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It’s safe to assume that when you sit down to apply your makeup each morning, the intention is for your second skin to enhance your appearance rather than emphasize your age. Makeup is great for boosting your confidence, smoothing out your complexion and drawing attention to your best features so you can feel powerful and refined stepping out each day. However, while makeup can effectively play to your strengths and highlight the best parts of your appearance, when applied incorrectly it can actually draw more attention to the very features you’re working to hide.
Instead of allowing you to put your best foot forward, certain makeup mistakes can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, expediting the aging process as products settle into your skin. In order to look your best everyday and utilize your makeup to smooth your complexion and boost your confidence, makeup artists agree that these five mistakes should be avoided at all costs when tending to your skin each morning.
The Wrong Mirror
Doing your makeup with a regular mirror may be your default, but makeup artist and brand owner Laura Geller suggests trying out a magnifying mirror when doing your makeup to see the details of your application. “One should always use a 5x-10x magnifying mirror to be able to see all mistakes they are making as without it they will continue making those same mistakes. For example, without, you might be unevenly applying your makeup, have uneven liner, mascara marks, smudges and more,” she says. “If you sit while applying your makeup with a magnifying mirror you’ll most always have a polished look.”
Too Much Blush
It can be easy to go overboard with blush in the hopes of adding color back into your face and enhancing a youthful glow. However, too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect, and this goes for blush as well. “I always recommend tapping the excess blush off the application brush and start applying at the top of the cheekbone (almost by top of the ear) this way if there is too much color it will be by the hairline and not directly on the apple of the cheek. Blush should be applied along the cheekbone to define,” says Geller.
The Wrong Foundation
Not only is it vital to use the proper foundation shade to match your face, but choosing the right consistency of product is equally as important for a flawless, ageless finish. Geller notes, “Typical powder foundations are recommended for normal to oily skin types as they tend to make skin look dry. Powders have a tendency to amplify the look of fine lines and wrinkles if you have dry or dehydrated skin.” If you use a powder foundation on dry skin it may settle into your wrinkles, drawing further attention to the aspects of your face which you’re hoping to hide. Instead, use your skin type as a guideline for choosing either a powder, liquid, or cream foundation to hydrate and compliment your appearance without settling in the creases.
Too Dark Shadow
There’s a time and place for dark and moody shadows, but as you grow older, falling back on this look may only further emphasize your age instead of creating the mysterious appeal you may be working towards. “Darker shadow creeps into fine lines and wrinkles in your skin and draws attention to crows feet and under eyes,” explains makeup artist Theresa Novicky. “I encourage clients with aging skin to use a light chocolate color and be sure to remove any fall out from the shadow after applying.”
Skipping Moisturizer
In order for your makeup to lay nicely on your skin, starting with a base of moisturizer is one of the most important steps. This will plump your complexion so the foundation can smooth over fine lines and wrinkles instead of sticking to dry patches and drawing attention to texture. “Hydration in your makeup and skin routine is your fountain of youth. No matter your skin type, make sure to moisturize clean skin twice a day,” says Professional Makeup Artist & Partner at Industry Makeup Academy, Renelyn Thomas. “If you have dry skin, look for hydrating primers and foundations and cream products for the eyes and cheeks to add back moisture. A dewy finish is your goal, so don't overpowder your face. By adding in hydration you can take away emphasis from fine lines and keep your skin plump and youthful.”
