Do you worry that your eye makeup might be adding years to your face? You’re definitely not alone, and the good news is that a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference in achieving a fresher, more youthful look. Drawing from expert advice, we’re diving into the common eye makeup mistakes that could be making you look older and, more importantly, how to fix them to revitalize your routine.
1. Heavy Eyeliner Application:
While dark, heavy eyeliner might seem like the go-to for definition, it can surprisingly have the opposite effect as we age. Heavy liner can actually make your eyes look smaller and create darker shadows, giving a tired appearance. Instead of thick gel liners, try a subtle approach with a thin pencil or a soft, smoky brown eyeshadow for a gentler line that keeps your eyes looking wide-eyed and awake.
Product on Amazon: UOG Liquid Eyeliner – Waterproof, Smudge-Proof, and Quick-Drying | Precise Slender Brush Tip for No-Skip Application | Allergy-Free and Long-Lasting Wear for Up to 72 Hours | 1.0mL / 0.035 Fl oz
Brand: UOG
Price: 24 USD
Rating: 3.9 Total reviews: 35
Color: Dark Brown (Intense Brown)
Item Form: liquid
Top Review from US: “No es a prueba de agua”
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2. Overuse of Dark Eyeshadows:
Even though smoky eyes can be stunning, as you get older, intense dark hues can emphasize fine lines and make your eyes appear smaller. A better approach is to use matte eyeshadows in light-to-medium tones, combined with a soft, smudgy liner to gently lift and define your eyes. By skipping frosted or heavily pigmented shadows, you can make your eyes look larger and more vibrant.
Product on Amazon: COVERGIRL Eye Enhancer, Sweet Plum, Eyeshadow Trio, Easy to Wear, Clean & Vegan, Talc-Free, Matte & Shimmer Finishes, Smudge-Proof, 0.14oz
Brand: COVERGIRL
Price: 4.68 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 8,991
Color: Sweet Plum
Finish Type: Shimmery
Special Feature: Smudge Resistant
Features:
1. Easy-to-wear shades. All-day wear.
2. Crease-proof. Non-chalky and no fallout.
3. Clean, vegan & formulated without Parabens, Talc, Mineral Oil and Fragrance.
4. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
5. Leaping bunny approved by cruelty-free international (CFI).
Top Review from US: “Love my plum eyeshadow this is really pretty very light glitter to two of them. It’s not old-fashioned. It’s not too much. I’m 72 years old and I use this. It’s great stuff! As a matter of fact, I’ve purchased another one just in case I use this one up. The quality is great that ease-of-use is wonderful.”
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3. Skipping Eyelash Curlers:
Eyelash curlers might seem like an extra step, but they can make a significant difference in opening up your eyes. You would always want to curl your lashes first to open up the eyes. This simple tool lifts your lashes, giving your eyes a youthful lift, and pairing it with mascara can further enhance the effect.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler, Strong, Contoured, Eye-Opening, Voluminous Lashes, Includes Additional Rubber Replacement Pad, Silver
Brand: e.l.f.
Price: 5 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 17846
Top Review from US: “This Elf eyelash curler is by far the best eyelash curler I’ve ever used, doesn’t pinch or pull out lashes. The curler makes a nice lift and curl that looks natural.”
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4. Ignoring Eyebrow Definition:
Your eyebrows are the frame for your entire face, and how you define them can significantly impact your overall appearance. When it comes to defining your brows, remember that less is often more, and over-drawing them can actually make you look older. Instead, aim for brows that are beautifully defined, naturally fluffy, and soft. Remember, brows are sisters, not twins, so avoid sharp, harsh lines to maintain a natural look that beautifully enhances your features.
