Makeup artists don’t come much starrier than Caroline Barnes. She’s been on tour with Kylie Minogue, and worked on shoots with some of the world’s most famous women, including Naomi Campbell, Emma Watson, Lily James, Nigella Lawson, Yasmin Le Bon and Gillian Anderson. She is the UK brand ambassador for Max Factor and worked for publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Glamour.
In other words, when it comes to midlife beauty, Caroline is about as expert as you can get. So we are thrilled to hear her Beauty Story and discover her favourite five products.
Over to you, Caroline.
Glossier Stretch Concealer, £15
After trying pretty much every concealer, this is my favourite especially for my skin which is 48 years old and dry. There is a great colour selection and the consistency makes it very easy to apply.
It’s hydrating enough to use under my eyes and doesn’t fade and dry out my skin over time. I can use it all over my face or just in certain areas to perfect. Packaging is light and not fussy, and like I said, I keep coming back to this over and over again.
READ MORE: The best foundations for midlife skin.
Bioeffect EGF Day Serum, £115
We all need a rescue serum and this is mine. Sometimes our skin is behaving and we can just use the basics and feel good. Other times we are trying lots of different things and nothing brings back harmony to our skin.
I first bought this on a flight, as the price otherwise put me off. I treated myself with the tax discount and thank goodness I did, as it literally transformed my skin.
This science behind this brand is phenomenal and well worth investigating. After about a week of use I noticed my skin felt and looked smoother and much more hydrated. I don’t use this all the time, I save it for when I really need a quick, satisfying, complexion fix.
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Max Factor Pink Brandy Colour Elixir Lipstick, £8.99
When you look at the shade it doesn’t look particularly fabulous, but trust me when I say this, it looks amazing on everyone and all skin tones.
Over the years I have been sharing this lipstick with many women and it has always amazed me how it transforms on people’s lips. It really brightens and enhances their complexions. If you love a coral pink lipstick, I promise this will make you smile.
READ MORE: You’ll love these just-in beauty buys.
Got a perimenopause or menopause question?
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara, £19
This double ended mascara is just simply amazing. The primer goes on like any other. My tip is then to wait 30 seconds before you apply the mascara. From my own experience it really does make all the difference.
I adore the long, thin brush, it deposits mascara evenly along the lashes without it going all over your eyelids. It instantly lifts and lengthens lashes without building up too much mascara, and the beauty is that it doesn’t smudge or flake.
Shiseido Lift Define Radiance Face Mask, £91
I love a mask. Used regularly it can make all the difference to the hydration of your skin and general bounce and texture. I mask in the mornings as I want to be awake and enjoy my skin feeling soft rather that sleeping my way through the benefits. I love this mask obviously because the formula really does boost my skin but also because of the chin strap. It allows me to go about my daily chores, and it stays in place and feels really firm and secure, which weirdly, is very comforting.
READ MORE: You’ll never guess the hottest skincare ingredient right now.
