your eyelashes but better – a very fine formula that doesn’t look overly dramatic.’
Jumper, £349, broraonline.com. Jewellery, Maureen’s own
Lastly to lips, which lose volume and pigment by their tenth decade. To define the lip line and create a symmetrical shape, Aimee used Elf Cream Glide Lip Liner in Truth Or Bare (£4, elfcosmetics.co.uk). She then applied Avon Power Stay 10-Hour Liquid Stain in Worth The Hype (£10, avon.uk.com), saying, ‘It’s a great product for mature lips as it doesn’t bleed into any lines.’
When it comes to hair, Maureen mostly wears hers pulled back, a habit from her nursing days. She says she would like to wear it down more, but is put off doing so because her hair can be ‘quite fluffy and dull’ and she has ‘difficulty keeping it nice.’
Maureen and hairstylist John Katsikiotis decided to cut it into a bob. John says this is the perfect style for Maureen’s age group because ‘a bob is timeless, elegant and always in fashion.’ The blunt cut makes the hair look fuller and, John adds, ‘can give the jaw definition.’ He suggests a side parting as it’s ‘more flattering, opening up the face, and also gives the roots volume, making the hair look thicker.’
He prepped Maureen’s hair withOribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream (£48, cultbeauty.co.uk). ‘It’s nourishing and smoothing – a good choice for mature hair when it has become drier and more porous.’
John then blow-dried the hair with an Olivia Grande Expert Blowout Round Hair Brush (from £23.39, sallybeauty.co.uk). ‘It can be used on every hair type and saves time and energy, as it’s lightweight and easy to use.’
THE VERDICT
‘I am absolutely delighted with what the team achieved!’ says Maureen. ‘I was apprehensive about the shoot as I didn’t know what they’d be able to do with someone my age, but they really listened to what I like and gave me the natural look I wanted. Aimee was amazing and gave me lots of tips. I’ll definitely be getting the blusher and foundation she used, as they were so easy to apply and made such a big difference. It was also good to learn how much better hair and make-up products have become.’
Hair: John Katsikiotis at Carol Hayes.
Make-up: Aimee Adams.
Styling: Hope Palmer
Three new super-products just made for mature skin
RADIANCE BOOSTER Nivea Luminous Skinglow Daily Liquid Exfoliant (£16.99, boots.com) reduces dark spots, refines pores and hydrates.
LINE SMOOTHER Beauty Pie Youth Bomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal Serum, (£49 member price, beautypie.com) is near prescription strength to reduce wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation.
SKIN PLUMPER Gatineau Age Benefit Night Renewal Cream (£115, gatineau.com) works hard while you sleep to boost the skin barrier and redensify crepey areas.
49%
of Brits have had to forgo hygiene essentials such as shampoo and deodorant to afford food or rent, according to new research by The Hygiene Bank
2 HOURS
The total time Victoria Beckham spends exercising every day. She gets up at 6.30am for a 30-minute workout then, after the school run, she does a 90-minute session with David and their PT.
