Mastering the Art of Makeup
Makeup can be tricky to master; you might spend an hour doing it, only to find that the result isn't what you're looking for. Maybe it's the thick foundation or the too-dark brows, but either way, it doesn't look like you anymore. It might even make you look older than you are. But what exactly are you doing wrong? Here are 10 makeup mistakes that might be aging you—and 10 easy tips to look more youthful.
1. Cakey Foundation
We get it—you want full coverage on some days or for certain looks. But if you're layering your foundation on too thick and not setting it correctly, you could end up with it creasing into fine lines and wrinkles, which could age you.
2. Dark Matte Lipstick
Matte lipstick, especially on chapped or non-exfoliated lips, could make you look a lot older than you are. Choosing dark shades, like plum or black, can further accentuate lines and cracks. It can also dry out your pout further if your lips are particularly sensitive.
3. Dark Brows
Sure, you might not be able to help it if your eyebrows are naturally dark, but purposely penciling them in with the wrong shade or with a too-heavy hand can be a grave mistake. You'll also want to take into account your hairstyle (and color), skin tone, and face shape when doing your brows.
4. Not Prepping with Skincare Before Makeup
If you're immediately slapping on foundation and concealer on your bare face without first going in with a cleanser and skincare prep, you might end up with a too-dry base. Skincare helps to not only moisturize and protect your skin, but also helps your products blend in better and gives you a more dewy, natural finish.
5. Choosing the Wrong Shade
Choosing the wrong foundation or concealer shade is a common mistake that can age you. For example, if you accidentally pick a concealer that's too dark, it can accentuate areas on your face you want to cover, instead of brightening and lifting.
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6. Over-contouring
Contouring can help chisel your face and slim down your nose, but overdoing it might have the opposite effect. For one, it might make you look muddy or cakey, two things you never want your finished makeup routine to result in.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
7. Bad Blush Placement
Did you know that where you place your blush can also age you? Place it too low on your cheeks and it might drag your face down; place it on the apples (like you might have been taught), and it could also make you appear older than you are. Instead, place it higher on your cheekbone and close to your contour, so that it lifts your face.
8. Not Blending Well
Leaving parts of your makeup unblended doesn't just come off lazy—it ages you. You want your look to appear seamless, where shadows and highlights are perfectly blurred so that they almost seem natural. What you don't want are harsh lines drawing unnecessary emphasis.
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9. Heavy Eyelashes
Heavy false lashes are a thing of the past. With how thick and voluminous these are, they can cover and drag your eyes down, making them look like they're sagging. On top of that, they're probably not really fun for you to wear, anyway.
10. Skipping SPF
You've heard it before and you'll hear it from us again: wear SPF. Whether it's an SPF cream base under your makeup or a skin tint with SPF in it, you want to protect your skin from harmful sun rays as much as possible. Skipping this step will definitely age you and your skin in the long run.
Now that you know what makeup mistakes to avoid, let's jump into some tips on how to look younger.
1. Glossy Skin
To appear more youthful, make sure you keep your skin dewy and glowy. While this might be hard for those with an oily skin type (as you'd want to keep your face matte), having that bit of shine to your face gives you a more natural finish.
Vince Mariel Conlu on Unsplash
2. Lighter, Natural Brows
Have a brow pencil or gel that's too dark for you? Use a light hand when applying, or choose a shade that better suits your natural color. You might also want to switch up your application method—whether by brush or pencil—to achieve soft, fluffy brows that don't seem overdone.
3. Lip Tints
Skip the matte lipstick, especially if you're prone to chapped lips. Instead, wear a lip tint that's similar to your natural shade, or a clear gloss. This gives your pout a shiny finish that's cute, comfortable, and easy to reapply.
4. Lighter Base Makeup
Instead of opting for full-coverage foundations, use skin tints that include SPF or BB creams. This allows your natural skin to breathe and shine through. Plus, without so much product on your face, you won't be as likely to clog your pores and experience breakouts.
5. Natural-Looking Lashes
Swap heavy falsies for natural lashes, whether that means choosing a different style for your extensions or picking out another mascara. You want your lashes to look like your brows: soft, full, and fluffy. If you want, you can forgo mascara altogether and just wear your lashes as-is.
6. Cream Blush & Contour
If you don't already, switch your powdered blush and contour for cream finishes. The consistency of them allow them to apply much more naturally on your skin, as well as blend in easier.
They also tend to not come off as harsh, no matter what shade you choose. Just make sure to use a lighter hand.
7. Use Concealer to Brighten & Lift
Instead of using just one concealer to do the job of brightening, lifting, and covering, use two: one for blemishes, and a lighter shade as a highlight. This gives your makeup look more dimension and helps to accentuate the natural high and low points of your face.
8. Simple Eyeliner
Sometimes, a cat eye can be too much depending on what you're looking for. If you're aiming for a more youthful, everyday look, try sticking to only filling your lash line and extending it by a bit, following the natural curve of your eye.
9. Setting Spray Over Powder for Dewy Finish
Again, taking setting powder out of your routine might not be completely possible for some, but if you own a strong, trusty finishing spray, it just might do the job. Choose one that gives you a dewy, glossy look, so that your makeup doesn't look too matte and dry.
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10. Less Is More
If there's one thing you should always remember when applying makeup, it's that less is more. Even if you're going for full coverage and a glam look, layer your foundation thinly each round. For blush and contour, dab, don't swipe.
And remember to blend, blend, blend.
