Makeup is a powerful tool, an art form that can enhance your natural beauty by adding a touch of glow and sophistication. But like all arts, it requires a certain finesse. Unfortunately, some common makeup practices might be doing more harm than good, sneaking a few extra years onto your look without you even realizing it. Understanding where we might be slipping up in our beauty routines is the first step towards reclaiming a youthful, vibrant appearance.
1. **Not Priming Eyelids**: Skipping this crucial step can lead to a makeup look that lacks the vibrancy and staying power we all desire. Priming your eyelids is not just about keeping your eyeshadow in place. It’s about creating a smooth canvas that enhances pigment and prevents creasing throughout the day. Without a primer, your eyeshadow may settle into fine lines and crease, diminishing the youthful sparkle of your eyes. A good primer will not only hold your shadow but will smooth out any imperfections, creating a flawless finish that lasts.
Product on Amazon: COVERGIRL Lid Lock Up Eyeshadow Primer, Clear, All-Day, Dries Quickly, .06 Pound, Crease-Proof, Shadow Security, Maximizes the Wear and Intensity of Shadow, Preps Lids for All-Day Wear
Brand: Visit the COVERGIRL Store
Price: 8.54 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 5051
Product Benefits: Smoothening,Smudge-proof
Coverage: Full
Item Form: Gel
Skin Type: Normal
Features:
1. PREP YOUR LIDS – Quick dry eyeshadow primer readying your eyelids for all day makeup
2. CREASE FREE – This eye primer locks in color and prevents creasing instantly
3. QUICK DRY – Gel dries quickly so you can breeze through your makeup application
4. PAIRS – This eye makeup primer pairs perfectly with the COVERGIRL TruNaked eyeshadow palette
Top Review from US: “I’ve tried ALL the primers out there from drugstore to luxury and this is the only one that keeps most shadows on my hooded lids. From multichrome shades to mattes, this will work on me. The only shadows it won’t work on are those really emollient or squishy shades (that crease on almost everyone) or very glittery shades – for those you need glitter glue or just spackle! I use this sparingly on the mobile part of my lid each day and most of my shadows will last a good 14-16 hours with no problem.”
Shopping on Amzon >>
Read more about: Knock At The Trick: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Contour Trick for Hooded Eyes
2. **Using Mismatched Primer and Foundation**: This might sound like a minor detail, but Christen Dominique warns that using a water-based primer with a silicone-based foundation can spell disaster for your look. The two formulations repel each other, just like oil and water, which leads to a patchy, peeling appearance. Throughout the day, your carefully applied foundation can start to separate, sliding off your face and leaving you with a less than polished finish. Sticking to a matching primer and foundation pair ensures a seamless fusion that looks fresh from morning to night.
Product on Amazon: M. Asam Magic Finish Make-Up Mousse (1.01 Fl Oz) – 4in1 Primer, Foundation, Concealer & Powder With Buildable Coverage, Hides Redness And Dark Spots, Vegan, For Light To Medium Skin Tones
Brand: Visit the M. Asam Store
Price: 29.99 USD
Rating: 4.1 Total reviews: 19117
Item Form: Mousse
Color: Light to medium skin tones
Skin Type: Normal
Finish Type: opaque
Recommended Uses For Product: Concealing imperfections
Top Review from US: “The coverage—amazing. The feel on your skin—amazing. Ease of use—amazing. Natural glow—amazing. All day wear—totally. I am hooked on this. No need for concealer at all. This does it all with a quick application. I constantly receive compliments on my skin since using this and repeatedly these compliments are because of the natural look this product provides. You do not look “made up” you look fresh face. LOVE this. I buy it 2 at a time and as soon as I open the 2nd one I am ordering my next two. I use the deep tint and I am definitely a true chocolate girl and the match is phenomenal.
