It used to be that make up was treated as a camouflage. It was used to fill in the gaps where the wrinkles are and to cover up blemishes and imperfections. But thank our lucky stars! Because of the cutting-edge innovations in the makeup industry, we can have make up that does more than keep our facial flaws under wraps. It goes the extra mile – by containing substances that help to fight the signs of aging, so that with constant use, wrinkles are diminished and the skin takes on a healthier and lovelier glow. Some of the claims of anti-aging makeup include an improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, the ability to promote cell regeneration and exfoliate the skin. These also have anti-aging ingredients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Botofirm and Retinol.

Today’s make up offer a whole slew of anti-aging benefits. This includes foundations, lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows. These are also infused with the capability to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays with double-digit SPF protection.

Here are additional anti-aging makeup tips that you will surely find useful in maintaining young-looking skin.

• The first guideline is: “Light is best.” Avoid overdoing your makeup. Nothing looks worse and “aging” than makeup slathered on so thickly. Be strategic in applying your makeup and avoid the temptation of slathering it generously on your face.
• When putting on foundation, be sure to moisturize first. You can even mix the two together to customize your own anti-aging makeup. Experiment on the ratio of moisturizer to foundation.
• One other addition is to use a primer. A primer is something you can put on after you have moisturized your skin. It works to protect your skin from the makeup by forming a barrier in between the two. It also illumines your face, making it appear lighter and younger
• When choosing a foundation, choose the kind that “illuminates” or is “light reflective”.
• Be sure that your moisturizer and foundation provide adequate SPF protection. The sun’s rays can hasten the aging process of your face.
• Match your makeup (especially the foundation and powder) to your skin tone. Test the product on your jaw line and look for the closest match.
• Use powder sparingly. The more powder you use, the more it emphasizes the lines in your skin.
• To take years off your face, use corals and pinks as your blusher. The right blush color (and the right application of this) will do wonders to make your skin look younger.
• For mascara, choose colors that will not appear harsh on your face. It is best to be subtle in applying mascara. Also, avoid putting mascara on your lower lashes, particularly if you tend to apply this a bit heavily. It can serve to point out your dark under-eye circles and thus add years to your face. Instead, apply the mascara on the top lashes only, as this has a lifting effect on your face.
• Choose makeup that is long-lasting. Makeup that smudges and slips because of the face’s oiliness and because of the day’s pressures will only make your face look older.

Anti-aging makeup is well and good.  But it should also be important to note that some dermatologists maintain that there is no substitute to a proper skin care regimen.  Anti-aging makeup should not be used as a substitute. And as a final note, wipe away before you go to bed.  Make sure that you sleep with a clean slate, er, face.  You don’t want the makeup to clog your pores, as this will cause break outs and an uneven skin tone.