Are you inadvertently adding years to your face with your eye makeup routine? Fear not, because you’re not alone, and with a few easy tweaks, you can achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance. Drawing from expert insights, we unravel common eye makeup mistakes that may be aging you and offer solutions to refresh your routine.
1. Heavy Eyeliner Application:
Dark, heavy eyeliner might seem like the key to definition, but it can actually have the opposite effect as you age.Heavy liner can age the eyes in so many ways. Darker colours not only shrink the eyes but can also create darker shadows around them, giving an illusion of tiredness. Instead of gel eyeliners, opt for a more understated, natural look with a thin eyeliner pencil or a smoky brown eyeshadow for a softer line. This slight adjustment can keep your eyes looking wide and awake.
Product on Amazon: UOG Liquid Eyeliner – Waterproof, Smudge-Proof, and Quick-Drying | Precise Slender Brush Tip for No-Skip Application | Allergy-Free and Long-Lasting Wear for Up to 72 Hours | 1.0mL / 0.035 Fl oz
Brand: UOG
Price: 24 USD
Rating: 3.9 Total reviews: 35
Color: Dark Brown (Intense Brown)
Item Form: liquid
Top Review from US: “No es a prueba de agua”
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2. Overuse of Dark Eyeshadows:
While smoky eyes might have been your go-to, as you mature, these intense hues can accentuate lines and make your eyes appear smaller. Using a matte eyeshadow with light to dark tones can lift the eye and define with a soft, thin smudgy liner. By steering clear of frosted and heavily pigmented shadows, your eyes can appear larger and more vibrant.
Product on Amazon: COVERGIRL Eye Enhancer, Sweet Plum, Eyeshadow Trio, Easy to Wear, Clean & Vegan, Talc-Free, Matte & Shimmer Finishes, Smudge-Proof, 0.14oz
Brand: COVERGIRL
Price: 4.68 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 8,991
Color: Sweet Plum
Finish Type: Shimmery
Special Feature: Smudge Resistant
Features:
1. Easy-to-wear shades. All-day wear.
2. Crease-proof. Non-chalky and no fallout.
3. Clean, vegan & formulated without Parabens, Talc, Mineral Oil and Fragrance.
4. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
5. Leaping bunny approved by cruelty-free international (CFI).
Top Review from US: “Love my plum eyeshadow this is really pretty very light glitter to two of them. It’s not old-fashioned. It’s not too much. I’m 72 years old and I use this. It’s great stuff! As a matter of fact, I’ve purchased another one just in case I use this one up. The quality is great that ease-of-use is wonderful.”
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3. Skipping Eyelash Curlers:
Eyelash curlers might seem like an extra step, but they can make a significant difference in opening up your eyes. You would always want to curl your lashes first to open up the eyes. This simple tool lifts your lashes, giving your eyes a youthful lift, and pairing it with mascara can further enhance the effect.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler, Strong, Contoured, Eye-Opening, Voluminous Lashes, Includes Additional Rubber Replacement Pad, Silver
Brand: e.l.f.
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 17846
Top Review from US: “This Elf eyelash curler is by far the best eyelash curler I’ve ever used, doesn’t pinch or pull out lashes. The curler makes a nice lift and curl that looks natural.”
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4. Ignoring Eyebrow Definition:
Brows frame the face and can dramatically influence your overall look. Less is more when defining your brows, noting that over-drawing can age you. Instead, aim for brows that are defined, fluffy, and soft. As they say, brows are sisters, not twins, so avoid overly sharp lines for a more natural appearance that enhances your features.