Shopping on Amzon >>
3. **Rough concealer Application**: Applying concealer with too much force can tug at the delicate skin under your eyes, potentially contributing to premature aging. Instead, gently patting your concealer into place can provide better coverage without damaging the skin. This technique not only helps in achieving a more even finish but also maintains the integrity of your skin, ensuring that it remains youthful and resilient. Lightly tapping the concealer into place reduces the risk of fine lines being highlighted and allows the product to meld seamlessly with your foundation.
Product on Amazon: ENERGY Concealer Brush with Travel Cover – Small Angled Kabuki for Under Eye, Nose Contour, Blending, Setting, and Buffing Powder, Liquid, Cream Foundation Precision Makeup 270
Brand: Visit the ENERGY Store
Price: 5.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 6280
Bristle Material: Nylon
Recommended Uses For Product: Face Makeup,Makeup Foundation
Color: black
Material: synthetic bristles/aluminum ferrule/wood handle
Skin Type: Acne Prone
Item Form: Wand
Brush Length: 14.5 Centimeters
Number of Pieces: 1
Age Range (Description): Adult
Top Review from US: “I love this brush!! I use it as my concealer brush and it blends the makeup nicely! I use it more in a dabbing motion then swiping but I find it works great once you find your best way for your skin type. It’s also solid in the fact that the bristles don’t come out and it’s been really durable in washing
Shopping on Amzon >>
4. **Refining Eyebrows with Precision**: Sparse or over-plucked eyebrows can age your face significantly. It’s essential to fill them in naturally, enhancing their shape without making them too bold or harsh. Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color and gently fill in any gaps.
Take care not to overdraw your brows, as this can look artificial and age you unnecessarily. Instead, aim for a soft, well-defined arch that frames your face beautifully.
Well-groomed brows can transform your appearance, lifting and defining your facial features for a more youthful and polished look.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil, Dual-Sided, Precise, Fine Tip, Shapes, Defines, Fills Brows, Contours, Combs, Tames, Neutral Brown, 0.006 Oz
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 3 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 54379
Item Form: Pencil
Color: Neutral Brown
Finish Type: Natural
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Top Review from US: “This pencil has become my go-to for quick and easy natural looking brows.What I Loved: • Perfect Color Match: The taupe shade is subtle and blends beautifully with my light brows. • Easy to Apply: The pencil glides on smoothly without tugging, and the spoolie on the other end is great for blending. • Affordable: For the price, you can’t go wrong. It’s comparable to higher-end brands in performance.What Could Be Better: • Soft Tip: The pencil is on the softer side, so it wears down quickly and sometimes snaps off.”
Shopping on Amzon >>
Read more about: 15 Makeup Mistakes That Are Secretly Aging You and How to Fix Them
5. **Applying Mascara Before Fake Lashes**: Putting on mascara before applying false lashes can lead to your natural lashes sticking out awkwardly. This can result in an uneven lash line that disrupts the seamless blend between your real and fake lashes. Instead, try using a light curling mascara first and then apply your false lashes. This approach helps in lifting and blending your lashes, creating a cohesive look that adds to the overall elegance of your makeup.
Product on Amazon: essence | Volume Booster Lash Primer Mascara | Infused with Mango Butter and Acai Oil for Nurtured Lashes | Conditioning Mascara Primer | White | Vegan | Paraben & Cruelty Free (Pack of 1)
Brand: Visit the essence Store
Price: 4.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 37801
Color: White
Product Benefits: Conditioning, Moisturizing, Thickening
Special Feature: Cruelty-Free
Material Type Free: vegan
Top Review from US: “Listen, I have the most stubby, sparse eyelashes. I decided to give this base coat a try along with a new mascara. This was my first attempt and I applied it pretty thick so I got a teeny bit of a spidery effect (this was a goofy picture I took for another reason which is why it’s cropped), but subsequent applications where I made sure the lashes weren’t clumped look so good! I’m really, really, really happy with this product. If you have less stubby eyelashes than me, you will look like a million bucks. I think you could even get a fake lash look with the right combo of products.”
