What is lifting effect makeup and how to apply it to each area

Lifting effect makeup does not seek to hide the signs of aging, but rather to adapt the technique to the changes that each area of the face experiences over time.

The forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and eyes don't age in the same way, and they aren't all made up the same way. Knowing how to work on each area is key to achieving makeup that rejuvenates rather than one that simply conceals imperfections.

This guide brings together practical steps and tips to visually enhance your features without accentuating expression lines or wrinkles.

How to correct volume loss in the forehead and temples?

Over time, the forehead tends to lose projection and the temples sink in, which can visually alter the proportions of the upper part of the face.

To counteract that effect, apply highlighter to the brow bone (the bony prominence just above the eyes) using upward strokes to brighten the area. At the temples, blend a warm, neutral eyeshadow to create depth without darkening the face too much. The goal is not to create shadows and define features, but to subtly enhance the structure of the face.

Estée Lauder

BRONZE GODESS illuminating powder

Highlighter makeup

From £ 26.50

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Urban Decay

NAKED SHAPED eyeshadow palette

Eyeshadow

From £ 40.78

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The cheekbones, the area that most defines the lifting effect

Loss of volume in the cheekbones is one of the most visible changes with age and one of the most influential in facial expression.

Cream blush helps to enhance this area when applied diagonally, from the most prominent part of the cheek towards the temple, with an upward motion. The secret lies in the direction and angle of application. Avoid blending it in circular motions on the cheeks, as this can visually draw attention to the lower part of the face and produce the opposite effect. Applying it diagonally and upwards best enhances the lifting effect .

bareMinerals

COMPLEXION RESCUE HIGHLIGHTING BLUSH illuminating blush in gel-cream

Highlighter makeup - Blusher

From £ 17.85

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Catrice

COLOUR FLUSH liquid blush serum

Blusher

From £ 4.02

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The jawline and the facial oval, where the contour regains definition

The oval shape of the face gradually loses definition over time, and the jawline becomes less pronounced. The skin in this area tends to lose firmness and sag, making the transition between the face and neck less defined.

To subtly restore that structure, apply a neutral-toned contour below the jawline and blend it towards the tragus (the small cartilage protrusion in front of the ear). Cream or fine powder textures are best. Use a brush with minimal pressure, blending the pigment so it integrates seamlessly with the skin rather than being deposited on top, avoiding a harsh line.

Nyx Professional Make Up

CONCEAL CORRECT CONTOUR

Concealer makeup

From £ 10.47

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Nyx Professional Make Up

PRO CONTOUR brush

Makeup brushes

From £ 10.46

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The eyes, the key to the lifting effect

The upper eyelid loses firmness with age and droops slightly, which alters the expression and makes the face look more tired.

To visually counteract this drooping, apply an upward-angled line of eyeliner, focusing on the outer corner of the eye. Mascara works best when applied primarily to the upper lashes, especially those at the outer corner. Use brow gel to brush your eyebrows upward and outward. The lifted brow helps enhance the optical lifting effect of the eyes.

La Roche Posay

TOLERIANE eyeliner

Eyeliners

From £ 11.31

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Maybelline

LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH mascara

Mascara

From £ 6.73

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The foundation of makeup, the support for everything mentioned above

In practice, foundation is the first step in any lifting-effect routine. An unsuitable foundation for mature skin can ruin any optical lifting technique, no matter how well executed.

For mature skin, fluid or cream formulas with a satin or luminous finish are ideal, as they don't settle into fine lines, add radiance, and give a rested appearance. In contrast, pressed powders accentuate texture and diminish the luminosity that a lifting effect needs to work.

Vichy Laboratoires

DERMABLEND fond de teint correcteur SPF35

Foundation makeup

From £ 16.22

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Shiseido

REVITALESSENCE SKIN GLOW foundation

Foundation makeup

From £ 27.86

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Perfume's Club's makeup selection includes foundations, cream blushes, and highlighters designed for mature skin, with textures that help enhance features without accentuating the signs of aging.