I just turned 58 and my makeup routine isn't working anymore. I take 10 minutes in the morning to throw something on, but it's become a chore and I'm not satisfied with the results. Any quick tips for the over-50 crew?

The fact that it's become a chore is significant. Makeup application isn't meant to be a rote activity you mechanically submit to as you race out the door to live your life. It's an artful way to subtly enhance your features and should be applied thoughtfully (if at all) at any age. (Can anyone tell a makeup artist is talking here?)

As we age, our skin texture changes. The products and methods we use should reflect that change, here are some guidelines to help you achieve your best look each morning:

Over-50 Don'ts:

• Don't wear vibrant or contrasting colors and tones; they're aging.
• Don't use pearl or shimmer makeup; it exaggerates the texture of skin and intensifies the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Don't choose matte products (made for oily skin); they look pasty and dry, especially matte lipstick, which to me is the biggest no-no for the over-50 set. (Kabuki theatre, anyone?)
• Don't apply blush to the bones of the cheeks. As we age our faces become thinner and applying blush to the bones exaggerates that in an unflattering way.

Over-50 Dos >>>