As we age gracefully, every bit of help counts to maintain that youthful glow. It’s not just about the habits we adopt but also letting go of a few that don’t serve us anymore. What we often don’t realize is that some common makeup practices might be the silent culprits responsible for adding years to our appearance. Today, we’re diving deep into four surprising makeup mistakes many make unknowingly, and how these can be counterproductive to achieving that fresh, vibrant look.
1. Wearing Too Much Foundation
Ah, foundation—the very base upon which we build our entire makeup look. And yet, it’s often the very thing that could be taking away from your youthful charm. Overusing foundation can mean caking up the natural texture of your skin, making it look far from what you’d want it to.
When foundation settles into fine lines and wrinkles, it highlights them rather than concealing them. The key is to aim for a balanced approach. It’s about enhancing the skin’s natural beauty rather than masking it entirely. Opt for a sheer or medium coverage foundation that allows your natural skin to breathe through.
Celebrity makeup artists suggest that applying foundation with a light hand and using a damp beauty sponge can diffuse the product more naturally into your skin. This technique prevents the foundation from settling into lines and gives a more seamless finish.
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Brand: e.l.f.
Price: 8 USD
Rating: 4.2
Top Review from US: “This lightweight, affordable foundation is an excellent match for my skin tone, and I’m already on my second bottle. Its imperceptible feel provides excellent coverage for an even complexion. As with any foundation, I recommend using a primer beforehand and finishing with a setting powder or spray for all-day wear. I’m highly satisfied with its quality and performance, and believe E.L.F. has significantly improved its product line. I strongly recommend this foundation.”
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2. Neglecting Your Brows
Brows frame your face and have the potential to add definition like no other component of your makeup routine. But neglecting them can lead to an appearance that is either too sparse or overwhelming.
Thinner brows, while they may have been trendy years ago, can actually age the face. They lack the fullness that signifies youth. To remedy this, consider filling in your brows with a product that matches your natural hair color. The goal is to mimic the natural texture, creating a fuller yet subtle definition.
Makeup artists often recommend using a brow pomade or a brow gel to maintain the natural look. Ensure to brush them upwards to maintain their natural direction, enhancing your youthful appearance.
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Brand: VieBeauti
Price: 25.99 USD
Rating: 4.3
Top Review from US: “After months of relying on eyelash extensions, I noticed a significant thinning of my natural lashes. Tired of waisting so much money and time for something that compromised my own lashes, I decided to explore alternatives. I began using this serum and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Not only did my lashes grow noticeably longer, but they also became significantly thicker. This is my third purchase, and I plan to continue using it. I’ve also experienced positive results with my eyebrows, which were previously sparse. Now, they’re noticeably fuller.”
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3. Using Heavy, Matte Lipsticks
Lipsticks are a fantastic way to bring life to your face, but did you know the type of finish you choose can significantly impact how old or youthful you appear? Heavy matte lipsticks, although trendy, can be harsh as they settle into the lines of your lips, emphasizing every crack and flaw.
Instead, go for hydrating and creamy formulations. These provide the moisture needed to plump up the lips and add a soft sheen that reflects light, giving an illusion of fuller lips. Beauty experts advise looking for lipsticks with nourishing ingredients that provide hydration throughout the day.
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Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Price: 3.52 USD
Rating: 4.4
Top Review from US: “I’ve been wearing this for about 5 hours now, drinking and eating, and it’s lasted me so well! I haven’t had to touch up or anything. I have the nyx matte lipstick, and that makes my lips dry. I’ve not had that issue with this!! I’m obsessed. It’s a little sticky, but mostly dries with no issue. And the color is perfect: it dried a tad darker than i was expecting, but I LOVE it!
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4. Skipping Primer
Primer is often an underestimated step in many makeup routines. However, skipping it can be a grave mistake if you aim for a youthful appearance. Primers not only create a smooth base for makeup application but also help in filling in fine lines and pores.
A well-chosen primer can also help in balancing out the skin’s texture, thereby preventing makeup from settling into lines. The right primer can set the stage for your makeup, making it last longer and look fresher. Consider a primer with illuminating properties for that additional glow.
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Brand: KESHIMA
Price: 9.85 USD
Rating: 4.6
Top Review from US: “Perfect replacement for the last kabuki brush I bought from a makeup store. Flawless application and soft bristles. Love it!! Makes my morning routine so much quicker.”
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5. Wrong highlight
The allure of highlighters is undeniable. They bring a luminous glow to our faces, but applied carelessly, they can also accentuate unwanted features. The trick is to highlight strategically, focusing on areas that naturally catch the light, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
When choosing a highlighter, opt for a cream or liquid formula that blends seamlessly into your skin. This not only provides a more natural finish but also reflects light beautifully without settling into fine lines. A subtle touch of highlighter can lift and enhance your features, giving an overall youthful and radiant appearance.
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Top Review from US: “Grandsons got drawing book and pencils. They started playing with both as soon as they opened it.”
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As we age, adapting our beauty routines becomes necessary. What worked in our 20s may no longer serve us in our 40s or beyond. It’s about embracing products and techniques that complement our evolving skin needs, embracing age with grace and style.
This process of adaptation is about self-discovery, learning to highlight our features and express our individuality through makeup. By letting go of outdated techniques and welcoming new approaches, we can continue to shine with confidence and beauty at any age.
It’s time to reevaluate your makeup routine and let go of these common mistakes. Embracing a few changes can make all the difference in achieving that radiant, youthful glow that we all cherish.
Related posts:
The ‘Drying’ Lipstick Mistakes To Avoid Because They Make Your Lips Look ‘Much Smaller,’ Plus Tips That ‘Won’t Age’ You: You ‘Appear Older’
‘It’s not helping you!’ Women over 60 told to avoid makeup mistake that is making them look ‘older’
Ask Laura: The Makeup tips to make you look younger – why powder eyeshadow is a no go