Shopping on Amzon >>
Read more about: A Makeup Artist’s Guide to Flawless Makeup on Crepey Eyelids
6. **Straight Application of Blush and Bronzer**: Going directly from product to face isn’t always the best approach. It can result in a patchy application, with areas of the face appearing overly flushed or unevenly bronzed. Christen Dominique suggests swirling your brush in the product and then gently working it on the back of your hand before applying it to your face. This technique helps in distributing the product evenly, allowing you to build up color gradually and achieve a seamless, natural finish.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick, Luxuriously Creamy & Blendable Color, For Eyes, Lips & Cheeks, Bronzed Cherry, 0.17 Oz (5g)
Brand: Visit the e.l.f. Store
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 73839
Item Form: Stick
Finish Type: Shimmery
Coverage: Full
Color: Bronzed Cherry
Top Review from US: “I researched the brand the makeup artist used in her video, and well let’s just say, it was more expensive than I wanted to spend, (and could spend) ☺️ especially for just trying it. I found this one by ELF and liked the color, so I bought it. I will say, I love it! After prepping my face with primer then foundation, it glided on so smoothly and was easy to blend with a beauty sponge. I’ll be buying more! It’s small so don’t know it how long it will last but I also apply it around my forehead and jawline. So we’ll see. 💕🌸”
Shopping on Amzon >>
7. **Heavy lip Makeup Choices**: Sometimes, the bold lip colors we adore can add unwanted years to our look. Heavy, dark lipsticks can draw attention to fine lines around the mouth and make lips appear thinner. Opting for softer, more hydrating formulas like peachy glosses or tinted balms can enhance the youthful plumpness of your lips. These choices provide a fresh pop of color that complements your natural skin tone without overpowering your features, helping to maintain a youthful, radiant appearance.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil, Long-Lasting Creamy Lip Liner – Peakaboo Neutral
Brand: Visit the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Store
Price: 4.96 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 45437
Color: 860 Peakaboo Neutral
Skin Type: All
Item Form: Pencil
Finish Type: Satin
Top Review from US: “Very pretty color. It goes on creamy. It does last throughout the day. It looks natural very pretty no stickiness or taste. I do love the Way glides on. easy to use and I love the fact that it’s not dry at all it’s very creamy. Functions perfectly because it’s so easy to use!”
Shopping on Amzon >>
Read more about: The Haircuts That Age You Instantly: What Styles To Avoid For A Youthful Look
8. **Avoiding Heavy Foundation**: One of the biggest culprits of an aged appearance is the dreaded heavy foundation. This product, when applied too generously, can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more pronounced. Instead of opting for a full-coverage, thick formula, try a lightweight, hydrating foundation or a tinted moisturizer that provides just enough coverage to even out your skin tone while keeping it looking fresh and dewy.
A light and dewy foundation not only hydrates but also allows your skin to breathe, giving you a natural glow. It’s important to remember that less is often more when it comes to foundation, especially as we age. The goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it.
An airy, feather-light finish enhances your skin’s glow and retains moisture, keeping your face looking youthful and radiant. Switch to a foundation that supports a sheer, luminous complexion and say goodbye to that cakey, aged appearance.
Product on Amazon: Natural Cover Glow Cushion Foundation | Korean Foundation Makeup | Long-Lasting Buildable Coverage | Lightweight and Moisturizing | Flawless Finish 0.42oz (25N Mocha Beige)
Brand: Visit the LOVB LOVB Store
Price: 19.9 USD
Rating: 4.1 Total reviews: 340
Item Form: Cream
Color: 25N Mocha Beige
Skin Type: All, Combination, Sensitive
Finish Type: Natural
Top Review from US: “I Love the finish of this on my skinGreat coverage…translucent finish, does not clog pores. Amazing product. Have purchased 2 of them.”
Shopping on Amzon >>
Read more about: 8 Makeup Blunders that Add Years to Your Look and How to Avoid Them
9. **Choosing the Right Concealer**: As we get older, our skin tends to become drier, especially under the eyes. Selecting a concealer that doesn’t emphasize under-eye creases is crucial. Go for a creamy, hydrating formula that offers coverage without caking or settling into fine lines.
