Ask An Artist: Question from Reader Sara

By Sarah

Q: I have a question about the best products to use to even out the skin tone for a 50ish year old woman.

I too like to stick to the basics, and first and foremost go for “good skin”. I rarely wear foundation over all of my face. Usually I just dab it if and where needed. The problem is sort of blotchiness or uneven skin tone that I would love to correct. Please direct me to specific products that have been proven to be effective, or tricks of your trade? Thanks so much.

A: Sara,

Hello! It would be helpful to know what kind of skincare you are using, but I will say that if you are not using some sort of retinol or glycolic type of product it would benefit your skin by helping with the blotchiness. Another product that I have had fantastic luck with evening me out is Olay Definity moisturizer. I used the foam kind and it really gave my skin a nice, even glow.

As far as makeup goes, you say you are using foundation sparingly. If you prefer that method, but find there are specific areas of unevenness, you could incorporate a stick foundation into your routine. A stick will give you fuller coverage, just where you need it. Apply with a brush for the best result. Bobbi Brown and Chantecaille make great stick foundations. If it were me personally, I would add a tinted moisturizer into the mix allover. Tinted moisturizers really do help even out the overall skin tone, and don’t look or feel too heavy. There are many formulas out there to choose from for your specific skin type, though you can’t go wrong with Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Apply that first, then if you feel you need it, go in with the stick to cover any specific blotchy areas. That should really do the trick!

And if you find you need even more coverage allover, but don’t want to look “made up”, a light dusting of mineral powder will give that final evening out of the skin.

If you do all of this, don’t forget to use some blush to put that color back in your cheeks that was just concealed.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!