Age-Defying Beauty Secrets

Still stunning at 53, Sharon Stone knows to skip the full-coverage foundation, which can settle into creases. The best way to conceal spots but still have natural-looking skin is to start with a good tinted moisturizer, says Starworks makeup artist Robin Black, who has worked with Cindy Crawford, Eva Longoria and others. Then concentrate concealer just on the darkest spots, applying in layers until the discoloration is gone, she adds.

As we age, we lose fat under the eyes making dark circles more apparent. To look refreshed and rested (à la 59-year-old Shohreh Aghdashloo), opt for a highly pigmented cream concealer the exact color of your skin, says Black. Using a small pointed brush, apply a thin line and press in (don't rub!) with your fingertip.

Powder blush sits on the top of the skin and can sometimes emphasize fine lines, says Black. Instead, she suggests experimenting with cream blush in warm shades, such as bronzed rose or peach, as a radiant Cate Blanchett, 42, does here.

One of Black's favorite tricks is to line along the top lashes, keeping the color close to the lashes and stopping just short of the outer corner. Then curl top lashes and apply several coats of black mascara, leaving the lower lashes bare. The emphasis on the top lash line gives a very youthful and open appearance, she says.

To get eyes like Iman, 55, skip the sparkle. Shimmer eye shadow can emphasize creases and draw attention to fine lines, says Black. She recommends trying a matte shadow swept across the entire lid. To up the drama, line lids with a gel liner—it's easier to layer and blend than pencils.

Want bright lips like 53-year-old Andie MacDowell? Start by applying a nourishing lip treatment and leaving it on while you do the rest of your face, says Black. Then use a translucent wax- or silicone-based gel pencil to essentially seal off the edges of lips and prevent color from running into creases.

For a low-maintenance but polished look—similar to 65-year-old Charlotte Rampling's—Black recommends a sheer lipstick or a tinted lip balm. (Pass on gloss, which can look a bit teeny-bopperish.) If your lips are flaky, then try Black's DIY fix: Remove any product, lightly pat lips with a piece of Scotch tape to remove loose skin, and then apply a moisturizing balm.

The secret to 73-year-old Jane Fonda's age-defying beauty may be in her hair. According to Eugene Toye, stylist for Rita Hazan Salon, a cut with shorter, face-framing layers can help subtract years. The idea is to open up the face, rather than crowd it with too much length in the front, says Toye.