BoomerGirl Diary

Every woman has moments where, gazing at herself in a mirror, she feels as gorgeous as a movie star. Unfortunately for women over 40, bad makeup coupled with mature skin can limit the number of starring roles you may get. No one wants to be offered the lead in "I Know What You Did for the Past 30 Summers."

If you're ready for your close-up but are afraid of what might be revealed, avoid the urge to spackle on heavy foundation and powder, which will only settle into fine lines and crinkles and exacerbate the problem. Likewise, shunning makeup altogether won't fool anybody into thinking you were gifted glowing, naturally-radiant skin from the gods.

The current fashion is to pretend our skin is so great, we don't need foundation. But short of cosmetic surgery, foundation is the best fatigue-eraser and radiance-booster we have.

Here are seven ways to help you stare down your foundation fears:

1. If sun damage is hijacking your skin – brown spots, blotches, broken blood vessels – dot on Make Up For Ever Full Cover ($30), a super-concentrated waterproof matte concealer. Use it on serious spots only.

2. The brush that comes with Yves Saint Laurent Teint Majeur Luxurious Foundation Ultimate Radiance SPF 18 ($95) whips makeup over your face in sheer layers for a poreless finish.

3. If you're still getting pimples and clogged pores, the usual solution – oil-free liquid base and a powder topcoat – will look chalky and obvious in natural light. Try a mineral powder foundation instead. Sonia Kashuk Sheer Mineral Face Palette ($15) stacks the powder with a compatible blush and concealer in one portable unit.

4. For seriously dry skin, Clinique Supermoisture Makeup ($23) is the most effective humectant-rich foundation I've tried. Don't let the cream-gel description fool you into thinking it's a lightweight: It refuses to cake around the nose and lips.

5. When my skin gets so dry it hurts, I use Darphin 8 Flower Nectar ($125) over my foundation. Rub this serum between your palms and pat it on to freshen your look several hours into the day without disturbing your makeup.

6. If you want a full-coverage look, try Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation ($42). It won't reveal your rosacea or the after-effects of last night's glass of red wine.

7. Tricia Sawyer Alive Moisturizer ($34) is a quirky-looking, neon-orange gel that I dab on cheeks, temples and eyelids to lift the color. Use it under foundation or alone as a tinted moisturizer – it's a shot of pure energy for the face.