Product on Amazon: Brow Brush,Brow Fection 4d Eyebrow Pen,Instant Brow Brush,Liquid Eyebrow Brush,Long Lasting Quick Drying (Taupe)
Brand: noxozoqm
Price: 9.99 USD
Rating: 3.1 Total reviews: 9
Item Form: Pencil
Top Review from US: “I bought it bc of videos of young ladies online creating eyebrows out of thin air was enticing. First off, the color was MUCH darker than expected. But even if the color worked out, I think it still wouldn’t have been half as easy as it looks. If you’re not someone who’s not already naturally good at drawing eyebrows on, this will still have a learning curve. I’m in my 50s, don’t wear much makeup and haven’t watched a makeup tutorial ever in my life. It’s entirely likely that I’m part of the prob. They did, however, accept my return after opening the bottle so for that, I gave 3 stars bc I’m still willing to try this product again in a lighter color after I learn how to apply makeup lol”
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5. Applying Mascara Incorrectly:
Mascara can work wonders for your lashes, but applying it the wrong way can actually make them look heavier and weigh down your eyes. A pro tip is to avoid applying mascara before false lashes, as this can lead to clumping. Instead, curl your natural lashes first and then apply a lifting mascara before adding falsies for a seamless, fluttery effect that opens up your eyes.
Product on Amazon: essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free & Paraben Free
Brand: essence
Price: 4.99 USD
Rating: 4.3 Total reviews: 384272
Material Type Free: Fragrance Free, Oil Free, Animal By-Product Free, Paraben Free
Top Review from US: “After trying several different mascara brands, including Maybelline, I finally found my holy grail mascara—Essence! I’ve been on the hunt for something that gives me intense volume and bold coverage without needing to layer on tons of product, and this mascara delivers just that.✅ One Swipe Wonder – The coverage is incredible with just one swipe, leaving my lashes looking full and voluminous. It provides that fanned-out, fluttery effect that I love without clumping.💫 Thick and Defined Lashes – My lashes look thick, separated, and natural—all without the need for multiple coats. It’s the perfect balance between dramatic yet natural.✨ Long-Lasting & Smudge-Proof – I love that this mascara stays in place all day without smudging or flaking. My lashes stay lifted and curled from morning to night, even through long hours or a busy day.Overall, I’m absolutely in love with this mascara! It’s everything I’ve been searching for—voluminous, smudge-proof, and gives me that long, dramatic lash look without the effort. Highly recommend to anyone looking for game-changing mascara that works with just one swipe!”
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6. Skipping eye primer might seem like a minor detail, but it can truly be a game-changer for your eye makeup. An eye primer creates a perfectly smooth base, preventing your eyeshadow from creasing and fading throughout the day, which helps the colors stay vibrant and true for longer. Without it, your makeup can settle into those tiny fine lines, drawing attention to the skin’s texture around your eyes. By adding a good primer to your routine, you’re setting yourself up for a flawless canvas that keeps your makeup looking fresh and polished all day long, giving you that coveted youthful appearance.
Product on Amazon: Elizabeth Mott – Thank Me Later Eye Primer for Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Gripping Formula, Shine & Oil Control, Pore Minimizer, Hides Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Prevent Creasing for All-Day Eye Wear – 10g
Brand: Elizabeth Mott
Price: 14.99 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 40983
Top Review from US: “Due to a thyroid condition I lost all the hair on my face and, including my eyelashes and eyebrows. So my makeup routine has changed significantly in the last 4 years. Starting with a completely blank canvas every morning definitely has its challenges, and having no eyebrows at all has been my biggest struggle. Eyebrows frame you’re entire face, they are the primary components in facial expression and have a huge impact on how we communicate non-verbally, which is over 75% of our communication. I was born with a condition that resulted in the small bones in my inner ear not to form properly and I spent the first years of my life unable to hear. Although surgeries were able to provide approx 60% hearing ability later on, as an infant, the method of communication I depended on was non-verbal, unlike most babies. Still to this day, my communication depends on what I feel and see, not what I hear, and eyebrows play a huge role in my ability to understand what someone is trying to communicate. I don’t mind not having eyelashes, but eyebrows actually have a significant impact on my ability to properly communicate with the world around me,domething most people don’t even realize how important their eyebrows are for more than just the beauty aspect.I have tried thousands of eyebrow products from pen, pencils, pomades, even sticker brows trying to create eyebrows that look like my natural hairs. Even when I found products I was satisfied with, my oily skin would have my brows gone by noon. I wish I could thank her in person, because it was her review left on a different product on Amazon that led me to discover the Thank Me Later