Product on Amazon: Brow Brush,Brow Fection 4d Eyebrow Pen,Instant Brow Brush,Liquid Eyebrow Brush,Long Lasting Quick Drying (Taupe)
Brand: noxozoqm
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 3.1 Total reviews: 9
Item Form: Pencil
Top Review from US: “I bought it bc of videos of young ladies online creating eyebrows out of thin air was enticing. First off, the color was MUCH darker than expected. But even if the color worked out, I think it still wouldn’t have been half as easy as it looks. If you’re not someone who’s not already naturally good at drawing eyebrows on, this will still have a learning curve. I’m in my 50s, don’t wear much makeup and haven’t watched a makeup tutorial ever in my life. It’s entirely likely that I’m part of the prob. They did, however, accept my return after opening the bottle so for that, I gave 3 stars bc I’m still willing to try this product again in a lighter color after I learn how to apply makeup lol”
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5. Applying Mascara Incorrectly:
Mascara can be transformative, but applying it incorrectly can weigh down your lashes. Avoid using mascara before applying false lashes to prevent clumping. Instead, use a curling mascara to lift your lashes and then apply falsies for a seamless look.
Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Brand: essence
Price: 4.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 384272
Material Type Free: Fragrance Free, Oil Free, Animal By-Product Free, Paraben Free
Top Review from US: “After trying several different mascara brands, including Maybelline, I finally found my holy grail mascara—Essence! I’ve been on the hunt for something that gives me intense volume and bold coverage without needing to layer on tons of product, and this mascara delivers just that.✅ One Swipe Wonder – The coverage is incredible with just one swipe, leaving my lashes looking full and voluminous. It provides that fanned-out, fluttery effect that I love without clumping.💫 Thick and Defined Lashes – My lashes look thick, separated, and natural—all without the need for multiple coats. It’s the perfect balance between dramatic yet natural.✨ Long-Lasting & Smudge-Proof – I love that this mascara stays in place all day without smudging or flaking. My lashes stay lifted and curled from morning to night, even through long hours or a busy day.Overall, I’m absolutely in love with this mascara! It’s everything I’ve been searching for—voluminous, smudge-proof, and gives me that long, dramatic lash look without the effort. Highly recommend to anyone looking for game-changing mascara that works with just one swipe!”
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6. Neglecting Eye Primer: Skipping an eye primer might seem harmless, but it can be a game-changer in your makeup routine. Eye primers create a smooth base that prevents eyeshadow from creasing and fading, making colors appear more vibrant and long-lasting. Without it, your makeup may settle into fine lines, emphasizing the texture around your eyes. By incorporating a quality primer, you ensure a flawless canvas that keeps your makeup looking fresh all day. This simple addition can enhance the longevity and appearance of your eye makeup, giving you a polished, youthful look.
Product on Amazon: Elizabeth Mott – Thank Me Later Eye Primer for Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Gripping Formula, Shine & Oil Control, Pore Minimizer, Hides Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Prevent Creasing for All-Day Eye Wear – 10g
Brand: Elizabeth Mott
Price: 14.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 40983
Top Review from US: “Due to a thyroid condition I lost all the hair on my face and, including my eyelashes and eyebrows. So my makeup routine has changed significantly in the last 4 years. Starting with a completely blank canvas every morning definitely has its challenges, and having no eyebrows at all has been my biggest struggle. Eyebrows frame you’re entire face, they are the primary components in facial expression and have a huge impact on how we communicate non-verbally, which is over 75% of our communication. I was born with a condition that resulted in the small bones in my inner ear not to form properly and I spent the first years of my life unable to hear. Although surgeries were able to provide approx 60% hearing ability later on, as an infant, the method of communication I depended on was non-verbal, unlike most babies. Still to this day, my communication depends on what I feel and see, not what I hear, and eyebrows play a huge role in my ability to understand what someone is trying to communicate. I don’t mind not having eyelashes, but eyebrows actually have a significant impact on my ability to properly communicate with the world around me,domething most people don’t even realize how important their eyebrows are for more than just the beauty aspect.I have tried thousands of eyebrow products from pen, pencils, pomades, even sticker brows trying to create eyebrows that look like my natural hairs. Even when I found products I was satisfied with, my oily skin would have my brows gone by noon. I wish I could thank her in person, because it was her review left on a different