Sometimes selecting makeup is simple – you opt for the latest color or the newest formula, or products that complement your eye or hair color. And, when selecting foundation, it is quite common to consider little more than the tone and condition of your complexion, and choose a formula that matches your coloring and hydrates your skin or controls breakouts.

However, experts at InStyle.com suggest that you may also want to take your age into account before selecting your foundation and perfecting your beauty routine.

According to the news source, women in their 20s generally have a good complexion, and should use sheer, oil-free foundation that lets their skin’s natural beauty show.

“After washing and moisturizing your face, dab an oil absorbing primer over your T-zone to cut shine and help your makeup last,” the news outlet recommends. Paula Dorf Perfect Primer for Normal/Oily Skin can be applied under other cosmetics and stops shine from affecting your makeup.

Next, those in their 20s should use a noncomedogenic liquid and apply it with a sponge, as fingers can transfer oil to your skin. In addition to being noncomedogenic, which means that it won’t clog pores, Exuviance Skin Caring Foundations SPF 15 provides long-lasting, eight-hour coverage.

Women in their 30s, however, may want to use products that feature specific benefits, such as wrinkle-softening formulas, and upgrade to a foundation that boasts more coverage. The news provider suggests using a primer that contains silicone, as it will soften the appearance of fine lines. Pixi Brightening Primer includes skin-conditioning silicone and glycerine, which binds water to skin and offers a hydrating and plumping effect.

A combination of formula and translucent powder can help provide fuller, natural-looking coverage. Babor Classic Hydra Light Oil-Free Foundation will hide imperfections and even out skin tone, and Babor Classic Translucent Powder offers a flawless finish as it holds the foundation in place.

By their 40s, women begin to develop more pronounced wrinkles and age spots, InStyle.com reports, and should also be aware that skin will be more prone to a loss of moisture, so a liquid foundation can help combat dryness. However, there are other products that ladies in their 40s should utilize as well.

Age spots and other skin discolorations can be neutralized by using primers that contain color-correcting tints. According to the news source, “green minimizes redness, lavender counteracts ashiness, and peach conceals dark spots.” Both Jane Iredale and Pixi offer kits that contain a number of shades of concealers to cover up spots of different colors.

Look for a foundation that hydrates skin, like Joey New York 4 in 1 Foundation Anti-Aging Formula for Dry Skin, which comes with its own application brush, and carry a small jar of moisturizer with you – treating dry patches throughout the day may keep you looking especially fresh-faced.

Finally, the news outlet recommends that women in their 50s and beyond should use specialized products and, instead of using less makeup, apply foundation in layers to avoid a plastered-on appearance. An anti-aging product, like Cellex-C High-Potency Serum, will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin look firmer and more toned.

“Subtle shine helps bring out the contours of the face and conceal lines, so look for a featherweight liquid formula with light-diffusing particles,” the news provider recommends. Babor Classic Age Conceal Foundation is an anti-aging formula that boasts light-diffusing pigments that hide lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, ladies 50 and up may want to tote a powder compact for quick touch-ups, but should remember to carefully press it into skin, as wiping will remove already-applied makeup.