primer. I know it’s mainly designed to be used as an eyeshadow primer, but this primer has been my holy grail for keeping my “eyebrows” looking just as good at the end of the day as when I first step out in the morning, every time I use it. And because a little goes a long way, I only need to use a tiny amount the size of a sewing push pin head each time, one tube literally lasts me almost 2 years. I bought my first tube at the end of 2018,and today in Aug 2023 I just ordered my 3rd tube, and still have some left in the second one. I just never want to have to go a day without this primer so I decided to have an extra tube on hand in case inflation continues to skyrocket prices like it has been.So for anyone out there looking for a product that can help you to create natural looking eyebrows that stay put for 24 hours, even with oily skin, THIS is your answer. I apply half a pin head size amount to each eyebrow area, (I apply mine using a stencil that I also use to apply a light brown powder with to form a clean, even, defined shape for each eyebrow) I let the primer dry while I apply my under eye concealer, then use my stencil and dab my eyebrow powder (just a shade of eyeshadow I found that matches my natural dark blonde hair as close as possible), then I carefully define the perimeter of each eyebrow with a tiny bit of concealer on a very fine tipped, firm angle brush (by Kat Von D) to give precise definition to each of my brows. I then go in with either my “Snatch and Lift” eyebrow pen or two shades of Kat Von D’s “Signature Brow” pencils and very lightly create individual hair strokes. The Thank Me Later primer with a single spritz of setting spray keeps my brows looking great all day. Nothing else is needed and I don’t have to worry about touch-up throughout the day either.Just a tip for those interested – When I have a night out planned with someone that I know usually leads to some hot, sweaty, face in the pillow all night adult activities, (which as adults, we all know those times can happen) my other secret for brows that stay put for up to 2-3 DAYS or through a wild all-nighter is a final coat of a product called “Model in a Bottle.” It looks like a bottle of pinkish clear nail polish, but it’s the BEST eyebrow sealer I’ve ever found. One swipe and your brows wont budge. Its held my brows in place even through a shower and getting pushed into the pool. =) So there you have it. This primer is one I depend on every single day that allows me to start with no eyebrows at all, to natural looking brows that last until I remove them when I’m ready to. Hopefully my review will help someone else as much as the review I read that led me to discovering this primer years ago. =)”
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7. Keeping the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated is absolutely crucial for maintaining a youthful look. Regularly using an eye cream can significantly help in reducing puffiness, diminishing dark circles, and smoothing out fine lines. Look for an eye cream that contains beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid or peptides, as these can plump and firm the skin, making a noticeable difference. This simple step not only improves the texture and overall look of your skin but also creates a wonderfully smooth base for your makeup, ensuring it applies beautifully without creasing into those fine lines.
Product on Amazon: Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Eye Cream, 0.5 fl. oz.
Price: 80.5 USD
Rating: 4.4 Total reviews: 383
Item Volume: 0.5 Fluid Ounces
Top Review from US: “I use this every night and every morning as part of my face routine. Absolutely love it and my skin has never felt so soft.”
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Achieving a seamless eye makeup look hinges on proper blending. Harsh lines and unblended eyeshadow can unfortunately draw attention to the eyes in a way that makes them appear older and dated. As makeup artist Saffron Hughes advises, use a clean, fluffy brush to gently diffuse edges and blend your colors together. This technique is key to ensuring a smooth transition between shades, which maintains a natural, youthful appearance that highlights your best features without emphasizing any perceived flaws. Taking just a little extra time to blend your makeup can truly transform your overall look.
8. Don’t underestimate the importance of removing your eye makeup thoroughly each night; it’s a vital step for keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy. Going to sleep with makeup on can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and can even accelerate the aging process around your eyes. Make sure to use a gentle, effective makeup remover to cleanse the entire eye area, ensuring every last trace of product is gone before you hit the pillow. This consistent habit not only prevents potential skin problems but also helps keep your eyes looking bright and refreshed every morning.
Your eye makeup routine holds significant power in enhancing your natural beauty. By consciously avoiding these common blunders and integrating the expert tips we’ve shared, you can completely revamp your approach and embrace a more youthful, vibrant appearance. Remember, the goal of makeup is to enhance what you already have, not to cover it up. With these insights, you’re well on your way to achieving a timeless elegance and radiating confidence in your look.
