Make up correctly will bring you a more beautiful face, however, certain makeup mistakes can add years to your appearance. Although, the more makeup you wear, the older you’re going to look, we cannot deny the benefits of makeup. When used correctly, not only does makeup highlight the good but also mask the not-so-good.
In oder to help you put your youngest face forward, we asked the pros to clue us in on makeup mistakes that can age you, and we got their fixes for going back the clock.
Prime Your Skin for Makeup
Putting makeup on top of skin that hasn’t been primed only accentuates any age-related imperfections you may be trying to hide — like dryness, flakiness, and large pores — says Doris Day, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.
In addition to a good skin care regimen that includes gentle exfoliation and moisturizing, you may need to use a primer. A thin layer of a silicone-based makeup primer can fill in lines and pores, allowing the makeup to look flawless, Dr. Day says.
Find the Right Foundation
Unless your skin is very oily, powder can make it look chalky and ashy, giving it an aged appearance. The wrong foundation can also settle into and highlight the very lines and creases you want to hide. If your skin tends to be dry, look for moisture-rich formulas with hydrators such as glycerin, dimethicone, and sodium hyaluronate, or go with a tinted moisturizer that won’t leave a cakey finish when it dries.
Step Away From the Tweezers
Brows that are too skinny and over-tweezed can make your whole face look skeletal. The thinner your brows, the older you look. To avoid adding years, go for a professional brow shaping. Or keep the shape you have and tweeze only the strays under the brow bone.
Lighten Up Your Lower Lash Line
The bottom lash line is now a no-go zone, according to experts. When eyeliner and mascara inevitably become smudged there, they accentuate the darkness and makes you look tired and older. Restrict mascara and liner to the top lash line, which “opens up” the eyes and helps make you look more awake. For special occasions when you might want to create a smoky eye, go light on your lower lashes.
Stay Away From Dark, Matte Lip Colors
Deeply pigmented matte lip colors are hard to pull off as you age. Matte lipsticks also lack the emollients in creamier formulas and may dry in flaky patches on the lips. Also, if matte lipsticks are not applied meticulously with a lip brush, the pigment can bleed and feather outside the lip – a look that screams age.The solution is to go softer. Use a lip liner or a stain in a dark color you like, then blend a balm over it or coat it with sheer gloss. If you must use a matte lipstick, try to find a moisturizing formula, and prevent it from feathering by using a lip liner and a lip brush to carefully apply the color.
Stop the Sparkle
A little iridescence, strategically placed in the right areas, can bring liveliness to your face, but sparkle all over can make women look tacky and produce the opposite effect. Avoid anything that’s heavily frosted or has large, glittery crystals.The same rules apply for eye shadow. If you want to wear a shade with some sparkle, select golds or champagnes – earth tones with a hint of shimmer.
Blend Away Blush Streaks
Streaks of blush are instantly aging. Stripes of color are unnatural and draw harsh lines on your face. The secret to avoiding this is simply to blend color with a kabuki brush. You can also try a cream blush or a cheek stain, which you may have more control over and can easily blend with your fingers.