When it comes to makeup, subtle adjustments can spell the difference between looking fresh and appearing older than your years. Often, it’s the little things that count, and celebrity makeup artists are here to reveal the common blunders that can inadvertently age you, along with straightforward solutions to rejuvenate your appearance.
1. **Eyebrow and Eyeliner Placement**: As Erica Taylor, a seasoned makeup artist, demonstrates, eyebrow and eyeliner placement can dramatically affect your perceived age. The wrong placement can make your eyes appear smaller and more tired. Taylor explains that lengthening the eyebrow can elongate the eye, while a thicker, shorter eyeliner can make eyes look droopy. Instead, opt for a thin liner that reaches the end of your lash line for a youthful lift.
Eyebrows can be problematic, especially after years of over-plucking. Taylor reassures us that with strategic filling, even naturally short brows can look fuller, framing and elongating your eyes. These adjustments might seem small, but the effect is substantial. The side-by-side comparison in her viral video, with over 9.8 million views, clearly shows how these tweaks can make a world of difference.
2. **Bronzer and Blush Placement**: The way you apply bronzer and blush can either lift your face for a youthful glow or drag it down, making you look older. Taylor’s tip is to lift your bronzer above the cheekbone and apply your blush slightly higher on the cheeks. This technique brings everything upwards, creating a more lifted and youthful appearance.
This method contrasts with older advice to apply blush on the apples of your cheeks while smiling, which can often settle into fine lines once you relax your expression. By lifting the blush and bronzer, you’re not only contouring more effectively but also avoiding a droopy look.
3. **Lip Liner Techniques**: Dark lipsticks and incorrect lip liner application can add years to your look, warns Saffron Hughes, a makeup artist from FalseEyelashes. As lips become thinner with age, using dark, matte varieties only accentuates thinness and a loss of definition. Hughes recommends a natural lip liner slightly above your natural lip line, paired with a hydrating gloss for dimension and a plumper appearance.
The emphasis is on avoiding overly dark shades that draw attention to the lips, especially if they are dry or lined. Instead, choose shades that are just a step bolder than your natural color to enhance your pout without making it the focal point.
4. **Avoiding Matte Lipsticks**: Matte lipsticks, while popular for their staying power, can be particularly aging due to their drying nature. Makeup artist Gabriela Soares highlights that matte finishes can make smaller lips appear even smaller and highlight any texture on the lips.
For a more youthful look, opt for lip products that impart a slight sheen or creamy texture, which draws attention outward and creates a fuller appearance. These finishes help in creating a vibrant look without emphasizing unwanted lines or textures.
5. **Choosing the Right Lipstick Shade**: Selecting a lipstick shade too dark or bright for your skin tone can enhance the appearance of age, says Natasha Moor, founder of Natasha Moor Cosmetics. She suggests opting for shades that complement your current complexion and undertones.
Shift away from shades that worked in your youth, which may now accentuate any redness or uneven skin tone. Instead, choose colors that offer a fresh pop of color, adding vibrancy without overwhelming your natural features.
6. **Foundation and Concealer Application**: Heavy foundations and concealers can settle into fine lines, highlighting wrinkles rather than concealing them. Laura Kay, founder of Laura Kay London, advises opting for lightweight, hydrating formulas that enhance rather than mask your skin.
By targeting problem areas rather than applying a thick layer across the face, you can achieve a more natural look that allows your skin’s texture to shine through, minimizing the appearance of age.
7. **Heavy Eyelashes**: According to Laura Kay, heavy fake eyelashes can pull down your eyelids, creating a tired look. Instead, choose lighter, more natural-looking alternatives like magnetic lashes for added lift without the weight.
These lighter options still provide the desired enhancement without the heaviness, helping to keep your eyes looking open and refreshed.
8. **Warming Up the Face**: Warming up your complexion can add vibrancy and life to your look. Taylor suggests using bronzer to warm around the hairline, which creates a lit-from-within glow and avoids a flat appearance.
This simple step can bring warmth and vitality to your face, counteracting a washed-out look and giving an impression of health and youth.
These expert tips underline that small changes in your makeup routine can lead to noticeable improvements, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The key is to adapt your techniques as you age, embracing the beauty and wisdom that come with every stage of life.
9. **The Importance of Moisture**: Keeping your skin hydrated is key to ensuring a youthful appearance. Makeup artists often advise using hydrating lipsticks and glosses to prevent lips from appearing thin and lined. A daily lip care routine that includes exfoliating and moisturizing can also help maintain a plump and youthful look.
Beyond lips, using products that lock in moisture, like hydrating primers and setting sprays, can make a noticeable difference. These products help create a dewy finish, which is often associated with youth and vitality.
10. **Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancements**: As we age, eyebrows may become sparse, and eyelashes might lose volume. To counteract this, Laura advises using brow kits to subtly fill in and define sparse areas. This technique frames the face beautifully, enhancing your natural features without looking overdone.
For eyelashes, lighter alternatives to heavy fake lashes, like magnetic or natural-looking falsies, can add volume and definition without pulling down the eyelids. This keeps your eyes looking open and refreshed, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
These insights and techniques demonstrate that makeup isn’t just about covering up but enhancing and celebrating the unique beauty that comes with every stage of life. By embracing these approaches, you’ll not only look more youthful but also cultivate confidence in how you present yourself to the world.
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The ‘Drying’ Lipstick Mistakes To Avoid Because They Make Your Lips Look ‘Much Smaller,’ Plus Tips That ‘Won’t Age’ You: You ‘Appear Older’
