Makeup enhances your natural beauty, but some application techniques can have the opposite effect, adding years to your appearance. Avoiding these everyday makeup mistakes is essential to keeping your look fresh and youthful. Here are 15 ways you might unintentionally age yourself with your makeup routine.
1. Applying Too Much Foundation
You might think that applying a heavy foundation is a great way to cover up wrinkles, dry skin, and other imperfections, but the opposite is true. Layering on too much foundation can create a cakey, mask-like effect that settles into fine lines and wrinkles, making them even more noticeable. Always apply one layer of a lightweight foundation and add more if needed.
2. Skipping Primer
To not prime is a crime. Primer preps the skin for makeup and can fill in wrinkles and other imperfections before applying your makeup. Not using a primer can result in uneven makeup application and accentuated pores or wrinkles. A good primer smooths the skin’s surface, helping your makeup glide on more evenly and last longer.
3. Overusing Powder
Powder is great for setting makeup, but overdoing it can make your skin look dry and accentuate fine lines. You should apply less powder as you age and opt for a setting spray instead. To avoid looking older, apply powder sparingly, focusing on oily areas, and avoid it around the eyes and mouth.
4. Neglecting to Blend
Blending is a crucial makeup step that most people forget or simply neglect, but it’s making you look older. Harsh lines from unblended foundation, concealer, or eyeshadow can age your appearance. Not only this, but it draws people’s attention to your face for all the wrong reasons. Always take the time to blend your makeup seamlessly into your skin for a more youthful, polished look.
5. Using Dark Lipstick
Dark lipstick shades might seem fun, but wearing them can make your lips appear thinner and more severe, which can add years to your look. If you want to give off a more youthful, fuller look, opt for softer, more natural shades that enhance your lips without overpowering them.
6. Heavy Eyeliner
Thick, heavy eyeliner can make your eyes look smaller and draw attention to any sagging around the eye area. If your eyes start drooping and wrinkling, it’s time to retire harsh liquid liners for softer pencil liners. A softer application with a smudged liner or a light pencil can create a more youthful, lifted effect.
7. Skipping Blush
Blush is a powerful tool for boosting youthfulness to your beauty look. Skipping blush can leave your complexion looking flat and lifeless, which you want to avoid at all costs. A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a healthy, youthful glow that instantly brightens your face and makes you look younger.
8. Applying Too Much Concealer
We’re all guilty of putting on too much concealer. Overloading on concealer, especially under the eyes, can settle into fine lines and create a crepey texture. Not only is it wasteful, but it also ages you. Use a lightweight, hydrating concealer and apply it sparingly to keep your under-eye area looking fresh.
9. Ignoring Your Brows
Eyebrows are a major indicator of your age. So, neglecting or over-plucking your eyebrows can make your face look older. Full, well-groomed brows frame your face and give you a more youthful appearance. If your eyebrows have started to thin, use a brow pencil or powder to fill any sparse areas.
10. Using Shimmery Eyeshadow
Shimmery eyeshadows are fun, but be mindful that these eyeshadows can settle into fine lines and highlight wrinkles on your eyelids. For a more youthful look, opt for matte or satin-finish shadows instead to create a smooth, flattering look without emphasizing texture. Alternatively, try eyeshadow sticks or pomade shadows to avoid the product settling in your wrinkles.
11. Not Curling Your Lashes
We get it: pulling out the lash curler is an extra beauty step you sometimes just don’t want to do. However, skipping the lash curler can make your eyes look tired and droopy if you’re not careful. Curling your lashes opens up your eyes, making them look larger and more awake, which can take years off your appearance.
12. Applying Lip Liner Incorrectly
While you don’t want your lips to look small, you also want to avoid overlining your lips, too. Overlining your lips or using a lip liner that’s too dark can create a harsh, unnatural look. When it comes to looking youthful, au natural is best. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick and apply it with a light hand to subtly define your lips.
13. Using Too Much Bronzer
Bronzer is a great way to put color back into your skin after you do foundation. However, be mindful that applying too much bronzer can make your skin look muddy and accentuate fine lines. Instead, use bronzer sparingly to add warmth and dimension, focusing on areas where the sun naturally hits your face.
14. Forgetting About Lip Care
Chapped lips can age your appearance, and dry lips become more common as you age. Keep your lips hydrated and exfoliated before applying lipstick to ensure a smooth, youthful finish. Drink plenty of water and invest in skincare to ensure your lips look plump and moisturized.
15. Neglecting Setting Spray
Skipping a setting spray can leave your makeup looking dull and flat by the end of the day. Not only this, but it can also prevent your makeup from settling into wrinkles and fine lines over the day. A light mist of setting spray helps your makeup stay fresh and dewy, giving you a more youthful glow.