THESE ARE THE 10 BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS

Leggings are a wardrobe staple for many reasons: they’re comfy, versatile, and can be dressed up or down. But what to wear with them? The key to taking your leggings from lounging to chic is all about what you pair them with. Get ready to elevate your legging game! Here are the 10 best things to wear with leggings.

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KITTEN HEELS

Ditch the sweatpants and elevate your leggings in a snap with kitten heels! These comfy lifesavers are the perfect way to instantly polish off a casual legging look. Unlike sky-high stilettos, kitten heels offer all-day comfort so you can conquer your errands or transition effortlessly from daytime adventures to evening plans. The low heel height creates a effortlessly put-together vibe, and for an extra touch of sophistication, pair them with stirrup leggings that hug the ankle.

TRAINERS

Forget the struggle of choosing between comfort and style. Trainers and leggings are the ultimate power couple in your closet. This dynamic duo is perfect for your most relaxed days, offering unbeatable comfort for running errands, hitting the gym, or simply lounging in style. The sporty edge of trainers adds a cool vibe to your leggings, while the breathable fabrics of both pieces keep you comfortable and moving freely. But don’t be fooled by their casual nature – trainers come in a vast range of styles, from sleek and minimal to chunky and bold. Whether you choose a timeless white trainer or a trendy platform sole, you can easily dress your leggings up or down. Throw on a denim jacket for a laid-back look, or elevate things with a blazer and statement earrings for a touch of athleisure chic. Leggings and trainers are a win-win for both comfort and style, offering endless outfit possibilities for any casual occasion.

BALLET FLATS

Channel your inner Parisian with the effortless combination of ballet flats and leggings. This chic duo offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. The sleek lines of the flats complement the clean silhouette of leggings, creating a polished yet casual ensemble. Both pieces are known for their comfort, allowing you to move freely and stay cozy all day. The versatility is unbeatable – dress them up with a flowy blouse and blazer for work, or keep it casual with a tunic top and denim jacket. Don’t forget to accessorize! Play with textures and patterns – a chunky knit cardigan or statement necklace adds personality. Animal print flats or metallic finishes can inject a touch of fun. Ballet flats and leggings are a foundational outfit combo that every wardrobe needs, offering endless possibilities for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

LOAFERS

Ditch the sweats and add instant polish with loafers and leggings! This surprisingly chic combo takes you from casual to effortlessly put-together. The structured silhouette of loafers elevates your leggings beyond loungewear, making them work-ready for casual Fridays or even a night out. Loafers come in a range of styles, from classic penny loafers to chunky platforms, so you can match your vibe. Pair sleek loafers with a crisp white shirt for preppy chic, or go edgy with chunky ones and a leather jacket. Don’t worry about sacrificing comfort for style – loafers can be surprisingly comfy, especially with a well-cushioned sole. Want to add a playful touch? Channel your inner fashion icon and show a sliver of patterned socks. Prefer a clean look? Go sockless! Loafers and leggings offer the perfect blend of style and comfort, making them a versatile choice for any casual or semi-formal occasion.

FAUX FUR ANKLE BOOTS

Embrace cozy vibes with faux fur ankle boots and leggings! This pairing is perfect for adding a touch of luxury and warmth to your outfit. The soft texture of the faux fur booties complements the sleek lines of leggings, creating a look that’s both stylish and comfortable. Dress it up with a chunky knit sweater and a midi skirt for a cute fall outfit, or keep it casual with a tunic top and a denim jacket. No matter how you style them, faux fur ankle boots and leggings are sure to keep you warm and fashionable all season long.

HIGH HEELS

Level up your legging game with a classic pairing: high heels! This combo exudes confidence and instantly elevates your look from casual to night-out ready. While stiletto heels are a bold choice, consider pumps with a thicker heel for added comfort. The key is to balance the proportions – pair pointed-toe heels with opaque leggings for a streamlined silhouette. Play with textures! Leather leggings add a touch of edge, while patterned heels can inject personality. Don’t be afraid to accessorize – a statement necklace or clutch can take your look from day to dressy. High heels and leggings offer endless possibilities for a polished and confident look.

