Q: What are your top makeup tricks for mature skin?
On the cusp of her 54th birthday, Gucci has a makeup ritual that works for her down to a science. “For me, It’s really about using a lighter hand and the right products these days,” she says. “That and really knowing my face.” Still, there’s one universal truth she swears by when working with women like Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Naomi Watts on set.. “It’s all about the skin,” she says emphatically. “Put time into prepping it, choose creamier textures for your complexion products, and go for a touch of highlight to allow a beautiful inner glow to come through.”
Once you’ve got that going for you, says Gucci, “everything else is easy” whether it’s a new blush color or a touch of contour for subtle dimension and depth. Here, she shares her top three makeup tips for nailing your best skin yet.
1. Two Foundation Shades are Better Than One
Light, skin-evening coverage becomes that much more fundamental after 40. A good foundation that lets real skin shine through while neutralizing hyperpigmentation, redness, and shadows is makeup bag essential no.1. On set and in everyday life, Gucci swears by two foundation shades (rather than one) for the most natural look. “You want to use a slightly lighter tone in the center of the face,” she says of blending her first shade of Vital Skin Foundation Stick across the t-zone, cheeks, and chin. She follows with a slightly warmer foundation for coverage along the hairline and perimeter of the face. “Those little variations and nuances maintain the authenticity of real skin,” she says, rather than blanketing it in one uniform color.
2. Go for Creamy Textures & Calming Actives
The skin’s natural moisture levels drop with age-related hormone changes and cell turnover begins to slow—so switching to creamier, more hydrating makeup formula is a gamechanger. Gucci always spends time prepping the skin with a good serum before makeup; she loves the double impact of Skin Activator and Suprême C serum to calm and hydrate, plus a quick circulation-boosting facial massage when she has time for it.
Vital Skin Foundation comes next—the lush squalane and camellia seed oil-infused stick formula bumps up her skin’s moisture levels, so foundation never settles into lines and always stays fresh. She finishes with a cream or gel highlight to wake things up and catch the light along the cheekbones, eyelids, the cupid’s bow. Right now, she’s loving the ultra-delicate quality of Liquid Super Loaded in Peau de Rosé, which brightens with its translucent pink pearl while infusing skin with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and radiance. For a glassier finish that’s quick and easy, she sweeps on Lit Up Highlight straight from the stick. “It’s all about adding back the natural luminosity of ultra-healthy, beautiful skin.”
Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rose
Lit Up Highlight Stick in Brûlée
3. The Best Powder is Fluffy & Featherweight
Given Gucci’s devotion to cream formulas, it may seem surprising that a good powder tops her list of tricks for mature skin. But the most innovative formulas of the moment are nothing like their chalky matte predecessors. When creating Vital Skin Pressed Skincare Powder, Gucci challenged the labs to infuse each little gold compact with micro milled skincare actives like probiotics, Vitamin C, and quinoa seed extract, then developed an ultra-hydrating and blurring finish that somehow leaves skin radiant but not shiny. A quick sweep, only where you need it, takes down excess oil around the nasolabial folds, under the eyes, and on the forehead—while boosting the wear of your makeup.
