When it comes to makeup, everyone has their personal preferences. But just like how our appearances change as we age, so should our application techniques.
Let's be clear about one thing: getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, more and more women nowadays are fighting against societal norms and embracing signs of aging (hello, Pamela Anderson!), which is amazing.
Nonetheless, if you're going through the trouble of putting on makeup for work every day or getting dolled up for a date night, the last thing you probably want to do is age yourself unintentionally.
If you've had the exact same makeup routine since you were a teenager or twenty-something, it may be time for an update. Here are some common makeup mistakes to avoid that may be adding years to your appearance.
Scroll to see the makeup mistakes that are totally making you look older.
1. Not Using Primer
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A good primer helps create a smooth base for makeup application, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and allowing your products to glide on effortlessly.
So, if you skip this critical makeup step, your products may just settle into any fine lines (think on your forehead, near your mouth, or at the edges of your eyes).
There are plenty of primers available on the market that offer various effects, such as a matte finish or a dewy glow. We recommend opting for a formula that's specifically designed for mature skin to fill in and blur fine lines.
2. The Finger Application Method
Ron Lach
Beauty blenders and other modern makeup tools obviously weren't around decades ago. Even so, the classic finger application method may be aging your skin.
While using your fingers can be a quick and convenient way to put on products like foundation or blush, it can transfer bacteria to your face. Moreover, tugging and pulling at your skin with your fingers on a daily basis might contribute to skin sagging over time.
The best way to blend your makeup is with a damp sponge. By keeping your sponge moist, you'll get a smoother application and prevent the tool from soaking up too much product.
3. Overdoing Your Brows
Tima Miroshnichenko
It's true that eyebrows can thin as women age, and defining your brows may help brighten your face and make your eyes seem bigger.
At the same token, though, you should avoid overdoing it. In 2016, heavily outlined and filled-in eyebrows were extremely "in." Contrary to this trend, mature faces benefit the most from a more natural look.
You can definitely still use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas. Just avoid making your brows look too bold or heavy. Lighter, feathered strokes are the way to go, as you can always build up the pigment gradually.
Then, once you're satisfied with the shape, lock your brows in place with a clear brow gel.
4. Going Heavy With Eyeliner
Anna Shvets
If you want your eyes to appear more open and awake, light eyeliner should be your go-to.
Heavy, black eyeliner, especially on your lower lash line, may cause your lids to look tired or droopy. So, to maintain a fresher appearance, say goodbye to eyeliner under your eyes. Then, for your upper lash line, swap out your black liner for a softer shade of brown.
You can even use a smudge brush to blend it out as opposed to going heavy-handed with a thick line from the start. This will leave you with a more subtle and lifted effect.
5. Using The Wrong Under-Eye Concealer Shade
RDNE Stock project
If you regularly wear makeup, then concealer is probably a staple in your routine. However, many women make the mistake of using a concealer shade that's too light and think it'll erase any under-eye darkness.
Unfortunately, the opposite tends to happen. Instead of brightening up your under-eye region, the area will look chalky, and your fine lines and dark circles may become exaggerated.
As a rule of thumb, you should select a concealer that's only one shade lighter than your skin tone to achieve a natural brightening effect. Warming up the product on the back of your hand can help you blend it more smoothly as well.
6. Applying Plenty Of Powder
ANTONI SHKRABA production
After you apply your liquid products, it may seem logical to lock your makeup in with a setting powder. However, a little goes a long way, and using too much can quickly make you look older by giving your skin a drier appearance and accentuating any fine lines.
Our advice? Skip compact powders and use loose powder instead. Also, use a big powder brush to apply it rather than flat fabric puffs to avoid caking the product onto your skin.
7. Being Heavy-Handed With Blush
Bruno Miranda Photography
It's natural for our faces to slim out as we age. In response, many women rush to apply more blush in hopes that their cheeks will appear fuller and more youthful.
Yet, when applied too heavily after the rest of your makeup is finished, blush can have the opposite effect. The bright pigment may draw even more attention to mature cheeks and cause you to appear older.
The key is to apply a cream blush earlier in your routine, specifically before you put on any foundation. This will make your skin look rosy and glowy without the flush becoming too overwhelming.
8. Using Dark Contour Shades
Alena Darmel
Finally, there's nothing worse than trying to contour your face and realizing you've been left with a ton of dark, unblended streaks. Improper application techniques are sometimes the culprit. But, more often than not, the issue is that you're using a contour shade that's simply too dark for your skin tone.
Instead of sculpting your face, the darker hue can appear harsh and sunken, making you look more mature. So, if you want to contour, make sure you select a product that's only two shades darker than your true skin tone, with a formula that's lightweight.
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