CHUNKY BOOTS

Chunky boots and leggings are a fashion match made in heaven. This pairing offers a perfect blend of comfort and edgy style. The chunky sole of the boots adds personality and balances out the sleek silhouette of leggings. It’s an ideal choice for cooler weather, keeping your legs warm while making a bold statement. Dress them up with a longline coat and a chunky knit sweater for a cozy yet chic look, or keep it casual with a graphic tee and a denim jacket. No matter your style, chunky boots and leggings will add a touch of cool-factor to any outfit.

PATENT SLINGBACKS

Dress up your leggings with a touch of sophistication! Patent slingbacks are the perfect partner for adding polish and a hint of retro flair. The sleek shine of the patent leather complements the clean lines of leggings, creating a look that’s both modern and elevated. The slingback style keeps things comfortable, while the subtle heel adds a touch of femininity. Play with proportions! Pair pointed-toe slingbacks with opaque leggings for a streamlined silhouette, or embrace a wider leg legging for a more relaxed vibe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – classic black is always chic, but a pop of color in your slingbacks can add personality. Accessorize with a statement necklace or a structured bag to complete your polished look. Patent slingbacks and leggings offer a versatile choice for elevating your casual style or adding a touch of class to a night out.

KNEE HIGH BOOTS

Knee-high boots and leggings are a timeless fashion combo that offers endless outfit possibilities. The boots add instant polish and sophistication, transforming your leggings from casual wear to a put-together look. Whether you choose sleek and fitted boots or slouchy and relaxed styles, they’ll flatter your legs and keep you warm in cooler weather. Play with textures! Leather boots add a touch of edge, while suede offers a softer vibe. Experiment with heel heights – flats are comfy for errands, while heels elevate your look for a night out. No matter your style, knee-high boots and leggings can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

METALLIC KITTEN HEELS

Inject some glam into your leggings with metallic kitten heels! This unexpected pairing elevates your outfit beyond casual while remaining comfortable. The subtle sheen of the metallic heels adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming, while the kitten heel keeps things comfy for all-day wear. This combo is perfect for brunch with friends, a night out, or even work on a casual Friday. Play with textures! Pair your metallic heels with sleek leather leggings for a polished look, or embrace a more relaxed vibe with a matte jersey pair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – classic gold or silver is timeless, but a bolder shade like rose gold or emerald can add a real statement. Metallic kitten heels and leggings offer a fun and stylish way to elevate your everyday look.

SHOES TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS: DOS AND DON’TS

Leggings offer a comfy and versatile option for guys too. But just like with any outfit, there are a few things to consider when choosing shoes to pair them with. Here’s how to elevate your legging look:

DO

Embrace comfort and style! Sneakers, trainers, and loafers are all great choices. They complement the slim silhouette of leggings while keeping things casual and cool. Boots, especially chelsea boots or chukka styles, can add a touch of edge and work well in cooler weather. Play with proportions – balance out the leggings with chunky soles or opt for a tapered jogger style for a more relaxed vibe. Don’t forget to accessorize! A beanie, cool watch, or statement bag can add personality.

DON’T

Forget about coverage. If your leggings are thin or see-through, layer with a longer top or opt for a thicker, opaque fabric. Super bulky shoes can look out of place, so stick to sleeker styles or those that complement the overall look. Comfort is key – avoid uncomfortable shoes or excessively high heels (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Finally, remember that leggings are a casual piece. Avoid overly formal settings or situations that require dressier attire.

FAQ

1. What can I wear with leggings to work (on a casual Friday)? 

Dress them up with a blazer, blouse, and loafers or ballet flats.

2. Are leggings good for working out? 

Yes! Leggings are a popular choice for exercise due to their flexibility and breathability.

3. What tops look good with leggings? 

The options are endless! Try tunic tops, longline tees, sweaters, or even flowy dresses for a layered look.

4. Should I wear socks with leggings? 

It depends on the shoes and weather. Socks with loafers or slingbacks can be trendy, while boots might require them for warmth or comfort.

5. Are sheer leggings okay? 

For a polished look, it’s best to avoid sheer leggings or pair them with longer tops or opaque tights underneath.

