Aging gracefully is an art, and makeup can be both a helper and a hindrance in this journey. Who better to guide us than Erica Taylor, a seasoned makeup expert with over 25 years of experience? Known on TikTok as ‘ericataylor2347’, she has captivated over 9.8 million viewers by showcasing how subtle shifts in makeup placement can entirely transform the face into one that is more youthful and vibrant.
1. Neglecting to Prime Eyelids: Priming your eyelids is an often overlooked step that can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of your eye makeup. Without primer, eyeshadow can settle into fine lines, making them more pronounced. A good primer not only enhances the vibrancy of your eyeshadow but also creates a smooth base that prevents makeup from creasing throughout the day.
Applying an eyelid primer is a quick fix that can make a dramatic difference. It evens out the skin tone on your lids, allowing your eyeshadow to show its true colors. Moreover, it acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing oils from breaking down pigments and causing unwanted smudging.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer, Smooth, Creamy Primer For Long-Lasting Eyeshadow, Intensifies Liquid & Powder Color, Vegan & Cruelty-free
Brand: e.l.f.
Price: 7 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 1231
Top Review from US: “Really holds any eyeshadow in place! Plus makes it a bit more vibrant! Great price too!”
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2. Contouring Too Low: Contouring can either define your features or drag them down, depending on placement. Contouring too low on the face can create a sagging appearance. Instead, aim to place your contour slightly above the hollows of your cheeks to lift and enhance the natural bone structure.
By contouring higher, you create an illusion of lifted cheekbones, which instantly gives a more youthful appearance. This technique makes use of shadows to accentuate the right areas, offering a subtle facelift effect without any surgical intervention.
Product on Amazon: TAG Multi Contour Stick | Face Shaping & Bronzer Stick 1.6g (#2 Nude Brown)
Brand: Visit the TAG – Touch A Gleam Store
Price: 7.99 USD
Rating: 4.1 Total reviews: 8
Item Form: Stick
Finish Type: Natural
Coverage: Medium
Color: #2 Nude Brown
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3. Thick Eyeliner Application: Eyeliner has the power to transform the eyes, but thick application can make them look smaller and more closed. Erica Taylor suggests elongating the eyes with a thin liner that reaches the very end of the lash line. This technique draws attention outward, rather than inward, making the eyes appear larger and more awake.
A thin, precise line will create a delicate frame around the eyes, enhancing their size and shape. It also prevents the eyes from looking heavy, which can be aging. By softly defining the upper lash line, you can add sophistication without the harshness.
Product on Amazon: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Epic Ink Liner, Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Black, Vegan Formula
Brand: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 Total reviews: 88,099
Top Review from US: “Just repurchased for the second time. No mess, smooth glide, love the pointed tip for perfect cat eye eyelining. It is a wet eyeliner but not too wet. It lasts all day for me but easy to remove at night or if you make a mistake. Bold black color with no streaking.”
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4. Improper Eyebrow Shaping: Eyebrows frame the face and can significantly impact your overall look. If the eyebrow is shaped incorrectly, it can make the eyes appear droopy. A longer, more lifted brow creates an impression of larger eyes and a more alert expression.
Whether your brows are naturally short due to over-tweezing or just naturally sparse, filling them in correctly can make all the difference. A light, natural stroke that follows the natural arch can create an elongated and youthful look.
Product on Amazon: Eyebrow Stamp and Eyebrow Stencil Kit, Eye Brow Stencil Kit for Beginners 24 Reusable and Washable Eyebrow Shaping Kit, Brow Stencil and Stamp Kit Smudge-Proof & Long-Lasting (Light Brown)
Brand: Brand: OETUIOW
Price: 8.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 172
Item Form: Powder
Color: Light Brown
Finish Type: Matte
Special Feature: Long-Lasting Waterproof
Top Review from US: “I almost ordered the one for $22. That didn’t even have the stencils. It was $42 if you wanted the stencils and I saw a picture of the brown powder disk was just an eighth of an inch thick.This one came with a lot of stencils and worked very well. The first day I got them on too dark because I pressed too hard. Just press more lightly and take a eyeshadow brush to fill in any blanks. It lasts all day and comes off easy.
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5. Heavy Foundation Application: Heavy foundation can settle into fine lines and make the skin appear cakey. Opting for a lightweight, hydrating foundation or a tinted moisturizer can offer a fresh and radiant complexion without the heavy feel.
The key is to enhance, not mask. By using a foundation that provides moisture and light coverage, you allow your natural beauty to shine through while minimizing the appearance of imperfections.