Apply the concealer after your foundation to avoid displacing it and use a gentle patting motion to blend it seamlessly. This helps in achieving a bright and even under-eye area without drawing attention to lines or dryness that can age your appearance.
Using a rich, nourishing concealer ensures a smooth, flawless finish and keeps your skin hydrated, which is essential for maintaining a youthful look. This small tweak can make a huge difference in your makeup routine.
Read more about: Unlock Radiant Undereyes: The Viral Concealer and Pink Powder Hack
10. **Blending Eyeshadow Smoothly**: Harshly blended or overly dramatic eyeshadow can easily add years to your appearance. To achieve a more youthful look, blend your eyeshadow meticulously, using soft, neutral tones that enhance your natural eye color.
Invest in high-quality brushes that offer smooth application and allow for seamless blending. The goal is to create a soft gradient that lifts and opens up the eyes, giving them a fresh, vibrant appearance.
Taking the time to blend your eyeshadow properly can transform your whole look, emphasizing the youthful sparkle in your eyes and avoiding the harsh lines that age your face.
Read more about: Unveiling My Sephora Secrets: 18 Must-Have Products for an Airbrushed Finish
11. **Lightening Up Eyeliner**: The allure of a striking eyeliner is undeniable, but as we age, less is more. Heavy, dark eyeliner can make eyes look smaller and more closed off. Instead, opt for softer shades like brown, gray, or plum, which offer definition without harshness.
Apply the liner close to the lash line and smudge slightly to soften the edges. This technique creates a more open, lifted look, making the eyes appear larger and more youthful.
A softer eyeliner enhances your eyes without making them look tired or overwhelmed. Embrace a more delicate line that adds elegance and emphasizes your eyes’ natural beauty.
12. **Skipping Highlighter**: Highlighter can be a game-changer for achieving a youthful, glowing complexion. Applying a subtle shimmer to your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose can bring life back to your face and provide a lifted, radiant appearance.
Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone and opt for a formula that offers a natural glow rather than an intense shimmer. Apply it sparingly to avoid drawing attention to any fine lines or imperfections.
This light-reflecting powerhouse is your best friend for creating a fresh, youthful look. Remember, a little goes a long way in achieving that coveted dewy finish.
Read more about: The 13 Makeup Mistakes Older Women Make That Add Years to Your Face
13. **Hydrating Lip Care**: Our lips often become thinner and drier with age, so keeping them moisturized is key. Before applying any lipstick or gloss, ensure your lips are well-hydrated. Use a nourishing lip balm and exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin.
For a youthful appearance, opt for lip colors that are hydrating and plumping, avoiding overly matte finishes that can make lips look flat and dry. Glossy or satin textures work wonders for a fresh, radiant vibe.
A well-cared-for pout can take years off your face, adding a healthy, vibrant glow to your overall look. Embrace lip products that prioritize hydration and subtle shine.
Read more about: 18 Dermatologist-Recommended Facial Hair Removers for Women
14. **Regularly Updating Your Makeup Routine**: Trends and your skin change over time, so it’s important to periodically reassess your makeup routine. What worked for you in your twenties might not be suitable as your skin evolves.
Stay informed about new techniques and products that can enhance your natural beauty. Be open to experimenting and adjusting your routine to suit your current skin needs.
Embracing change ensures that your makeup remains flattering and youthful, allowing you to look and feel your best at any age.
By avoiding these common makeup mistakes and incorporating a few simple changes, you can achieve a more youthful, vibrant look that enhances your natural beauty. Remember, makeup is about highlighting your best features, not masking them. Embrace your unique beauty and let it shine through.
Related posts:
The 5 Worst Makeup Mistakes That Are ‘Ruining’ Your Look And What To Do For A ‘Lifted’ Face
Makeup artist reveals beauty mistakes that make you look older in each decade
‘It’s not helping you!’ Women over 60 told to avoid makeup mistake that is making them look ‘older’
