Does your complexion appear more aged after your regular makeup routine, with fine lines and wrinkles seeming to shout, “NOTICE ME!”? Before blaming it all on the inevitable process of aging, it’s crucial to reassess the makeup products and techniques you’re currently using. Similar to how certain hairstyles can dramatically alter your perceived age, makeup application can either enhance your youthful glow or unintentionally age you.
Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation with these insightful makeup recommendations. Our destination? A youthful, radiant you, looking a decade younger.
1. Don’t skip or cake on foundation.
Skipping out on foundation in your daily makeup routine can have harsh effects. Foundation helps even out your skin tone, whereas going sans coverage can put all of your skin’s flaws in the spotlight. A sheer, translucent foundation corrects the flaws and helps liven up the skin for a youthful, even tone. If you have oily skin, shoot for a mineral powder. For dry skin, tinted moisturizers are the best way to go. Another thing that can put creases & wrinkles on full display? TOO MUCH foundation. Heavy makeup is a one-way ticket to Ageville; it makes you appear older than you are.
Our favorite? Sorme Mineral Illusion Oil-Free Luminous Foundation in a variety of colors. This oil-free formula does multiple jobs at once – it creates the smoothest, most velvety finish ever while reducing the appearance of fine lines, discolorations and enlarged pores. It also helps reduce redness and soothes blemished skin. Does it get any better than that?
Another trick? Before smoothing on foundation, start with this Sorme Fresh Start Oil-Free Foundation Makeup Enhancer to even skin, minimize discoloration and create an even longer lasting hold.
2. Using too light of a base.
When it comes to selecting a foundation, opting for a shade that’s lighter than your actual skin tone can backfire. This common error can inadvertently accentuate wrinkles and fine lines, making them stand out more than they should. Contrary to popular belief, a lighter foundation does not necessarily yield a more youthful appearance; instead, it can lend your skin an unnatural pallor and highlight signs of aging.
Instead of going lighter, try a foundation that’s 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin tone, coupled with a hint of shimmer. This combination can help give your skin a fresh, radiant glow, enhancing its natural warmth without overemphasizing age-related skin changes.
Finding the perfect foundation shade can be a bit tricky, but there are techniques to make it simpler. You might have heard about the age-old trick of testing foundation on the back of your hand, but we propose a more reliable method. Instead of your hand, apply a small amount of the foundation on your neck. This area is often a more accurate representation of your natural skin tone, leading to a more harmonious match.
Using this method, you’ll be able to find the perfect foundation color that seamlessly blends with your skin, avoiding the pitfall of a face that’s noticeably lighter or darker than the rest of your body.
3. Applying blush incorrectly.
Blush, when used correctly, can beautifully enhance your face’s natural contours, adding a healthy, youthful glow to your complexion. However, if applied incorrectly, it can do the opposite – drawing attention to wrinkles on the cheeks and sagging skin underneath the eyes. This common mistake often stems from the belief that blush should be applied to the apples of the cheeks, which can unintentionally emphasize age-related skin changes.
Instead of sticking to this traditional application method, consider applying blush to the highest point of your cheekbone, then brush it upward towards the hairline. This technique lifts the face visually, giving you a more youthful and refreshed look. The color choice also plays a significant role in the overall effect. A rose-tinted blush is a universally flattering shade that works wonderfully for all skin tones and ages.
However, remember to exercise restraint when applying blush. Heavy, overdone color can give your cheeks an intense, clownish appearance that can be more aging than flattering. A soft, natural-looking flush of color is what you’re aiming for.
A fundamental rule to bear in mind when it comes to makeup is that too much can often lead to an aging effect. In many cases, less truly is more. Strive for balance and subtlety in your application to avoid overpowering your natural beauty. Moderation, after all, is the key to achieving a youthful, radiant complexion with makeup.
4. Metallic eyeshadow.
Using eyeshadows with a frosty or shimmering finish tends to accentuate creased eyelids and fine lines, making them appear more noticeable than they really are. These types of eyeshadows, with their reflective particles, can unfortunately highlight age-related texture on your eyelids, causing you to look older than you are.
Instead of reaching for those shimmering colors, consider using matte eyeshadows or ones with a solid, non-reflective color. Shades like peach or taupe are excellent choices, as they work beautifully across all skin tones. These colors are subtle yet effective, offering a soft and natural look that can beautifully enhance your eyes without drawing undue attention to wrinkles or fine lines.
Utilizing a matte or solid color eyeshadow not only helps minimize the appearance of creases and wrinkles, but can also add depth and definition to your eyes. This shift in your makeup approach can make a significant difference in how your age is perceived, potentially shaving off a few years from your appearance. Remember, the right makeup techniques and color choices can act as your secret weapon against the visible signs of aging.
5. Mascara & eyeliner on lower lashes.
When it comes to eye makeup, applying mascara and eyeliner to your lower lashes can inadvertently draw attention to two areas most of us would prefer to keep subtle: the dreaded Crow’s Feet and stubborn dark circles. Additionally, lining your lower lashes can create the illusion of smaller eyes, which can detract from the overall youthful look you’re trying to achieve.
For a look that exudes vibrance and youthfulness, focus on accentuating your top lashes. Apply a generous coat of intensely black mascara, like Sorme Extreme Volumizing Mascara, to your top lashes. This not only enhances the natural beauty of your eyes but also creates a stark contrast that makes the whites of your eyes look brighter and clearer. The result? Big, bright eyes that exude youthfulness and vitality.
Furthermore, don’t forget the magic tool that is the eyelash curler. Curling your lashes before applying mascara can significantly increase their perceived volume, making them look fuller and more fluttery. This subtle change can create a considerable difference, opening up your eyes and adding a youthful lift.
The goal of makeup is not to mask, but to emphasize your natural beauty. When done right, it can indeed serve as a powerful tool to help you look and feel younger. So, bid goodbye to tired-looking eyes, and say hello to a brighter, more youthful gaze!
6. Bright lip colors.
As you know, our lip fullness deflates with age. Bright, dark, or iridescent shades can be too heavy for thinning lips – allowing the color to bleed from the natural lip line. Bright hues can also be aging in general due to the severity and heaviness of the color. A neutral rose shade is very flattering, and a sheer gloss to top it off adds fullness.
Not only can your makeup age you, but your hairstyle can as well. Check out these 7 hairstyles that chop the years off to pair these makeup tips with, and watch the years fly off! Want more makeup advice? We have 5 must haves for your makeup bag!
