Thirties is the age where you cannot play around with bold makeup, but also not do everything subtle. You need to balance your makeup well so that you don't look too young for your age or too old," says beauty artiste Shahnaz Husain.

When in your 30s, your body goes through a series of hormonal changes. Thus, you soon start noticing all sorts of different spots on your face, pigmentation, dark circles, freckles, etc. To ensure that it doesn't take away from making you look beautiful, here are a few things you must do when you hit the 30s.

Choose full foundation coverage

Unlike in your 20s, where using a primer and concealer was enough to hide blemishes, opt for an even foundation coverage when applying makeup. To ensure that you cover all the dark splotches, even out your skin tone with a foundation that is a shade closer to your original skin colour. Next, begin to apply your makeup by doing light touches on your jaw-line and your chin area so that you can blend the colour easily, on your neck. To complete the look, dust a translucent powder on your face, so that the foundation stays for long.

Create structural support

As you reach your 30s, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. This is also the time when you start noticing that your skin starts to sag because collagen and elastin production begins to slow down. Explains makeup artiste Meghna Butani, "Sweep a light to medium shade of foundation or compact on the full-length of your cheekbone smoothly. This will lift your face and define it. It will also conceal fine lines and wrinkles."

Consider what needs redefining

Says Husain, "In your 30s, you should take note of what needs redefining as far as your features are concerned. For example, the shape of your lips may not be so regular, with tiny lines appearing at the edges. The best thing would be to apply foundation on your lips or a little concealer on the edges of your lips. A lip pencil in the same shade to outline your lips should also do the trick."

Go subtle

The way to make your features stand out and look elegant is by going in for a look that is subtle. You can achieve this look by keeping your eye makeup heavy but toning down your lips. Also, doing up your cheeks is recommended to make you look younger.

Choose a natural shade of lipstick

Though brighter colours like maroon, red and mauves are popular, opting for a nude lipstick will make you look good. When you go in for heavy eye make-up, nude lips complement this look the best. Further, you must choose a lip gloss instead of a lipstick so that the lines on your lips do not show. However, if you wish to go in for a lipstick, remember to apply a lip balm before you start filling it up with the desired colour.

Perk up your eyes

To ensure your eyes look good, proper eye makeup is crucial. Choose a colour that matches your foundation and blend well. Opt for a darker shade of eye shadow (browns and grey look the best) and blend it well. Once you've done that, sweep a line of eyeliner on your top eyelids and on the bottom as well. To complete the look, add lots of mascara. However, if you are suffering from dryness around your eyes, it is best to use a lotion, keep it on for sometime and wipe it off with a cotton wool before you begin to apply your makeup.