Aging is a beautiful process we should feel lucky to experience. However, there is nothing wrong with striving to look your best even as you enter a more mature age. Makeup is a make-or-break factor that can affect how old you look. Avoid these 15 makeup mistakes that might be aging you.
Cakey, Thick Foundation
It may seem logical to apply multiple layers of foundation to even out your skin, but this can actually emphasize your fine lines and wrinkles. It’s best to use a light hand when applying foundation—especially if it’s powder-based. Use a fluffy brush and fine-milled transparent powder.
Thin Eyebrows
Thin, sparse eyebrows are not helping you create a more youthful look. First of all, they are often associated with trends from the 90s and early 2000s, so thin brows can date you. They also tend to make your face look more gaunt and washed out. Thicker, well-shaped eyebrows help to frame the face.
Dark, Matte Lipstick
Dark lipstick is a fun trend, but you have to make sure you do it right. It’s important to thoroughly exfoliate your lips before applying any lip color. If you do want to play with a darker lip, be sure you choose a sheer formula. Opaque lipstick can make your lips look harsh and thin, aging you drastically.
Too Much Concealer
Concealer is a great tool when used properly. But if you apply too much, it can settle into the fine lines under your eyes and around your mouth, further emphasizing them. This is even more evident with dry or matte formulas. Less is more. Apply a thinner layer of a hydrating concealer for a more refreshed look.
Smudged Eye Makeup
Makeup is bound to run and smudge throughout the day. As your eye makeup runs, it tends to settle into wrinkles and fine lines, heavily emphasizing them. Using waterproof eyeliner and mascara can help prevent this from happening. You can also carry Q-tips in your purse to clean up your eye area throughout the day.
Spidery Mascara
Clumpy, spider-like mascara is not a good look for anyone. It tends to shrink the eyes. The goal is to achieve lush, full lashes. Try sticking with only a couple of coats of mascara to avoid clumping. You can also opt to use false lashes for an even more eye-opening look.
Incorrect Concealer or Foundation Shade
Picking the wrong concealer or foundation not only fails to properly cover up imperfections, it may actually emphasize them. For instance, if your under-eye concealer is too light, it can make the area look puffy or ghost-like. Experiment with different shades until you find the right fit. If you need help, ask an employee at your local makeup store.
Long Eyebrows
Your eyebrows play a huge role in framing your face. You may disrupt the balance of your face if you let them grow or draw them on too long. You could inadvertently make your eyes appear more droopy. A good rule of thumb is to align the tail of your brow with the outer corner of your eye.
Harsh, Black Eyeliner
Harsh, black eyeliner can make your eyes look small and can grow messy as the day goes on. As the eyeliner runs into your under-eye area, it can settle into your fine lines and wrinkles. Stick with a more subtle black eyeliner or even consider using brown eyeliner for a softer, more youthful look.
Dark Eyebrows
Dark, overfilled eyebrows can be too contrasting with the rest of your face, making you look more gaunt and washed out. Be sure to use a light hand when filling in your brows and make them look as natural as possible while subtly enhancing them. This will have a balancing, youthful effect.
Creased Concealer
Certain concealers will easily crease on top of mature skin—especially in high-movement areas such as under the eyes. This can highlight wrinkles and fine lines. To prevent the concealer from creasing, use a hydrating formula in combination with facial oil and a lightweight powder to set it in place.
Skipping Primer
Primer is an easy step to miss—especially if you’re in a rush. But this one simple product can help you achieve a far more youthful appearance. Primer can smooth the skin, filling in fine lines and wrinkles while also providing the ideal surface for your makeup to look its best.
Too Much Contour
Contouring is an amazing technique that can help flatter your best features when done correctly. But if you are too heavy-handed, it can actually make your makeup look harsh and heavy. You’ll age yourself if it appears your makeup is caked on and unbalanced. Use less and slowly build it to avoid over-contouring.
Glittery Eye Makeup
Glitter is a fun touch, but if you use too much, it may look harsh and messy. If you apply glitter to your entire lid, it can emphasize wrinkles and wash out the rest of your makeup. Instead, opt to open your eyes up with a matte eyeshadow, only using glitter in the center or inner corner of the eyes.
Forgetting Skincare
Your biggest makeup mistake might occur before you even pick up your blending brush. Skincare heavily influences how good your makeup will look on your skin. Be sure to pay attention to your skin type and customize your routine to fit your exact needs. Happy, healthy skin is step one in helping your makeup look its best.
