Makeup mistakes are so easy to make. A too-dark eyeshadow shade or liner and shadow placement below the bottom eyelid can all make a huge difference in your makeup outcome. Choose the wrong lipstick tone and you can instantly wash out your skin. But the opposite is also true: how many times have you applied a lipstick that’s maybe one shade brighter and realized it brings out the tones in your eyes and the clearness of your skin?
As we age and mature, our makeup needs change. A little flick of eyeliner can give your eyes and face “lift.” Placing your blush a little higher on your cheeks can do the same. And drier skin may mean you need to focus more on makeup prep than you ever did before. Mistakes will be made, but correcting them is simple:
Here are five of the biggest makeup mistakes older women make that add years to your face.
Not Using Primer
Primer isn’t a new product, but the hype around it is hard to miss these days. No longer considered a fringe makeup product or one only used by professional makeup artists, the secret is out about how primer can blur pores and create a barrier between your skin and foundation and concealer. If your mature skin is on the dry side, you can even purchase a hydrating primer that infuses your skin with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Apply it and then layer foundation and concealer on top of your primed skin. This extra steps helps your makeup last longer and can prevent streaks and cakey buildup.
Applying Too-Dark Eyeshadow
Your eyeshadow doesn’t have to be dark and dramatic to make a statement. In fact, if you experiment with more neutral taupes or lighter shades on your lid, you may find that your eye area looks so much more refreshed and awake than when you use dark colors. Another mistake you should avoid: don’t apply dark eyeshadow below your bottom eyelashes. This can close off the eye and look harsh, especially during the day.
Not Blending Well
Blending your foundation, concealer, blush, and eyeshadow is key to ensuring you don’t leave harsh lines on your face that can age you. Whether you opt to blend with a damp makeup sponge, makeup brushes, or your fingers is your choice — but be sure you spend the last few minutes of your makeup routine blending well. Give your skin a spritz of makeup setting spray to seal the deal for hours.
Applying Dark Eyeliner to Your Bottom Waterline
Applying black or brown eyeliner to your bottom waterline can instantly close up your eyes and make them look smaller. It can even draw attention to dark circles and other discoloration around your eyes because it can appear too harsh. A better way to approach the bottom waterline is by using a nude eyeliner in this area (white can also work, but it can appear a little too bright and obvious). Nude eyeliner brightens your eyes and makes them appear larger and more awake.
Not Giving Eyeliner a Little Flick
Don’t just follow the natural line of your upper eyelid, try giving your eyeliner a little flick at the outer corner of your eye to lift your eyes and your entire face. Locate the last lash on the outer corner of your upper eyelid and start your eyeliner wing at this point, flicking it upward, outward, and into a small triangle shape.
Be sure to apply eyeshadow primer to your lids before applying eyeliner so that your winged eyeliner stays in place and doesn’t streak.
These mistakes are so common, but also easy to correct so that you can make the most of your unique features.
