What makeup will make a female actress look older?

Question

I am a directing a short film and need a 18 year old female, to look 26-30 years old. What are some suggestions? (Anything from specific makeup to clothes.)

Offhand, I'm thinking glasses, and eye makeup, but there must be more subtle tricks I can use to make her look older.

ANYTHING would be helpful. Also, please be as specific as possible. Thank you!

Answer 1

You should have picked an 18 year old actor who looked older than her age :P A lot of people look older/younger than they really are.

Other than that, the glasses are a nice touch, but it depends on the type of character you want to portray. A 26-30 year old who is hip and trendy or quiet and reserved? The type of glasses can really affect this. For a more youthful look, I'd suggest black rimmed glasses or glasses with bright color frames and skinnier rectangular lenses. For an older look, maybe larger more circle-shaped lenses with thin wire frames in basic colors.

As for makeup, I would NOT over-do it, but maybe a simple "office-type" look. But then again, it depends on the type of character and actual appearance of the actor. I would generally suggest black mascara, a black or dark brown eyeliner on the top lashline ONLY, maybe some light brown eyeshadow on the lid (above the crease, and a subtle but shimmery neutral color to highlight below the brow (the colors depend on the actor's eye color, hair color, eyebrow color, etc. you may need to make your own decisions). You may also want to use concealer, but if you want your character to look tired or overworked or something, exclude that. You should just mainly play up the features that your actor already has and use them to your advantage to shape the way you want your character to appear.

Also, you might want to thin the lips, again, depending on the type of character. This kind of creates a more "severe" or "strict" look I suppose. Just apply liquid or powder foundation on the lips & blend well. You can either draw the lipline with a light shade of lip liner, but it depends if you are using say, red lipstick, or a darker shade. Then you can apply that within the new lipline you created. You can also just do a nude lip over the foundation and apply a light shine of clear or neutral lip gloss. This goes well with a smokey eye or darker eyeshadow shades.

Clothes can also help the illusion a lot, depending on the type of character, pick an outfit that matches the "older" more "mature" look. Nothing too strappy or tight or revealing. You might also want to try things with her hair, like different styles that someone 26-30 might use, ie: no young, trendy colored cuts or anything like that. Maybe simple down and straight, wavy, or even tousled. Or up and in a messy bun or something.

It would really help if I had some info on what your actor looked like and the type of part she ways playing, but I hope this helps!

Answer 2

A heavy foundation on her skin.  Red, or dark, lipstick.  Glasses are good.  Maybe a scarf around the neck.