This may seem counterintuitive, but according to Spellos, nothing ages you faster than a line of demarcation caused by a foundation that’s a different color than your neck skin. (Your neck is one of the biggest age giveaways, and anything that draws unwanted attention to it will backfire on you, say makeup artists.) “Foundation needs to be like a flawless, seamless, airbrushed finish that matches skin perfectly,” explains Spellos, who recommends finding a happy medium between your face and neck tones and blending well.

You’ll find just the right colors with Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation collection. Available in more than 40 shades, this transfer-resistant formula is also packed with SPF 15 and has a breathable, lightweight feel.

There’s a place for both tools when scouting out the best makeup for older women. According to Spellos, brushes are not only the quickest way to apply foundation, but they give skin an airbrushed finish while keeping the oils and bacteria on your fingers from clogging pores. (Bonus: You also use less product, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.) After applying foundation in a stippling motion with your brush, pressing and tapping in tiny dots, use a makeup sponge to push the product into your skin for a seamless, natural finish. “It’s important that the sponge is damp so it doesn’t drink in the makeup,” cautions Spellos.

You’ll definitely want the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush 7 in your makeup kit. With a 12,800-hair count, the plush, wide bristles on this dual-ended brush (the other side is scaled down for concealer) are perfect for tapping on foundation with an invisible, filter-like finish. You also can’t go wrong with the Original BeautyBlender. Bouncy and edge free, this universally beloved makeup sponge gets in every little nook and cranny with streak-free results.

While some people experience under-eye bags as they age, others are plagued with dark shadows. And though you may be tempted to whip out that concealer tube and go on an immediate “undercover mission,” Duque recommends that you take a beat and start with a color corrector instead. “Often, as we age, our under eyes hollow out, and we lose fat in that area. To make them appear less recessed, start with a color corrector in a pink or peach color,” she says. “Wait a couple of minutes until it’s settled in, then apply your concealer over it for a smoothing and brightening effect.”

Like a true artist’s palette, the super-affordable NYX Professional Makeup 3C Color Correcting Concealer Palette boasts six “corrector” shades, designed to tweak a variety of skin tones and discolorations. For example, most dark circles have a blueish tint, so use peach to cancel them out. On the other hand, redness is neutralized by a green concealer, and purple tones around the eyes can be counteracted with yellow.