CONCLUSION

Leggings are a wardrobe workhorse for a reason. With their versatility and comfort, they can be the foundation for countless stylish looks. From dressed-down casual to surprisingly chic, leggings can be transformed depending on what you pair them with. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations! Whether you’re rocking sneakers for errands or turning heads in metallic kitten heels, leggings can be your key to effortless style and comfort.

15 BEST PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN, ACCORDING TO DERM

As we age, our skin’s needs change. It may become drier, with wrinkles becoming more apparent. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the perfect makeup look! We often think of foundation like CC Cream first when it comes to makeup, but primer is the game changer for mature skin, supporting a smooth foundation and helping makeup last longer. According to dermatologists, here’s a guide to the 15 best primers for mature skin to help you achieve radiant, youthful skin.

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LAURA GELLER SPACKLE SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER

The Laura Geller Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer is a highly acclaimed product designed specifically for mature skin. It has gained immense popularity among makeup professionals and enthusiasts alike. This versatile product serves a dual purpose by functioning as both a moisturizer and a primer. Its lightweight formula transforms from a cream to a gel consistency upon application. The primer aspect of the product helps prepare the skin for long-lasting makeup, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish. Meanwhile, the moisturizing properties provide a powerful boost of hydration to the skin. The inclusion of nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and aloe vera contribute to its moisturizing capabilities. 

MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER

For those with mature skin seeking a hydrating and long-lasting primer, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer is a strong contender. This award-winning formula is a favorite among dermatologists for its unique ability to combine skincare benefits with makeup-gripping technology. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it plumps and brightens skin, while the innovative blue agave extract helps makeup stay put for up to 12 hours. Unlike many primers, this one is silicone-free, so it won’t clog pores, and its gel texture feels lightweight and comfortable, never heavy or greasy.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY WONDERGLOW FACE PRIMER

This simple makeup base makes your skin look shiny and moisturized because it has ingredients like collagen-boosting peptide and hyaluronic acid. It also has tiny shiny particles that make wrinkles and lines look less noticeable. Kenna Ehman, who owns a salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, says you can even use it as a light makeup for older skin when you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup.

E.L.F. PORELESS FACE PRIMER

Aiming for a smooth, flawless canvas at an affordable price?  Then the e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer is a great option for mature skin. This drugstore favorite is known for its ability to minimize the appearance of pores, leaving a soft, blurred finish.  While it might not be as intensely hydrating as some primers, its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and creates a great base for foundation.  Infused with tea tree oil and vitamins A and E, it offers some added skincare benefits, like gentle blemish-fighting and antioxidants to help protect against environmental damage. Plus, e.l.f. is a cruelty-free and vegan brand, making it a good choice for those with those preferences.

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMERIZER + HYDRATING PRIMER

Designed specifically for those with dry or dehydrated skin, the Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer is a double-duty product that combines the benefits of a primer and a moisturizer. This dermatologist-approved pick features a unique formula enriched with triple hyaluronic acid. This powerhouse ingredient plumps and hydrates skin for up to an impressive 72 hours, leaving it looking smooth and supple. Beyond hydration, the Smashbox primer also offers a layer of protection against environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light, which can contribute to premature aging. This dual-action primer creates a perfect canvas for makeup application, promoting a flawless and long-lasting finish.

LANEIGE GLOWY MAKEUP SERUM

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum is another interesting option for those seeking a radiant, dewy complexion. This product is a two-in-one formula, functioning as both a hydrating serum and a glow-boosting primer. It combines skincare benefits with a makeup-prepping base. The key ingredients include ceramides for deep hydration and diamond mineral powder to create a subtle, healthy-looking glow. Laneige’s Light Fit Prep Technology ensures comfortable wear and helps makeup adhere better for extended wear. This all-in-one product is ideal for those who want to simplify their routine and achieve a natural, lit-from-within look.

