Since its advent, makeup has been used by women as a powerful form of self-expression. Females of all ages enhance their natural beauty and confidence and create glamorous looks. In the same way that most people adjust skincare routines as they age, most women’s makeup choices evolve. With this in mind, we partnered with some of Tampa Bay’s top makeup artists to give you three beautiful makeup looks and tips. The artists employ makeup to highlight their models’ natural elegance and to show us that beauty is possible at every age, and every age is beautiful.
20s to 30s
Makeup artist Crystal Joseph-Cobb wanted to create a classic, 90’s-inspired look with a modern flair. To set up the look, she used Mac’s Studio Fix foundation and Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer. A subtle cut crease was created on the eyelids with a neutral eyeshadow palette. The application of Lilly Lashes adds a dramatic flair to the eyes. On her model’s cheeks, she used Skinglass’s Cream Blush which complimented classic nude brown lips created with a Mac lipliner and NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Creme.
“The cut crease is a great makeup trend that gives the illusion of bigger eyes,” Joseph-Cobb says. “This makeup look paired with a soft, playful hairstyle screams ‘model off duty.’”
Her model, Lisa Tharakan, appreciated Joseph-Cobb creating a look that worked for her face shape. Tharakan is a Tampa Bay therapist transitioning into nursing with a creative side in writing and photography.
“I loved how bold and fun Crystal’s look was,” she says. “She made my skin appear poreless and flawless and the eye makeup made my eyes pop even more.”
When it comes to makeup and skincare, the artist notes the importance of taking care of your skin in your 20s and 30s.
“In our 20s, our skin is likely at its healthiest state. It is supple, has high elasticity, quick cell turnover and loads of collagen,” she says. “Stay consistent and nail down a skincare routine that involves a facial cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer and SPF.”
Joseph-Cobb recommends that women in their 30s continue this routine while thinking preventatively.
She suggests adding retinoids/retinol and investing in creams that aid in collagen production, lock in hydration and combat hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
When it comes to makeup, she says that a woman’s 20s and 30s are a great time to step out of the box.
“Fashion and beauty trends are always cycling and repeating themselves, so don’t be shy when dabbling in unconventional looks,” she says. “Also, we have busy, on-the-go lives during these years, so multi-use makeup sticks are always a good idea. Who wouldn’t want to be ‘one and done’ with their eyes, cheeks and lips?”
Joseph-Cobb sees each face as a unique canvas and views makeup as a creative outlet for expression and artistry.
“Eighty percent of my job is convincing women of how beautiful they already are,” she adds. “I love building women up and instilling confidence in them. Makeup allows me to do just that.”
40s to 50s
Makeup artist Jackie Riley wanted to highlight her model’s natural features, bringing brightness to her face and accentuating her underlying beauty. Riley started with Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Face Filter foundation across her face for a light wash of color and all-over glow. Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer was used sparingly where needed.
To create a subtle glow on her cheeks, she used Jaclyn Cosmetics’s Mood Light Luminous highlighting powder and Mac’s Glow Play. Riley also applied Kiss’s cluster individual lashes to open up and lift the eyes. This stylish look was finished with a light coat of beauty cult classic L’Oréal Lash Paradise mascara. On her lips, Pat McGrath’s lip liner and Charlotte Tilbury’s tinted lip gloss created a full, pouty glow.
Riley’s model, Kellie Collins, said the best part about the look was Riley’s ability to address age, skin texture and tone with her makeup choices. Collins is a hairstylist and the owner of Salon BellaDonna in South Tampa.
“I instantly looked plump and hydrated because Jackie focuses on the problem area without drawing attention to it. She taught me that hydration is key,” Collins says. “She used her unique talent to highlight my greatest assets. Even at 45 years old, I felt like a star when I left the chair.”
For women in this age group, Riley notes the importance of getting regular facials and skin treatments, moisturizing daily and taking time to learn the right products for your specific skin type and concerns.
As for makeup, Riley’s advice is to stay with products that have a satin finish and delicate glow. She recommends staying away from full coverage or matte products, as they highlight wrinkles and creases in the skin. For concealer, she says less is more – only use the product in areas with excess redness or discoloration.
“Another thing that works really well for this age group is primers,” she says. “This ensures that your foundation won’t settle into pores or fine lines and your eye makeup won’t sit in creases and wrinkles near the corners of the eyes.”
She adds, “I strive to be the best I can be when it comes to my work and give my clients a look that is jaw-dropping and has them leaving the chair feeling like their best selves. I was able to make a name for myself in this industry because I’m consistent and work hard to make every client leave feeling beautiful.”
60s and Up
Makeup Artist Eugeniya “Jane” Sverbilova’s focus for her model was a natural, lifting look using high-quality, lightweight makeup products. Starting with La Mer tonic and moisturizer, she utilized an Estée Lauder Futurist foundation and a Clarins moisturizing light concealer as the base for her model.
Pressed powder by La Mer was applied to her skin for an even complexion. She filled in and gave a more defined shape to the model’s brows with a brow pencil by Vivienne Sabo. Creamy bronzer and blush from Glossier Cosmetics were applied to her model’s cheeks for a rosy color. On her eyes, she used neutral pigments from a Viseart Nude palette and finished the look with Tom Ford’s Rosey Pink lipstick.
Her model, Allison Wilkins, liked how the natural look fits with her active lifestyle. Wilkins is the owner of Allisongs for Tots in Hyde Park Village.
“I loved the application by Sverbilova. Her products were all high-quality and made my skin look and feel so dewy and fresh,” she says. “The look gave me a simple, understated elegance and it was something I’d feel
comfortable wearing every day.”
For women in this age group, Sverbilova highlights that skincare before makeup application is very important.
“I would use lifting serums with hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin, along with a day or night cream,” she suggests. “The most important thing is to protect the skin with SPF throughout the day.”
For makeup, there are a few important rules that Sverbilova likes to stick to. She uses light moisturizing textures of foundation and concealer, and creamy, contouring products instead of powder to create a moisturized glow. For a lifting effect, she recommends blush, along with the application of individual lashes to brighten and open the eyes.
Sverbilova suggests staying away from black eyeliner, but using a brow pencil to lightly shape brows. She also recommends against highlighters for women in this age group. Instead, she suggests a matte powder with a deep pressure application to conceal wrinkles.
Sverbilova keeps up to date with the latest trends in the makeup industry and doesn’t mind splurging on the best cosmetics to create her looks.
“I love meeting new people, traveling and being part of a professional, creative community,” she says. “Seeing women’s happy eyes is such a rewarding part of this job.”
About The Photographer: Tampa-based Kristen Morris started I’m Kristen Photography in 2007 to bring the color and personality of stories to life with an eye for detail. TAMPA Magazines enlisted her talent for this Women’s edition.
For more of our Big Book of Beauty, check out our Summer Fashion Guide, featuring accessories from local Tampa boutiques.
