Glow Up Or Age Up?
Makeup should bring out your best, not borrow years you didn’t agree to wear. Still, the tiniest choices can shift your look in the wrong direction, turning glow into gloom before you know it. Keep reading to find out 10 makeup habits that can subtly age your face, even when everything else is on point. Then we'll move on to 10 tips that will make you look younger instead.
1. Overusing Fixing Powder
When you pile on too much powder, you end up creating a dry, flaky surface. Instead of providing a smooth finish, it highlights areas where the skin naturally creases, like around the eyes and mouth. This can give your face an aged appearance.
2. Using The Wrong Foundation Shade
A foundation that doesn’t match your natural skin tone can create a noticeable contrast. For instance, too light can make you look washed out, while too dark can give you a harsh look. Plus, when your foundation doesn’t match, it accentuates imperfections.
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3. Applying Too Much Concealer
Using too much concealer can easily backfire, especially when trying to cover blemishes. As we age, the skin loses some of its natural elasticity, and heavy layers of makeup can highlight these changes rather than disguise them. The more concealer applied, the more likely it is to emphasize creases.
4. Not Blending Blush Properly
You might have noticed how sometimes your blush makes you look more “clown chic” than radiant. That’s because blush that’s not blended well enough can create harsh lines. Instead of that soft flush we all crave, it can leave you looking a little, well, older.
5. Going Too Bold With Lip Colors
As we age, the natural fullness of lips tends to diminish, and a striking, heavy lip color can accentuate this thinning. The intense contrast between the lips and the rest of the face can also make facial features appear sharper, which can inadvertently add years to your overall look.
6. Overdoing The Eyebrows
Sometimes, thick brows that don’t match the natural arch or texture of your eyebrows can create an imbalance with the remaining features. Additionally, overdrawn brows can give a stiff look, which may detract from the natural softness that a more subtle brow offers.
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7. Applying A Clumpy Mascara
When mascara forms thick, uneven clumps, it can weigh down lashes that have naturally thinned over time. Rather than enhancing the eyes, it creates a "spider-leg" effect, where the lashes appear stuck together, which often looks unkempt.
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8. Skipping Skincare Before Makeup
Without a proper skincare base, makeup may cling to dry patches, emphasizing texture and making the skin look dull and uneven. Additionally, not preparing the skin with a good moisturizer can lead to a cakey finish.
9. Using Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipsticks, though often favored for their long-lasting power and chic look, can sometimes make you appear older than you intend. Unlike glossy finishes, which reflect light and offer a plumper appearance, matte lipsticks can dry out the lips.
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10. Using Shimmer On Wrinkled Areas
You see your favorite celebrity glowing on the red carpet, shimmering under the lights, and you think, "I want that too!" But when you apply shimmer to areas with fine lines or wrinkles, it might have the opposite effect by drawing attention to those lines.
50 and Flawless! Makeup Tips for Mature Skin by PAINTEDBYSPENCER
Now, here are ten simple makeup tricks that refresh your look without overhauling your routine.
1. Start With A Primer
Imagine your skin as a canvas—before you paint, you need the perfect foundation. That’s where primer comes in. So, after you’ve prepped your skin, let your primer work its magic. It’ll make your foundation glide on like silk.
2. Choose A Lightweight Foundation
A lightweight foundation offers just enough coverage to even out your skin tone while also allowing your natural skin to shine through. Go for a formula that blends easily into your complexion and gives you that dewy glow that reflects light without caking.
3. Avoid Matte Formulas
Dewy makeup is the best way to achieve glowing, youthful skin. Opt for products with light-reflecting particles to give your skin a soft, lit-from-within glow. Plus, it also provides that luminous, plump skin appearance, so go ahead and let your skin shine.
4. Apply Highlighter Strategically
To apply highlighter effectively, use your fingers or a small brush to target the high points of your face where light naturally hits. Blend it well to create a seamless glow. A light touch is key, as too much highlighter can be overpowering.
5. Go For Warm, Fresh Tones
Cold, heavy shades of makeup can age your skin. Instead, opt for peach, rose, and soft coral tones. These colors mimic the natural flush of youthful skin, bringing fresh vitality to your complexion. Play with different shades to find your perfect match.
6. Shape Your Brows For A Lifted Look
Defined, natural brows frame your face and give a subtle lift. Start by brushing them into place using a spoolie. Fill in areas with a brow pencil that matches your natural color. Lastly, set your brows with a clear brow gel to keep them in place.
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7. Use Cream Products
Cream products blend seamlessly into the skin, so gently tap them onto the apples of your cheeks, along your cheekbones, and on your eyelids. These products are perfect for a natural, hydrated finish, and they won’t settle into fine lines.
8. Choose Lighter Eyeshadow Shades
Apply a light neutral shade all over your eyelid, then apply a bit darker shade in the crease to add depth. You can also apply a shimmery shade to the inner corners of your eyes to make them appear brighter. Remember: the lighter, the brighter.
9. Apply Mascara On Top Lashes
Start by curling your top lashes with an eyelash curler to give them a natural lift. Next, apply mascara to the top lashes only, wiggling the wand at the base and then sweeping it upward. By focusing on the top lashes, you open up your eyes.
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10. Avoid Overlining Your Lips
Choose a lip liner that matches your natural lip color and lightly traces along your natural lip line. Apply a soft pink, light brown, or coral lipstick or lip gloss on top. This will give you that plump, youthful pout that looks effortless.