PETER THOMAS ROTH INSTANT FIRMX NO-FILTER PRIMER

Dr. Diane Madfes, who is a skin doctor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, likes this primer because it makes your skin feel tighter. It’s made to make fine lines, big pores, and other skin problems less noticeable, which is good for older skin. It stays on your skin for a long time and has stuff like seaweed and a thing called BarPull that makes your skin more hydrated and less wrinkly. It also has something called Elastiflex IQ that helps your skin look smoother and stretchier as time goes on.

TATCHA THE LIQUID SILK CANVAS PRIMER

For a luxurious touch, Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer caters to mature skin seeking a weightless, protective base. This high-end primer boasts a unique formula infused with Hadasei-mai, a proprietary Japanese rice bran extract known for its plumping and nourishing properties. It helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a soft, velvety texture for makeup application. The Liquid Silk Canvas goes beyond simple priming. It also includes silk extracts that shield skin from environmental pollutants, a concern for mature skin that can be more susceptible to damage. This featherweight primer absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, making it comfortable for all-day wear.  

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT BLURRING FACE PRIMER

Designed specifically for mature skin, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer is a drugstore-friendly option that tackles common concerns. This primer is infused with a caring serum, aiming to address the needs of maturing skin while creating a flawless makeup base. The rosy-hued formula offers two key benefits: blurring and brightening. It helps to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the universal rosy tint adds a subtle flush of healthy-looking color to the complexion. L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer boasts a comfortable, weightless feel. It’s formulated to be non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for various skin types.  

FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R HYDRATING PRIMER

Crafted for normal to dry skin, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer is a fantastic choice for mature complexions seeking a boost of hydration. This lightweight formula from Rihanna’s brand goes beyond just creating a smooth base for makeup. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it instantly hydrates the skin, keeping it comfortable throughout the day. The silky-smooth texture of Fenty Beauty’s primer melts into skin without feeling greasy or heavy. This is a major plus for mature skin, which can be prone to dryness and flakiness. But the benefits don’t stop there. The Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer also helps extend foundation wear, ensuring your makeup stays put for a flawless look that lasts.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP PORE FILLER PRIMER

A cult favorite among budget-minded makeup enthusiasts, NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer is a great choice for those with mature skin looking to minimize the appearance of pores at an affordable price. This drugstore primer boasts a lightweight, translucent finish that  won’t add unwanted heaviness or cakeyness on mature skin. The key to its pore-blurring magic lies in its mattifying formula that helps control shine and smooth the appearance of enlarged pores. This creates a more even canvas for foundation application, promoting a flawless and long-lasting finish. While it might not be as intensely hydrating as some primers, its comfortable, lightweight texture makes it a great option for everyday wear.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW NIACINAMIDE DEW DROPS SERUM

While the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops isn’t technically a primer, it can be used as a makeup-prepping step for those with mature skin seeking a radiant boost. This lightweight, multi-tasking serum is packed with ingredients that benefit mature complexions. Niacinamide, a key component, helps minimize the appearance of pores and even skin tone, while watermelon extract provides a surge of hydration. Hyaluronic acid, another hero ingredient, plumps and smooths the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.  This dewy formula can be used before moisturizer to create a plump, hydrated base for makeup or even as a final step for a touch of extra glow. However, keep in mind that due to its focus on hydration and radiance, it might not offer the same pore-minimizing or oil-controlling benefits as a traditional primer.

THRIVE CAUSEMETICS FILTERED EFFECTS™ BLURRING PRIMER

Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer is another strong contender for mature skin seeking a multi-benefit primer. This formula goes beyond just creating a smooth canvas for makeup.  Thrive Causemetics boasts a unique gel-to-powder formula that provides a surge of hydration upon application, thanks to its inclusion of breakthrough skincare ingredients and antioxidants. This is a major plus for mature skin, which can often be drier and more prone to fine lines. The Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer also tackles the common concern of enlarged pores. It utilizes a powerful blurring effect to minimize their appearance, leaving a soft, velvety finish. This primer also boasts mattifying properties, helping control shine throughout the day without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

STRIVECTIN LINE BLURFECTOR INSTANT WRINKLE BLURRING PRIMER

Specifically formulated for mature skin with concerns about wrinkles, StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer is a problem-solver. This primer boasts a two-pronged approach to tackling wrinkles.  First, it utilizes light-diffusing, optical microspheres that blur the appearance of wrinkles instantly. These tiny spheres work like magic to scatter light, minimizing the shadows that settle into creases and highlight fine lines. Secondly, the Line BlurFector goes beyond temporary solutions. It’s infused with skincare benefits to help improve the look and texture of your skin over time. The breathable formula is packed with ingredients that work to keep your skin hydrated and supple, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the long run.  

BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL FACE PRIMER

A long-time favorite for a reason, Benefit’s The POREfessional Face Primer is a great all-rounder for mature skin. This primer tackles two common concerns: enlarged pores and fine lines. Its lightweight, silky formula smooths skin texture, minimizing the appearance of pores for a flawless canvas.  While it doesn’t boast the most intense hydration, it still manages to create a comfortable base for makeup application that won’t feel heavy or greasy. Benefit’s primer also contains vitamin E, offering a touch of antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors that can damage mature skin.  The POREfessional is known for its ability to extend makeup wear, ensuring your foundation stays put for a long-lasting, flawless finish.  

WHY SHOULD YOU USE A PRIMER?

While makeup can enhance our natural beauty, having a flawless canvas to work with can make all the difference. This is where primers come in. Primers are like the unsung heroes of the makeup world, creating a smooth base for your makeup and offering a multitude of benefits that can elevate your entire look.

Here’s why you should consider adding a primer to your makeup routine:

FLAWLESS FINISH

Just like prepping a wall before painting, primer creates a smooth, even surface for your makeup application. It fills in fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores, resulting in a more airbrushed, flawless finish. Your foundation will glide on effortlessly and blend seamlessly, creating a professional-looking result.

EXTENDED WEAR

Primer acts like a double-sided tape for your makeup, helping it adhere better to your skin. This translates to longer-lasting makeup that’s less prone to smudging, fading, or settling into creases throughout the day. No more touch-ups every hour – your makeup will stay put with a primer as your base.

ENHANCED BENEFITS

Many primers go beyond just creating a smooth canvas. They can be formulated to address specific skin concerns. For example, hydrating primers are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize dry skin, while mattifying primers help control shine and keep oily skin at bay. Some primers even offer color correction or a subtle glow, depending on your preference.

PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Primer can act as a protective barrier between your skin and your makeup. This is especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin or use makeup frequently. The primer creates a layer that can help minimize irritation caused by certain makeup ingredients.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRIMERS FOR MATURE SKIN

When choosing a primer for mature skin, there are a few key factors to consider:

  • Hydration: Mature skin tends to be drier, so opt for primers packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to plump and hydrate the skin.
  • Texture: Look for lightweight, silky formulas that won’t feel heavy or cakey on mature skin.
  • Benefits: Consider your specific concerns. If fine lines are your main worry, choose a primer with blurring properties. For enlarged pores, opt for a mattifying primer. If you want a radiant glow, choose a hydrating primer with a dewy finish.
  • Base type: Consider if your foundation is water-based or silicone-based. Generally, water-based primers work better with water-based foundations, and vice versa.

Here’s a quick recap to help you choose:

  • Dry Skin: Look for hydrating primers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin (Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer + Hydrating Primer)
  • Enlarged Pores: Choose mattifying primers that minimize pores (NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler Primer, Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer)
  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Opt for primers with blurring technology or light-diffusing properties (Thrive Causemetics Filtered Effects™ Blurring Primer, StriVectin Line BlurFector Instant Wrinkle Blurring Primer)
  • Radiant Glow: Choose a hydrating primer with a dewy finish (Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum [not technically a primer])

CONCLUSION

This guide has explored 15 of the best primers for mature skin, formulated by dermatologists to address common concerns like dryness, fine lines, and enlarged pores. Whether you prioritize hydration, a blurring effect, or a touch of radiance, there’s a perfect primer out there to create a smooth, flawless canvas for your makeup and help you achieve a youthful, radiant look. So, don’t underestimate the power of a primer – it can be the key to taking your makeup routine to the next level. Remember, consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a primer, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find your holy grail product!