From your eyes to your lips, these common makeup mistakes are making you look older than you really are.
You update your wardrobe as you get older (at least I hope you do) so why not your makeup? The point of wearing makeup is to enhance your natural beauty, but a lot of ladies don’t realize that the products and techniques they used in their 20s don’t work as well once they hit their 30s and 40s. It’s important to accommodate the natural changes in the texture and composition of your skin, as you get older, each decade at a time.
Below outlines some of the biggest makeup mistakes women tend to make and tips on how to correct them so you can look and feel your best at any age.
YOUR FACE:
I know so many women who layer makeup on their face to try and cover up blemishes and imperfections. While it might work to create the illusion of a clearer complexion, heavy face makeup, like thick liquid foundation, will actually settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them look even more pronounced.
HOW TO FIX IT: Remember that saying, “less is more?” It couldn’t be truer when it comes to getting older. Using a formula with a lighter, airier consistency will leave a more natural (not to mention a more flattering) finish, especially for mature skin because the consistency is more sheer, covering without looking cakey.
Start with a primer to create a smooth base. Then use a cosmetic sponge to apply a tinted moisturizer, foundation mousse or B.B. cream, my personal favorite is Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream. Also keep in mind that your skin naturally changes, as you get older, it can get drier or oilier with age so always make sure your face makeup is suited to your skin type to get the best results.
Don’t forget the blush, which not only adds contour and definition to your face, but it creates a rosy glow that instantly makes your skin look healthier. For mature skin, use a powder blush, instead of a cream formula.
YOUR EYES:
One of the worst eye makeup mistakes I’ve seen is heavy liner on the top and bottom. I think women feel like it gives them a younger edge, it really doesn’t. What it really does is bring more attention to crow’s feet, dark circles and other signs of aging around the eyes.
HOW TO FIX IT: Swap your black liquid eye liner for a more subtle shade and texture, like a chocolate brown or charcoal gray pencil. Define your eyes by lightly lining your top lash line, and for a dressier look, smudge the liner to create an elegant smokey eye look. You can use the pencil on your bottom lash line to add a little extra glam, but keep it light subtle. To really open up your eyes, curl your lashes and add a gentle swipe of mascara on the top lashes.
M.A.C Prep + Prime Eye & Urban Decay Naked3
For eye shadows, stick to warm, neutral shades, like rose and champagne. The new Urban Decay Naked3 palette has the perfect range of hues that work with virtually every skin tone. Make sure to prep your lids with a primer. I use M.A.C Prep + Prime Eye, it really smoothens your lids so that the pigment goes on better and stays put longer.
YOUR LIPS:
Because the lips naturally tend to get thinner as one ages, wearing dark shades can often look a little too overpowering. A lot of women also underestimate the power of a good lip liner.
Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rosy & Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N37 Iridescent Icy Coral
HOW TO FIX IT: The secret to the perfect lip shade is to pick one that naturally enhances your own natural lip colour. Try and go a shade or two darker than your own natural colour. I find that sheer shades work best because they provide just enough coverage while still letting a bit of your natural colour show. Glossy finishes will also help add dimension to thinning lips, making them appear fuller. My two top picks are Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rosy and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N37 Iridescent Icy Coral.
Keep in mind that the older you get, the more likely your lipstick will bleed and feather into the fine lines around your lips. Avoid the mess by using a lip liner first (a clear shade will work with every lip colour) and dab a light layer of concealer over your lips before applying the colour.
Try one or more of these tips and tell us if they worked for you.
IMAGE SOURCE:
Featured Image:blisssaloon
Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream
oprah.com
Urban Decay Naked3
urbandecay
M.A.C Prep + Prime Eye
maccosmetics.com
Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rosy & Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N37 Iridescent Icy Coral
sephora.com
Soriyya Bawa
Author
Soriyya Bawa has been featured in national publications including ANOKHI Magazine Tribute Magazine and Canadian Family Magazine. Soriyya currently works as a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario and also specializes in customized web content and socia...