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How you apply your makeup has the ability to transform your face, for better or for worse. While it’s important to have a basic understanding of how to do your makeup at any age, it’s especially valuable as you grow older, as it can be used as a tool to take years off your face. Eyeshadow is one of the most expressive products in your makeup arsenal because it can speak to your mood depending on the style or shade you choose, so it’s especially important to know how to wield the brush. We asked a makeup expert to provide us with his best tips for using your eyeshadow to make you look 10 years younger, and this is what he had to say.
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Eye Makeup First, Always
Starting off your makeup routine with eye makeup is key, warns Sephora Beauty Director David Razzano. Eyeshadow can create fallout under your eyes throughout the application process, so if you wait to apply your face makeup until after your eyes are done, you can cover up any pigment that may have fallen.
Eyeshadow fallout can make you appear older by highlighting shadows under your eyes. Razzano explains, “Even a small amount of eyeshadow can add unwanted darkness under the eye when it mixes into concealer, and this will make you look like you have dark under eye circles. I recommend using the Sephora Collection Clean Cleansing & Gentle Exfoliating Wipes in ‘Coconut’--they quickly and easily pick up eyeshadow fallout under the eye and leave skin soothed and hydrated, ready for your concealers to brighten.”
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Quality Counts
You may be tempted to reach for a less expensive shadow to add to your collection, but Razzano warns that the quality of the eyeshadow actually makes a notable difference in how it appears on your face. “When using powder eyeshadow, you want a shadow that is well made so it smoothly applies to skin and blends out evenly. This can make the difference of the shadows creating a smoother surface or a patchy blotchy effect, which can enhance any existing wrinkles or texture,” he says. Although an investment, Razzano recommends the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette for shadow that will glide and easily blend over your lids, creating a smoothing effect on the skin.
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Give It A Lift
The shape that you apply your shadow in will have the biggest impact on your appearance, so make sure to place the color in such a way that will lift your eye. For technique, Razzano explains, “When applying your eyeshadow or eyeliner, be certain that the outer corner extends in an upward direction. If it goes straight out or down it will start to ‘pull’ the look of the eye downward which results in a sagging or sleepy look.”
Having a hard time getting the technique down? Razzano recommends the Sephora Collection Line Up Makeup Tape to apply before you start doing your makeup. This medical-grade tape will act as a guide for the shadow application, so place it at the angle you want your shadow to go, and finish your look as usual. At the end you can remove the tape for a flawless, lifted eyeshadow look that will infuse your face with vitality.
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Pick A Color
A vibrant eyeshadow color may seem intimidating, but not only will it add some personality to your look, but it can also play into the youthful appearance you’re working towards. Razzano explains, “Color can add vibrancy to the eye itself as well as your overall complexion. Even muted shades can be powerful in creating a youthful look. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Snap Shadow Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette in ‘Peach’ is a great portable 6 shade palette of soft peachy tones that can add warmth and brightness to the eye as well as make your eye color pop!”
At the end of the day, Razzano believes that confidence and a love for your look will help you to look your best, so don’t hold back when doing your makeup. Leaning into these tips will help you to appear more youthful, but depicting your mood through your makeup is the best way to enhance your appearance and show off your personality. No beauty look is off limits as you age, so as long as you apply it well there’s nothing stopping you from wearing your brightest shadow out on the town (or to the grocery store, for now).
