In the world of makeup, the smallest adjustments can have the most significant impact. Whether it’s a subtle shift in the angle of your eyeliner or the placement of your contour, these changes can dramatically affect your overall appearance. This is particularly true when it comes to avoiding those pesky contour mistakes that can inadvertently add years to your look. With insights from professional makeup artist Erica Taylor, who has over 25 years of experience, we’re diving deep into 12 common contour errors and how you can avoid them to achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance.
1. **Eyebrow Placement**: The first major mistake that can age your face is incorrect eyebrow placement. Erica Taylor emphasizes the importance of eyebrow positioning, stating, “If your eyebrow is longer, your eye looks longer. If your eyebrow is lower, your eye looks lower.” The key is to ensure your eyebrows end in an upward stroke. Instead of following the natural downward curve, which can create a drooping effect, slightly arch your brows upwards. This simple adjustment lifts the eye area, making you appear more awake and youthful. Remember, the goal isn’t to create an exaggerated arch reminiscent of a surprised expression, but rather a gentle lift that complements your facial structure.
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2. **Eyeliner Application**: Eyeliner is a staple in many makeup routines, yet its application can often lead to an aged appearance if not done correctly. According to Taylor, “If you cut your liner short, your eye’s going to look different…and it’s thick.” She advises against stopping the eyeliner at the midpoint of your eye, as this truncates the natural contour of your eye, making it appear smaller. Instead, extend the liner to the very end of your lash line, slightly flicking it upwards. This technique elongates the eye and provides a lifted effect, which is far more youthful. Additionally, opt for a thinner line; a thick line can overpower the eye and draw attention to any fine lines around it.
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3. **The Power of Mascara**: While eyeliner is crucial, mascara plays a complementary role that shouldn’t be overlooked. Taylor mentions, “My mascara is running out,” highlighting the importance of a good mascara to complete your eye look. Applying a lengthening mascara after correctly positioning your eyeliner can further enhance the width and brightness of your eyes. Focus on the roots of your lashes and wiggle the wand upwards to ensure each lash is coated evenly, enhancing the lift effect.
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4. **Understanding the Brow Frame**: Beyond just the end of your eyebrows, consider the overall framing effect that your brows have on your face. Taylor reassures those with naturally shorter brows due to over-tweezing that strategic filling can create a fuller look. “There are ways to fill it in that look really natural, but that frame will elongate your eye,” she says. Use a brow pencil or powder to lightly fill in sparse areas, keeping the strokes light and hair-like for a natural finish. A well-structured brow not only frames your eyes beautifully but also balances the entire face.
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5. **Aligning Eyeliner and Brows**: An often overlooked aspect of makeup is the harmony between your eyeliner and brows. The upper line of your eyeliner should follow the same general angle as your brow tail. This alignment creates continuity across your face, enhancing the lifted appearance. When these elements are mismatched, it can cause visual confusion, disrupting the balance and symmetry of your face.
6. **Beyond Black Eyeliner**: While black eyeliner is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other shades. Dark brown or gray can provide a softer look that’s less harsh, especially for mature skin. These colors define the eyes without emphasizing any existing fine lines or wrinkles.
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7. **Eyebrow Maintenance**: Regular grooming is key to maintaining youthful-looking eyebrows. Keep your brows well-trimmed and shaped, but avoid over-plucking, which can create a dated appearance. If your brows are sparse, consider using a brow serum to encourage growth.
8. **Final Touches with Concealer**: After perfecting your eyeliner and brow placement, consider using a light dab of concealer to highlight the brow bone just beneath your arches. This subtle highlight can add dimension and further lift the eye area. Make sure the concealer matches your skin tone closely to avoid an unnatural appearance.
With these tips in mind, you can avoid two of the most common contour mistakes that can age you and instead embrace a makeup routine that enhances your youthful glow.
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9. **Bronzer Placement**: Let’s talk bronzer, a product that’s both a friend and a foe if misused. Proper bronzer placement is crucial in creating a youthful appearance. Lauren Hale, a savvy expert on mature skin, advises, ‘Lifting your bronzer above the cheek and your apple higher brings everything up.’ Instead of brushing it along your jawline or below your cheekbones, opt for applying it slightly above your cheekbone. This technique not only mimics the sun’s natural glow but also provides an instant facelift effect. Think of it as sunshine in a compact, warming up your face and giving you that enviable lit-from-within glow without the risk of looking pancaked.
As we age, our skin loses some of its natural plumpness, which is where bronzer really comes into its own. By placing bronzer higher, you’re not just applying color—you’re engaging in a little optical illusion, redefining your facial structure to lift and brighten your face. It’s about working with your features, not against them. Imagine the delight of seeing a radiant, youthful reflection staring back at you, all thanks to a simple tweak in your bronzer routine.
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10. **Foundation Matching**: Choosing the right foundation shade is absolutely critical. Spellos emphasizes ‘nothing ages you faster than a line of demarcation caused by a foundation that’s a different color than your neck skin.’ The trick lies in blending well and finding a happy medium between your face and neck tones. The right foundation should blend so seamlessly that it’s virtually invisible.
Think of your foundation as the canvas upon which your entire makeup look is built. A flawless, airbrushed finish that matches your skin perfectly can enhance all the other elements of your makeup. It’s the unsung hero that goes unnoticed when done right, yet can become a glaring issue when mismatched. Remember, a natural-looking base sets the stage for a youthful glow.
11. **Lip Liner Techniques**: Lips are often overlooked in the aging process, but they play a significant role in maintaining a youthful appearance. Taylor points out the importance of not lining to the very end of the lips, saying, ‘That’s because if you line to the very end of the lip then, as gravity takes control visually, she’s going down, she’s dropping.’ Instead, keep your lip liner slightly inside your natural lip line.
This approach not only helps prevent feathering but also creates the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. By redefining your lip lines, you concentrate more on their natural fullness rather than trying to create an entirely new shape. It’s a subtle hack that makes your lips look youthful and vibrant, easily warding off the signs of aging.
12. **Blush Placement**: Blush might just be the most underrated weapon in your anti-aging arsenal. Taylor advises against putting blush only on the apples of your cheeks. Instead, she proposes using cream blush and blending it across the tops of your whole cheekbones. This practice lifts your face and gives you a fresher look.
A well-placed blush can mimic the natural flush of youth, enhancing your cheekbones and giving you a radiant glow. It’s about creating a seamless transition that doesn’t scream ‘makeup,’ but whispers gentle, youthful exuberance. Consider your blush not just a pop of color, but a strategic component in your beauty routine for a more youthful look.
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And there you have it—a collection of expertly crafted techniques to keep your makeup not just contemporary, but also a true reflection of your inner vitality. By making these simple adjustments, you can embrace a makeup routine that highlights your beauty, enhancing your natural features and celebrating the vibrant, youthful spirit within.
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