As we age, we need to think not only about our skin routine, but the makeup we wear. We want to make sure that our makeup makes us look our best. Here are the 4 Most Common "Look Older" Makeup Mistakes:
1) Drama overload
Dark eye shadows and lipsticks can give you a bold, dramatic look — which is why so many women love them (especially for special occasions). So I’m not going to suggest you toss them out altogether.
But be aware, they’re very unforgiving, especially if you have lines around your eyes or mouth that makeup can bleed into.
To get around this problem — and still wear a look that fits your style —here are two tips:
- For everyday wear, ditch the dark colors in favor of neutral tones like nudes, roses, light browns, and soft pinks.
- For those occasions when you want that extra “oomph”... do your darndest to make it stick in place! For most people, that means using a lip or eye primer before applying makeup, AND a setting spray afterward.
Most of the foundations on the market focus on mattifying skin, to prevent nasty oil buildup (and keep makeup from sliding off.)
Sounds great, right? Problem is, mattifying formulas can be cakey or chalky — and seriously emphasize even minor imperfections, like fine lines or enlarged pores.
Instead, search hard for liquid foundations that have words like “glow,” “dew,” or “hydrate” on the packaging.
These formulas are likely to look fresh and healthy, and reflect light away from imperfections.
Even better, if you don’t need intensive coverage (most people don’t!), go for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, to even your skintone without creating a skin-aging “mask.”
3) Shimmer, shine… and age?
It’s easy to be drawn to shimmery makeup products. They look enticing in their packaging, and seem like a surefire way to get a healthy glow.
But these days, makeup is on shimmer overload.
Blushes, bronzers, and even primers nowadays often contain flecks of sparkle — and unfortunately, if you have any “bad texture” at all (like fine lines, dry patches, or enlarged pores), it will only draw attention to them.
To safeguard your face from “glitter aging,” use highlighters sparingly, and ONLY on the high points of your face (like your cheekbones, the center of your forehead, and the bridge of your nose). Stick to flatter, non-shimmering shades when it comes to the rest of your products.
4) From Point A to Point B
There’s one final issue that can’t be overlooked...
The application process!
The truth is, how you get your foundation from its packaging to your face, is just as important as what formula you’re using.
Choose the wrong applicator, and you’ll wind up with a patchy or streaky look… which can actually create the illusion of more lines, enlarged pores, or even dark spots!
So here’s the definitive guide on how to do it:
- If you’re using your fingers, you’re not getting smooth, even coverage — and as a result, your skin won’t look smooth and even.
- If you’re using a foundation brush, you might be onto something — if and only it’s high-quality. Choose something with soft, densely-packed bristles for a gentle application that won’t look streaky.
- If you’re using a slightly damp blending sponge (the egg-shaped ones that have been so popular lately). According to most makeup artists, this is the BEST possible method for streak-free, youthful-looking coverage, and a dewy, even finish.
Makeup only goes so far.
Most people enjoy wearing makeup, have fun trying new products and shades, and like using it to hide or enhance certain features…
And that’s great. Seriously, makeup is not the enemy!
However, a great makeup routine doesn’t replace great skincare. And if your skincare routine isn’t up to par, flawless makeup will be very hard to achieve.
So no matter what your makeup style is like — from barely-there natural to bold and dramatic — always begin and end your day with a thorough, high-quality skin-nourishing regimen.
The post 4 Most Common "Look Older" Makeup Mistakes first appeared on Eclectic Red Barn.
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Useful post about makeup, It’s best to learn from other’s mistakes than to feel the urge to commit one by oneself & then think of learning. I think we’ve all made some of these mistakes to some degree or another. I'm glad that you have shared all these mistakes here.
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