product on Amazon that led me to discover the Thank Me Later primer. I know it’s mainly designed to be used as an eyeshadow primer, but this primer has been my holy grail for keeping my “eyebrows” looking just as good at the end of the day as when I first step out in the morning, every time I use it. And because a little goes a long way, I only need to use a tiny amount the size of a sewing push pin head each time, one tube literally lasts me almost 2 years. I bought my first tube at the end of 2018,and today in Aug 2023 I just ordered my 3rd tube, and still have some left in the second one. I just never want to have to go a day without this primer so I decided to have an extra tube on hand in case inflation continues to skyrocket prices like it has been.So for anyone out there looking for a product that can help you to create natural looking eyebrows that stay put for 24 hours, even with oily skin, THIS is your answer. I apply half a pin head size amount to each eyebrow area, (I apply mine using a stencil that I also use to apply a light brown powder with to form a clean, even, defined shape for each eyebrow) I let the primer dry while I apply my under eye concealer, then use my stencil and dab my eyebrow powder (just a shade of eyeshadow I found that matches my natural dark blonde hair as close as possible), then I carefully define the perimeter of each eyebrow with a tiny bit of concealer on a very fine tipped, firm angle brush (by Kat Von D) to give precise definition to each of my brows. I then go in with either my “Snatch and Lift” eyebrow pen or two shades of Kat Von D’s “Signature Brow” pencils and very lightly create individual hair strokes. The Thank Me Later primer with a single spritz of setting spray keeps my brows looking great all day. Nothing else is needed and I don’t have to worry about touch-up throughout the day either.Just a tip for those interested – When I have a night out planned with someone that I know usually leads to some hot, sweaty, face in the pillow all night adult activities, (which as adults, we all know those times can happen) my other secret for brows that stay put for up to 2-3 DAYS or through a wild all-nighter is a final coat of a product called “Model in a Bottle.” It looks like a bottle of pinkish clear nail polish, but it’s the BEST eyebrow sealer I’ve ever found. One swipe and your brows wont budge. Its held my brows in place even through a shower and getting pushed into the pool. =) So there you have it. This primer is one I depend on every single day that allows me to start with no eyebrows at all, to natural looking brows that last until I remove them when I’m ready to. Hopefully my review will help someone else as much as the review I read that led me to discovering this primer years ago. =)”
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8. Ignoring Eye Cream: Hydration is key to maintaining youthful-looking skin, and the eyes are no exception. Using an eye cream regularly can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. An eye cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides can plump and firm the delicate skin around your eyes. This step not only improves the texture and appearance of your skin but also creates a smooth base for makeup, ensuring it sits beautifully without settling into lines.
Product on Amazon: Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Eye Cream, 0.5 fl. oz.
Price: 80.5 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 383
Item Volume: 0.5 Fluid Ounces
Top Review from US: “I use this every night and every morning as part of my face routine. Absolutely love it and my skin has never felt so soft.”
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9. Not Blending Properly: Blending is essential in achieving a seamless eye makeup look. Harsh lines and unblended shadows can age the eyes, creating a dated appearance. Makeup artist Saffron Hughes suggests using a clean, fluffy brush to diffuse edges and blend colors. This technique ensures a smooth transition between shades, maintaining a natural, youthful look. Taking the time to blend your makeup can make a significant difference in your overall appearance, highlighting your best features without drawing attention to flaws.
10. Overlooking Eye Makeup Removal: Properly removing eye makeup is crucial for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and accelerated aging. Use a gentle makeup remover to thoroughly cleanse the eye area, ensuring all traces of product are gone before bedtime. This practice prevents potential skin issues and keeps the eyes looking bright and refreshed. By prioritizing makeup removal, you safeguard your skin’s health and longevity.
Your eye makeup routine is a powerful tool in your beauty arsenal. By avoiding these common mistakes and incorporating expert tips, you can revamp your approach and embrace a more youthful, vibrant look. Remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it. With these insights, you’re well on your way to achieving timeless elegance and confidence.
Related posts:
‘It’s adding years to your face!’ Over 50s warned popular eye makeup is making them look ‘tired’
The 5 Worst Makeup Mistakes That Are ‘Ruining’ Your Look And What To Do For A ‘Lifted’ Face
