Be your own kind of beautiful at any age, with the right attitude and a smile. Enhance your features with a few makeup tips from a pro, and you’ll be ready to walk the runway. That’s how I felt, after my consultation and makeover with the team at Makeup by Francesca in Middleton, Wisconsin. Since turning 56, I felt my hair and skin both changing. I knew my skincare regimen needed to change too. Beauty is big business and shopping for cosmetics can be overwhelming. Nothing I tried was working for me. I needed some guidance on finding the right makeup and updating my hair style. I decided to combine business with pleasure by doing a little research for a story on makeup tips for women “of a certain age.” I booked a consultation with Fran Johnson, owner of Makeup by Francesca, and her lead stylist, Agata Marino. Upon arrival, they started speaking Italian to each other and blowing kisses. I knew I was in good hands.

Before we began, they took a thorough inventory of my makeup bag, asked me what was working and what wasn’t. They listened carefully and took notes. We went shopping to try a few different cosmetic lines and came back to the studio for my appointment. I recently had a precancerous spot removed on my face, so one of the top concerns addressed was finding a high quality foundation with sunscreen. Together, we found the perfect match. I decided to come back a few weeks after my skin healed for my full makeover.

I bravely came in for my before photo with damp hair and no makeup. I was excited to see my transformation unfold. Being pampered by both makeup artists was a real treat. They gave me a fresh, natural look that really enhanced my eyes, which I’ve never been able to do myself. I learned the art of contouring and mixing shades for a customized color that suits my unique style. I didn’t feel overly made up and I love the beach wave hairstyle they gave me. Now, I just need to perfect their techniques at home. They make it easy by sending you with written or video instructions, depending on which option you choose. There was no pressure to purchase any products. I waited a few weeks to see how my skin reacted to the new cosmetics before investing in two lines I’ve come to love; Glo Skin Beauty and Lime Life by Alcone. I have been very impressed with the quality of the products and follow-up from Francesca and her team. Now I know why she got her latest gig with the NFL. She knows her stuff.

I feel more confident with my updated look. If you are feeling lost with your makeup routine and need help, consulting with a professional can make all the difference, at any age, to feel and look your best. I’m so glad I took the leap and consulted Makeup By Francesca. I’m sharing some of the tips I learned from two of my favorite Italians, Fran and Agata. Don’t worry, they gave me their answers in English, with more kisses of course. (So with Italian accents.) 💋💋

MAKEUP TIPS FOR MATURE WOMEN: Q & A with Fran & Agata

Q=What challenges do mature women face with makeup today?

Fran=Comparing ourselves to other women. What looks good on someone else may not be the best look for you. With a little confidence and education, you can easily find a signature look that is perfect for you!

Agata=Choosing the correct foundation will help to de-emphasize the fine lines and dryness and help highlight your best features.

Q=What are 3 essential products for everyone to have in their makeup bag?

Fran=Mascara, cream blush (can add to lips too) and brow pencil

I love products that can multitask! A cream blush is perfect for adding a little color to cheeks and lips on the go. Having a brow pencil and mascara will be sure to keep your eyes bright anywhere, anytime!

Agata=Blush, mascara, lip gloss. Adding color to the face, and finishing with a little polish is an easy way to look naturally radiant.

Q=What are some makeup myths that mature women hear?

Fran=That mature women can only wear matte eyeshadow. All mature skin is dry. No eyeliner And all of these are FALSE! Women need to know themselves, their skin and their preferences, regardless of their age. Everyone is different and those differences should be embraced!

Agata=Not being able to use bright eyeshadows and lipsticks with shimmer. Mature women are often told to tone down the colors and sparkle they wear, but it isn’t the truth! When used correctly, anyone can use bright, shimmery eyeshadows and lipsticks.

Q=What are the best makeup tips for mature women?

Fran=Use the correct color choices for skin tone: lip color, eyeshadow, foundation and concealer. Learn techniques that draw attention to your best self!

Agata=Use cream foundations instead of powders for some mature women to give the appearance of dewy, hydrated skin. For others, powders can be a great options. ALWAYS moisturize before a makeup application

Q=What are the best hair styling tips for mature women?

Fran=Highlighting around the frame of face.. beach waves.. softer is more fun and less hairspray. Let it flow.

Meet Francesca

Francesca Johnson is a traveling makeup artist and wardrobe advisor who founded her Wisconsin based company nearly ten years ago. Makeup By Francesca has grown to become a leader in the industry for weddings, special events, professional video and photo shoots. Francesca and her team of 8 makeup artists have an impressive list of clients, including “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Barstool Sports,” and “House Hunters International,” to name a few. She credits her big breaks to meaningful connections, many of which are clients, who often become friends. I am blessed to be one of them and can see why, when I hear her speak about her client friendships.

“Each client comes with a story, but the best part is we get to create a new story together.”

Francesca’s story began in Long Island where she was born and raised with strong Italian roots. A move to Manhattan lured her into the world of high fashion and cosmetics. A detour to Chicago was where her love story began, as she was swept off her feet by a Wisconsin native. The couple now reside with their two children in Middleton, Wisconsin. When she’s not pampering someone else on a photo shoot, Francesca enjoys cooking or traveling to her native New York, or Italy , where she still has family in Rome and Naples.

Learn more about Francescas’s story and her client testimonials at Makeup By Francesca.