Product on Amazon: DUcare Foundation Brush,Flat Top Kabuki Brush Synthetic Professional Makeup Brush Liquid Blending Mineral Powder Buffing Stippling Makeup Tools, Rose Golden/White
Brand: Visit the DUcare Store
Price: 8.99 USD
Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 33347
Bristle Material: Nylon or Polyester
Color: rose gold
Material: Wood,Aluminum,Sythetic Fiber
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal
Item Form: Oval Brush
Brush Length: 15 Centimeters
Number of Pieces: 1
Age Range (Description): Adult
Top Review from US: “Soft brush, compacted bristles allow for smooth application and blending. Easy to hold brush, not too heavy or clunky. This is such a nice brush, didn’t receive my first order and they reshipped quickly.”
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6. Ignoring Bronzer and Blush Placement: The placement of bronzer and blush can dramatically alter your face’s perceived structure. Applied correctly, these products can lift and warm the face, creating a youthful glow.
Erica Taylor demonstrates that lifting the bronzer above the cheek and applying the blush higher up can bring everything upwards, giving the face a more lifted appearance. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big impact.
Product on Amazon: Juvia’s Place Bronzed Cream Bronzer – Honey – Smooth Cream Bronzer Pot for Sun-Kissed Glow & Warmth, Buildable & Blendable Makeup Contour with Long-Lasting Matte Shimmer Finish, Highly Pigmented
Brand: Visit the Juvia’s Place Store
Price: 18 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 42
Item Form: Cream
Finish Type: Natural
Coverage: Natural
Color: Honey
Top Review from US: “Excelente cobertura”
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7. Dark, Matte Lipstick Choices: Dark or overly matte lipsticks can make lips look thinner and less vibrant. Opting for hydrating satin or creamy lipstick in fresh, natural tones can instantly rejuvenate your appearance.
A softer lip color adds a touch of youthfulness and vitality, as it draws attention to the lips without overshadowing them. A hint of gloss can further enhance the plumpness and allure of your pout.
Product on Amazon: BONNIE CHOICE 18Pcs Matte Liquid Lipstick Set, Waterproof Long Lasting Non-Stick Cup Nude Lipstick Dark Red Lipstick for Women 24 Hour High Pigmented Lip Gloss Set Gifts for Women
Brand: Visit the BONNIE CHOICE Store
Price: 15.99 USD
Rating: 3.9 Total reviews: 413
Color: Dark Red 18 Colors
Skin Type: All
Item Form: Liquid
Finish Type: Matte
Top Review from US: “All shades are beautiful and price is really reasonable”
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8. Skipping Lip Liner: Lip liner isn’t just for creating bold outlines; it’s an essential tool for defining the lips and preventing lipstick from feathering. Erica suggests using the liner slightly above the natural lip line to give the lips a fuller, more defined look.
This technique helps in framing the lips, enhancing their shape and fullness. It’s particularly beneficial for mature lips, where definition tends to fade over time.
Each of these adjustments is a testament to the transformative power of mindful makeup application, proving that small changes can indeed make a big difference in how youthful and vibrant we appear.
Product on Amazon: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N – Peel Off Lip Stain. Long Lasting Matte Lip Tattoo, Transfer Proof Lipstain Infused with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, for All Skin Types. Vegan and Cruelty-Free, COREal
Brand: Visit the Sacheu Store
Price: 12 USD
Rating: 3.7 Total reviews: 9447
Color: COREal
Skin Type: All, Normal
Item Form: Liquid
Finish Type: Matte
Top Review from US: “You can create a thin or thick lip line, create ombré lips, mix with another color, or go the full color all over. I really love this stuff!!”
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9. Ignoring Setting Spray: A setting spray is often the last step in a makeup routine, but it is crucial for ensuring your makeup stays in place all day. Without it, you might find your makeup fading or becoming patchy, especially in humid conditions.
Setting spray not only locks in your foundation and other products but also helps them to blend seamlessly, giving your skin a more natural finish. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can dramatically improve the longevity and appearance of your makeup.
By spritzing a setting spray gently over your face, you’ll notice a renewed vibrancy in your makeup. It creates a dewy, fresh look that can help combat the dullness that often accompanies aging skin.
Product on Amazon: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist, Microfine Mist for up to 36HR Wear, Clear, 1.76 oz
Brand: Visit the L’Oreal Paris Store
Price: 10.98 USD
Rating: 4.2 Total reviews: 2595
Color: Clear
Finish Type: Natural
Item Form: Aerosol
Top Review from US: “I have normal to dry skin and am sensitive to harsh chemical.This setting spray is aerosolized so it spray evenly and continuously.It works wonder to keep my make up on my face instead of rubbing of on masks or clothing.It last all day.”
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