With some simple techniques plus a few well-chosen products, it’s easy to maximise your beauty routine

By Emily Taylor

Throughout my life, my go-to makeup buys have consistently evolved. From the matte finishes of my 20s to bold eyeliner and heavy lashes (plus probably too much bronzer) in my 30s, I’ve always happily experimented with trending beauty looks. Now, though, my everyday regimen is much more streamlined. Rather than blinding following the trends, I stick with the shades that suit me in creamy, lightweight finishes that are effortless to apply and wear.

Leading W.A.-based makeup artist and beauty educator, Holly Garvey, specialises in sharing her insider tips and tricks via the confidence-boosting Makeup University courses at her brand-new Perth studio. Here, she holds specific courses for women over 50, with plans in the works for 60-plus seminars, too.

“I have done wedding makeup around the world for 11 years now and I often found the mother-of-the-bride would be so scared to see me,” she smiles. “After reassuring them that my main aim is to enhance their natural beauty, they’d start to relax [and] I'd make it a priority to look after them.” She explains that, armed with this experience – and after noticing women over 50 were largely being left out of social media content - she made it a priority for her business. “It was crazy to me as women [of all ages] really want help and advice with beauty, so it became a key focus of mine to include mature women in my campaigns and social media posts.” This led to a surge in popularity for her 50+ beauty workshops, alongside her in-salon beauty treatments.

Garvey’s top tip for more mature complexions is to focus on your application technique. “Tap the makeup into the skin,” she insists. “Get the makeup on the brush and tap back and forth across the face. When you tap you stimulate the blood flow, which helps [improve] the appearance of the skin and also helps the makeup absorb for a longer lasting finish.”

The artist also recommends you consider your lashes and brows in the same way you would the hair on your head, and care for them accordingly. “I use a peptide lash serum on my lashes and brows every single day and the results have been phenomenal,” she says. You could try the Modelrock Peptide Plus Lash Growth Serum, $65. “Keep [it] in your toothbrush holder so you don’t forget to use it,” Garvey adds, as consistency is key.

I asked the expert for the top three products women over 50 should consider adding to their makeup bag to make getting ready easier – and more enjoyable. Here, she makes her recommendations, on which I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve also included some of my favourite buys to try to give your look an instant lift.

Essential 1: Water resistant mascara

“These are different to waterproof,” Garvey explains. “They are activated with warm water so come off gently in the shower… you can cry (tried and tested) and you will never get panda eyes!” She concludes: “It’s seriously a ground-breaking makeup product.”

My pick: Blinc Original Tubing Mascara

Price: $38.00

Essential 2: A raspberry lip colour

“While I love a nude lipstick, the true undertone of the lip always runs more blue-pink,” says Garvey. “To compliment the natural hue of a lip I've found raspberry tones to be the most universal and most complimentary - even if it’s a soft dab in the centre of the lip and blurred out with your finger.” She explains that this simple step adds a healthy lift to your look and can also be blended across cheeks for an effortless glow.

My pick: Maybelline Color Sensational Cream Lipstick in Pink Score

Price: $20.99 (on sale for $11 at Chemist Warehouse)

Essential 3: A hydrating foundation or BB cream

According to Garvey, this step is ideal for evening out your skin tone and adding a natural glow. “Only a small amount is required and if you use the tapping technique, it really will get that blood flow pumping adding an extra dose of radiance to your complexion,” she says. Her tip is to invest in a high-quality formula that features added benefits – specifically extra hydration – that will treat your skin as you wear it.

My pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum

Price: $44.99 (on sale for $22.49 at Chemist Warehouse)