Be Gorgeous At Any Age

While good genes and bones play a part in how gracefully you age (hello, Paulina Porizkova!), never underestimate the power of good planning! Here, experts evaluate the best makeup and skincare strategies for you—decade by decade.

By Genevieve Monsma

IN YOUR 20s

Your Skin
Unless you're an SPF slacker, your skin doesn't need much help - yet. "You're nestled between baby fat and fine lines," says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. "Typically, acne is the only thing to plague a 20-something. If this is the case, see a dermatologist to avoid scarring." Makeup-wise, go wild: Your creaseless skin can pull off frosts and bright hues with abandon.

Your Maintenance
SUNSCREEN: Ward off sun damage now with a minimum of SPF 30, says Jali man.
MC RECOMMENDS: Prescribed Solutions Up the Anti SPF 30, $50.

CLEANSER: Wash twice a day for at least 30 seconds.
MC RECOMMENDS: Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleaner, $7.69.

DEFENSE AGAINST DISCOLORATION: A niacin cream will ease acne-induced blotchiness.
MC RECOMMENDS: Olay Definity Foaming Moisturizer, $27.99.

EXFOLIATOR: “Exfoliate once a day if you’re prone to clogged pores,” suggestsJaliman.
MC RECOMMENDS: Biore Pore Minimizing Exfoliator, $12.99.

Your Makeup
MINERAL MAKEUP: “A light dusting of mineral makeup is all you need,” says Kate Somerville, a Los Angeles–based celebrity facialist.
MC RECOMMENDS: Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, $31.

HIGHLIGHTER: Play up your youthful, smooth skin with a dab of shimmer cream on your brow- and cheekbones, says Shalini Vadhera, founder of GlobalGoddess Beauty.
MC RECOMMENDS: Lola SkinLuminous Cream, $35.

BRIGHT PALETTES: “Smooth skin is the ideal canvas for brights,” says Sonia Kashuk, who perfected Porizkova’s make up for this story.
MC RECOMMENDS: Hard Candy Shadow Palette in Party Mix, $15; Maybelline Shiny-Licious Gloss, $5.99.