"At the end of the day, confidence is the most stunning thing you can put on," Geller says — and her makeup aims to make that easier for women with aging skin. (Laura Geller)
In the world of beauty, makeup artist Laura Geller is something of a legend. Her award-winning cosmetics, from foundations and concealers to eyeliners and lipsticks, are highly coveted on QVC and bestsellers across the internet, with celebrities like Vanna White, Jennie Garth, Kyle Richards and Fran Drescher among her biggest fans. Geller founded the brand in 1997 and, over the years, it has become a favorite of mature shoppers.
Long known as a "pro-aging" advocate, Geller isn't shy about catering to older women. Her products are formulated for mature skin (i.e. nothing cakey or waxy) and they come in sophisticated, timeless colors (no faux freckles or glitter). To further walk the pro-aging walk, Geller's brand exclusively features models over 40 in its marketing.
I talked to the ebullient makeup artist about the best ways to put on your face when you're over a certain age, the most common mistakes she sees mature women make and how we can all look our best in the decades Geller calls "the age of possibility."
Laura Geller: As we get older, our skin has different needs and that means our makeup should evolve too. One of the biggest missteps I see is holding on to the same products you used decades ago. I always remind women: Meet your skin where you are now. Choosing makeup with nourishing, hydrating formulas makes all the difference in softening the look of dryness, fine lines and discoloration so your makeup goes on smoothly and stays fresh all day.
LG: If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: Wear what makes you feel your best. For some, that's a soft, natural look. For others, it's a full face of glam — and both are beautiful. Makeup should never be about rules; it's about expressing how you feel. At the end of the day, confidence is the most stunning thing you can put on.
LG: I always say: Never skip primer! It's your first line of defense against makeup settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Go for an oil-free formula to help your foundation stay smooth and in place. Our new Spackle SPF Primer is perfect for summer since it helps keep your makeup in place and also protects skin from the sun. I also love baked or water-based foundations because they're lightweight, breathable, and won't cake up. And don't be afraid of setting powder — my Matte Maker is a go-to for keeping everything fresh and locked in.
This fast-absorbing cream formula works double duty to keep makeup on and, with its broad-spectrum SPF 30, protect your skin from the sun.
Geller's translucent setting powder locks in makeup with a soft finish that helps blur fine lines.
This unique product hydrates the line of your lips and keeps color from migrating or feathering, all without making you look like an over-lip-lined Spice Girl in 1998.
This bestselling powder foundation contains color-correcting pigments to help even out unbalanced skin while leaving you looking natural, not like you've slathered on a ton of product. The formula self-adjusts to match your skin tone, so you don't have to worry about it being too warm or too cool as long as you select your closest shade.
The product is actually, truly baked: The pigments are heated on terracotta tiles for 24 hours, giving them a unique consistency that offers the convenience of a powder with the coverage of a cream. They fill in pores and create a smooth finish but won't settle into fine lines.
If you're a fan of Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk but don't love how the matte finish settles into your lip lines, look no further than this rich semi-shine lipstick. It comes in an array of universally flattering tawny-rose hues (I'm especially fond of "A Latte Love") and the moisturizing, non-gloss formula is lightweight and smudge-resistant. It even boosts the fullness of your pout.
This award-winning makeup palette is handmade in Italy for mature skin. It includes blush, bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadow in warm, seriously glowifying bronzy-pink hues. The summer-perfect set is filled with customer favorites and makeup artist Geller's most frequently used shades in both matte and shimmer finishes.
LG: When it comes to aging eyes, always remember my "3 Es" trick — meaning, eyeliner, eyelashes and eyebrows. A defined brow frames the face, tight eyeliner along the upper lash line brings back definition in the eye area that often gets lost with age and mascara opens everything up. For hooded or crepey lids, keep shadows light and lifted and use a beige liner on the lower waterline to brighten tired or smaller-looking eyes.
LG: To make lips look fuller, hydration is key, because dry lips make fine lines more noticeable and cause color to settle and feather. I always prep with a nourishing balm, then line with a clear lip pencil to keep everything in place. It’s like an invisible fence that stops feathering. My go-to is our Modern Classic Invisible Lip Liner — it locks in color without adding heaviness.
LG: For mature skin, softer shades are your best friend. I love rosy pinks and peachy tones—they instantly brighten the complexion and bring life back to sallow skin, another issue that comes with aging. I also recommend marbleized formulas; the blend of pigments and tones gives a natural, dimensional glow without looking flat or harsh, like clown makeup. It's all about adding color in a way that feels fresh and effortless.
