Eye makeup can be a powerful tool to enhance your features and open up your eye area. However, if you apply eye makeup incorrectly or you don’t prep properly, it can draw attention to wrinkles, lines, a droopy brow, and sagging eyelids. Avoid these eye makeup missteps that might be aging you and what to do instead.
1. Neglecting Your Prep
It’s essential to prep your skin before applying makeup anywhere. After cleansing and using any skin-boosting serums, always moisturize your face and then use a firming, hydrating eye cream to keep the area hydrated and smooth in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
2. Skipping Eye Primer
Makeup aficionados know that not to prime is a crime. After your skincare routine, apply a skin primer not only to your face but also to the eye area. Not using an eye primer can lead to creased eyeshadow and emphasized wrinkles. This is because the skin around the eye is much more soft and delicate than elsewhere on the face. A good primer smooths the eyelid and creates a flawless base for makeup, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines.
3. Using the Wrong Concealer
One of the biggest mistakes we’re all guilty of when it comes to makeup is putting on too much concealer. A thick or overly dry concealer under the eyes can settle into lines and make wrinkles more apparent. However much concealer you think you need, halve it, then quarter it. Choose a hydrating, lightweight concealer and apply it sparingly to avoid this.
4. Applying Too Much Powder
Powder is a great way to set makeup and stop it from moving and transferring throughout the day. However, heavy matte powder application around the eyes can settle into fine lines, making wrinkles more noticeable. Use a light touch and opt for finely milled powders, or even skip it altogether for a more natural finish.
5. Using Dull Matte Shadows
Eyeshadow adds a lot of depth and dimension to our eye area unless, of course, you’re exclusively using matte eyeshadow, that is. While matte shadows are great, using them exclusively can create a flat look that emphasizes texture. Instead, mix in a bit of shimmer on the lids to add dimension, distract from wrinkles, and make the eyes pop.
6. Harsh Eyeliner
Just like eyeshadow, eyeliner can accentuate your eyes and make them look alluring. However, a thick, harsh eyeliner can make your eyes look smaller and draw attention to crow’s feet. Consider a softer line or smudge it out for a more forgiving and flattering effect.
7. Not Blending Properly
Poorly blended eyeshadow can create harsh lines that not only highlight wrinkles but draw more attention to the eye area for all the wrong reasons. Spend extra time blending to achieve a smooth, seamless look that appears more youthful. Not only this, but make sure that all your brushes are properly washed to avoid patchy, unblended-looking eyeshadow.
8. Ignoring Your Brows
Thin or overdrawn eyebrows can age your face and draw attention to eye wrinkles. Eyebrows are one of the most overlooked parts of a beauty regime. It’s important to keep your brows well-groomed and filled in with soft strokes for a more lifted appearance.
9. Overdoing the Highlighter
Highlighter is a powerful makeup tool, it can draw attention to our best features like our cheekbones and cupid’s bow. But too much of it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, something you don’t want to do. Apply it sparingly and avoid placing it directly on deep creases, especially around the eyes.
10. Using Heavy Mascara
Though we’ve been taught to apply mascara to both the upper and lower eyelashes, applying thick mascara to your lower lashes can create shadows that emphasize under-eye wrinkles. Consider using a lighter coat, a clear mascara or skipping the lower lashes altogether to keep the focus on your upper lash line.
11. Drawing Dark Eyeliner on the Waterline
A dark eyeliner on the waterline can make certain eyes pop, but the older you get, drawing dark liner along the waterline can actually make your eyes look smaller and draw attention to under-eye wrinkles. Rather than a dark liner, try to opt for a nude or white liner to open up your eyes and give a more youthful appearance.
12. Applying Shadow Too Far Down
Dragging eyeshadow too far down the lower lid can make your eyes appear droopy and highlight any wrinkles. When applying eyeshadow, you want your eyes to look as lifted as possible. Keep the color focused on the upper lid and the outer corners to lift your eyes.
13. Using Dark Shades in the Crease
Dark shades in the crease can deepen the appearance of wrinkles. Not only this, but dark eyeshadow generally just makes your eyes look smaller and less defined. Instead, use lighter or neutral shades to brighten the eye area and create a more open look. If all else fails, a swipe of glitter eyeshadow across the eyelid is a great, effortless look that makes the eyes pop.
14. Ignoring Curling Your Lashes
We get it; curling your lashes is sometimes the last thing you want to do at the end of your makeup routine. But skipping the lash curler can make your eyes look tired and draw attention to wrinkles. Curled lashes open up the eyes and create a more youthful appearance, so as tempting as it is, don’t skip this step.
15. Using Dirty Brushes
Washing makeup brushes is a chore no one wants to do. It’s understandably tedious, but neglecting to wash your dirty brushes means that when you’re doing your eye makeup, you’re packing leftover product back onto the eyes. This excess product will settle in wrinkles and fine lines, making them noticeable.