Creating the perfect canvas for makeup requires a few steps and military precision application. The goal is a youthful, dewy glow, not a heavy, cakey base that bleeds into your lines and wrinkles. Choosing the wrong foundation and concealer and applying it incorrectnly can unintentionally add years to your appearance. Avoid these common makeup mishaps to look younger and more beautiful.
1. Neglecting to Prep and Prime First
Your skin is a canvas for makeup, and you need to prep it first. Always apply makeup to clean hydrated skin, so follow your usual skincare routine, which should finish with a hydrating moisturizer. As any makeup aficionado will tell you, not prime is a crime, so your next step is to apply skin primer. This creates a smooth base for foundation and minimizes the appearance of large pores and fine lines. Without primer, foundation can settle into creases and emphasize signs of aging.
2. Using an Aging Matte Foundation
Matte foundations might sound like a good idea to control shine and create good coverage, but they are notorious for settling into fine lines and giving your skin a dry, dull look. They also look heavy, cakey, and aging. Opt for a lightweight, hydrating satin formulation with buildable coverage for a more youthful glow. Or, for a blurred complexion, shop for a silicone foundation that will fill in your fine lines.
3. Applying Too Much Foundation
Your skin can only handle so much product on your face at once. Caking on foundation to cover imperfections can backfire by highlighting wrinkles and uneven texture. It can also cause everything your bronzer, blush, and highlighter to slip and slide around your face. A light, buildable foundation applied in thin layers creates a more natural, youthful finish. If your skin is in good shape, only apply foundation where you need it.
4. Choosing the Wrong Base
Finding your perfect foundation match is a daunting task, but it’s one you should do, or you risk committing a major fashion faux pas. Wearing a foundation that’s too light or too dark can make your complexion look ashy or muddy, both of which can age you and are very unattractive. Always match your foundation to your skin (use the skin on your hand as a guide) for a seamless blend and to avoid harsh, unnatural foundation lines.
5. Concealing Too Heavily
One of the biggest mistakes we’re all guilty of when it comes to makeup is wearing too much concealer. A thick layer of concealer under the eyes can settle into fine lines and exaggerate them. Either find a lightweight formula to use or, if you’re using a full-coverage concealer, apply it sparingly.
6. Working with a Dry Sponge or Brush
There’s nothing worse than patchy, streaky foundation. Applying foundation with a dry sponge or brush can result in a patchy finish that highlights texture and lines. Dampen your sponge or brush with a setting spray or a tiny bit of water for a smoother, more even application. Or, use your hands for an even more skin-like and natural complexion.
7. Setting with Too Much Powder
Setting powder is a makeup hero; it stops our makeup moving throughout the day as we sweat and move around. While setting powder helps lock in your makeup, too much of it can create a cakey, dry appearance. You only need a tiny amount of powder to secure your look. Lightly dust powder only where needed, such as the T-zone, to avoid a flat, aged look.
8. Over-concealing Dark Circles
Whether it’s one too many late nights or too many early mornings, dark circles are an insecurity we’d rather cover up. However, piling on concealer to hide dark circles can make the under-eye area look heavy and can appear cakey. A peach-toned corrector will stamp out any dark circles. Follow your color corrector with a light concealer, which works best for brightening without bulk.
9. Using th Wrong Undertone
When it comes to foundation and concealer, picking the right undertone is just as important as picking the shade. Choosing a foundation or concealer with the wrong undertone can clash with your natural skin color, making you look tired or washed out. Whether you have a pink, yellow, or neutral undertone, find out what yours is and make sure you’re incorporating it into your beauty regime.
10. Applying Concealer Before Foundation
There’s nothing worse than having cakey makeup. Applying concealer before foundation is a surefire way to have a packed-on, cakey makeup look. This can lead to an uneven finish and excess product in fine lines. Always apply foundation first, then add concealer where needed for a more natural look.
11. Not Blending Properly
When you’re in a rush, sometimes you might skip steps in your makeup routine. However, forgetting to blend will only make you look older. Improperly blended foundation or concealer can create harsh lines and draw attention to wrinkles or uneven texture. Whether it’s your hands, a brush or beauty blender, don’t skip blending your makeup in at the end.
12. Using a Thick Formula
Thick, heavy foundations and concealers can settle into lines and emphasize texture. Opt for lightweight, hydrating formulas that provide coverage without adding bulk.
13. Applying Foundation to Dry Skin
Applying foundation to dry, flaky skin will only highlight those areas, making your complexion look rough and aged. Exfoliate regularly and moisturize well before applying foundation. If you have seriously dry skin, perhaps swap out harsh foundations for a more skin-friendly BB cream or a tinted moisturizer instead.
14. Neglecting the Neck and Jawline
When it comes to foundation, stopping your application at your jawline will only make you look older. Not only can this create a visible line and make your face look disconnected from your neck, but you’ll look like a makeup amateur. Always blend your foundation down to your neck for a cohesive look.