HOW TO GUIDE

Timeless radiance.

Find out how to prepare mature skin for makeup with our step-by-step Smart routine.

HOW TO GUIDE

Timeless radiance.

Find out how to prepare mature skin for makeup with our step-by-step Smart routine.

It’s only natural for our skin to change as we age, which in turn affects the way makeup looks and feels. So, just as we adapt our skincare to address signs of ageing, it can also be a good time to make some makeup tweaks too – and foundation application is a great place to start. We know that makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath, so a few simple skincare steps are all it takes to create a radiant, natural-looking base at any age. It’s time to get Smart about makeup prep.
Step 1: After cleansing, apply two pumps of our Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum all over face and neck. This smoothing serum helps target the look of lines and wrinkles from multiple angles. Powered by fortifying peptides, a potent retinoid and hyaluronic acid, it helps to hydrate and plump up the look of fine lines, creating the perfect canvas for makeup. Massage one pump of the silky serum into the skin using gentle pressure and upward, sweeping motions.
Step 2: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Apply Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Lifting Face + Neck Cream all over the face and neck to nourish, smooth and plump up the look of skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and a multi-peptide complex to help pave the way for seamless foundation application. If you have particularly dry skin, there’s also a richer formula with nourishing shea butter. Take some time to massage the cream into the skin with light pressure and lifting, sweeping motions.
Step 3: To create a bright-eyed, well-rested look, apply Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream to the delicate under-eye area for a soothing hydration boost. A little goes a long way – dot a rice grain-sized amount under the eye, then using your ring finger with gentle pressure, massage from the inner corner outwards, then under the brow bone. This gentle massage technique helps to de-puff and revitalise tired eyes, while the hydrating active ingredients help to prevent concealer settling in fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 4: For an instant radiance boost, apply Even Better™ Light Reflecting Primer all over the face. This silicone-free, skincare-infused primer harnesses the power of light to create a youthful, lit-from-within glow and a smooth canvas for foundation. The formula is packed with brightening vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help boost radiance over time, and helps lock in makeup for up to 16 hours of fresh, flawless wear. Top tip – it also doubles up as a highlighter over makeup. Simply dot a little under the brown bones and along the cheekbones for a lifted, dewy effect.
Step 5: To achieve beautifully even skin, apply Even Better Makeup SPF 15 in your perfect shade match (find yours with our Virtual Try On tool). This bestselling foundation delivers medium, buildable coverage with a flattering, second-skin finish. Its silky-smooth, weightless formula means that it never sits in or accentuates lines, ensuring comfortable wear for up to 24 hours – no caking, settling or creasing. For the most natural finish, apply using our Foundation Buff Brush in small, circular motions. Start in the centre of the face and work outwards, blending well for a seamless finish that’s never heavy or cakey. Less is always more with foundation, as you can build up coverage as needed or apply a little concealer to blur out any blemishes or dark circles.