The older you get, the more you need to put your best face forward; literally.

For many years I didn't wear any makeup at all, and my skincare consisted of nothing more than a bar of Ivory soap. I didn't really give it much thought until I turned 50 and started to notice gravity and age starting to take it's toll on my face. At that point I tried reviving the skincare and makeup routine I used in my 20's. Of course, the results were abysmal. Not only had my face and skin changed, so had the products available to help care for my skin and play up my best features.

I played drugstore cosmetic roulette - with predictably random results - for a while before conceding I didn't really know what I was doing. Because they did such a great job at teaching me how to cover up my epic chin bruise last year I decided to book a makeover at Sephora. It was one of the smartest things I've ever done. Here are five reasons why.

Before: No Makeup

After: Sephora Makeover

1.Your pre-makeup regime is the most important part. As your skin starts to lose it's elasticity (think after the age of 30. Yes, I said 30) and age spots take it's place you need to do right by your face. This process, and the myriad of products that promise you the world in defiance of Father Time, is intimidating and often blatantly misleading.

I've been given skincare products to review that were just awful (think your face stays as greasy as buttered toast) so I decided to try the products used on me for my pre-appointment facial. These are by Austrailian based Jurlique and include Rosewater Balancing Mist, Herbal Recovery with Naturadiance PB18+ Advanced Serum and Skin Balancing Face Oil. I was given samples of Nutri-Define with Biosome5 Multi-Correcting Day Cream and Superior Retexturizing Facial Serum, and Herbal Recovery Advanced Eye Serum to try as well.

One product I received for review from Laguna Naturals that I do like is Laguna Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum. This paraben-free serum contains stabilized vitamin C and Rosa Canina extract. Rosa Canina has anti-oxidant and astringent properties. It's not icky or irritating on my face, and after just a few weeks I noticed firmer, brighter skin with some age-spot fading. At $39.99 it's a good value - and if you enter coupon code ALICIA20 when you checkout you'll get 20% off your order! This coupon code is valid until March 31st, 2016.

I use the Laguna Anti-Aging Serum at night, after I've removed my makeup, along with a thin layer of organic coconut oil as an overnight moisturizer. The oil seems to be helping fill in my overly-plucked-during the 70'seyebrows as well.

2. Looking fresh-faced and dewy takes years off your face. When I was in my 20's it was all about the glam-face. Lots of vivid eyeshadow, thin brows, rouge-lined cheekbones, and dark, defined lips. Now, you want your skin to look as fresh and bright as it did bare-faced in your 20's. After applying sunscreen - an absolute must - I use Laura Mercier Luminizing Primer. It truly does light up my skin and preps it for concealer and foundation.

3. Creme-based products work better on older skin. Powders and mineral-based foundations settle into wrinkles and dry out skin that needs hydration. Switch to creme-based foundation such as Laura Mercier Silk Creme Moisturizing Photo Edition Foundation or Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. Remember to apply primer and foundation on your neck and decolletage, too.

A holdover from the infamous Purple Chin Incident, I use Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer between the primer and the foundation to cover age spots and dark circles. I also use Sephora Highlight/Lowlight Face Contour Duo and Stila Aquaglow Watercolor Blush. The trick with all of these is to blend, blend, blend until there are no harsh lines on your face.

An added bonus to using creme-based products is I can apply and blend them with my fingers, which is infinitely easier for me than negotiating loose powder and brushes.

4. Brows need definition. Lashes need volume. As you age your brows and eyelashes get sparser which, in my opinion, makes you look older. I've tried many different brow powders, cremes, and pencils, but nothing tops Anastasia's Brow Definer Triangular Brow Pencil. It's very easy for me to use and doesn't require sharpening.

When it comes to lashes I look for a drugstore-brand volumizing mascara with an applicator wand I can easily negotiate with my CP fingers. Two coats of mascara should do it. Clumpy, lumpy lashes are very 1984.

On the rare occasion when I do wear eyeshadow it's matte so it doesn't accentuate the lines and wrinkles like shimmery shadows do. A little Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion underneath eye makeup makes sure it doesn't settle into creases, and their 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil goes on soft and is very controllable.

5. Lips need moisture and a hint of shine. You already know that lips get thinner with age but, if you take certain medications on a daily basis, they also get drier. In my case, a lot drier, and that's really unattractive. Bite Agave Lip Mask was used as a primer for Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colorbalm, but I've worn it on it's own and it keeps my lips moist and adds a natural shine as well.

My thanks to Ty and Rachel at Sephora Green Hills for giving me new tools and techniques that I can manage despite my physical limitations to put my best face forward. What about you? Are you in need of a beauty makeover, or do you have a favorite tip or product that you'd like to share?

I also decided to change up my hair style a bit. I showed my stylist this picture and said, "Bowie me".