Makeups are supposed to highlight your natural beauty, but when used wrongly, can add at least 10 years to your age making you look older.
Here are some makeup mistakes that make us look older:
Using Too Much Foundation: A foundation that's too thick will settle into fine lines and sap the luminosity from your skin. "Only use foundation where you need it to even out discoloration," says makeup artist Frances Hathaway. "You don't have to cover every inch of your skin." When buying a foundation, avoid those described as "matte," "velvet," and "long-wearing"; look for sheer liquid formulas with light-diffusing pigments.
Over-Concealing: Your Under-Eye Circles A thick concealer that comes in a stick or pot will eradicate the shadows under your eyes, but it will also draw attention to the fine lines that usually show up in that area first (because the skin there is thin). A better option: A brush-on highlighter pen that uses illuminating particles, not opaque colour, to camouflage dark circles. Apply it only near the inner corners of your under-eye area, where shadows are most prominent
Wearing Deep, Dark Lip Colours: A dark colour makes any surface look smaller—a welcome illusion perhaps on your hips but not your lips. To make your mouth look fuller (one hallmark of a youthful face), choose bright lipsticks and glosses (peaches, pinks, vibrant reds) over deep shades (burgundies, wines, browns). Makeup artists use another trick to create the illusion of luscious lips: Before applying colour, trace a highlighter pencil along your upper lip line, then buff it out with your finger.
Finishing with Powder: Youthful skin reflects light. Powders prevent light reflection and tend to magnify lines in the skin. Trade the powder for a packet of blotting tissues—use one, only on the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead), if you're shiny midday
Wearing Black Eyeliner: Don't skip eyeliner altogether—it's a great way to make your eyes look more open—but choose brown over black, which can be harsh. And keep the colour diffuse. "You want to define the eyes with softness and blending, not strict lines," says makeup artist Troy Surratt. "A thick liner can leave the upper lids looking heavier than they are." The best technique: Trace a brown pencil liner along the upper lash line (into the roots of the lashes), focusing on the outer corners; smudge it with a Q-tip.
Using Liner and Mascara on Your Lower Lashes: Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. Instead, curl your upper lashes and wiggle a volumizing mascara into their roots and slowly through the ends for the most uplifting effect.
Skipping Blush: A rosy flush on your cheeks brings instant life to your face. And, if applied correctly, blush can offer a little lift. Smile, find the fleshiest part of your cheek and apply colour just slightly above it. Blend the colour out toward your temples in circles, not a line, using a big fluffy brush.
Applying Lipstick Straight from the Tube: The borders of the lips soften with age, and any extra lipstick migrates easily. To avoid bleeding colour, use your finger or a lip brush so that you don't deposit too much pigment. Concentrate the lipstick in the centre of your mouth, and blend it out with a finger. Top it with a moisturizing balm or light gloss.
Choosing a Too-Dark Eyebrow Pencil: "Your brow colour fades as you age, so the brow pencil that you were using at 25 will look too stark against your complexion at 50," says makeup artist Denise Markey. She recommends Maybelline Define-a-Brow Eyebrow Pencils ($6.95; drugstores), which come in four shades. Choose the one that's a shade or two lighter than your natural brow colour. If your brows are starting to get a little wiry, run a clear brow gel over them as well, brushing them up and out toward your temples.
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