While makeup can be a fantastic way to highlight your best features, certain common slip-ups can actually make you look older than you are, according to experts like Erica Taylor. It’s surprising how minor adjustments in our daily makeup routine can make a significant difference in our perceived age, so let’s uncover these pitfalls and learn how to sidestep them for a fresher, more vibrant look.
1. Eyebrow and Eyeliner Placement: Eyebrows and eyeliner can dramatically alter the way your face looks. Misplacing them can have unintended effects like making your eyes appear smaller or droopier. As Erica Taylor explains, cutting eyeliner too short or applying it too thick can shorten the appearance of your eyes. Additionally, if your eyebrows are positioned lower, it can give your face a longer and droopier look.
The placement of eyeliner and eyebrows is crucial for maintaining a youthful look. A thin liner that extends to the end of your eyes can help elongate them, providing a lifted effect. Similarly, having eyebrows that are filled in naturally and positioned higher can enhance the youthful appearance of your face.
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2. Contouring and Blush Application: Contouring can be a double-edged sword; done well, it can sculpt your face and highlight your best features, but done incorrectly, it can age you. Erica emphasizes the importance of applying bronzer and blush in a way that lifts the face. Lifting the bronzer above the cheek and placing the blush higher can create a more youthful effect by bringing everything up.
Harsh contour lines or blush applied too low on the cheeks can create a ‘dragged-down’ effect, making your face appear older; instead, use these products to gently sculpt and lift your features for a more naturally youthful contour.
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3. Lip Liner Mistakes: Lip liner can be a game-changer for defining lips, but when applied incorrectly, it can make lips look thinner and less vibrant. Erica suggests using a lip liner slightly above the natural lip line to create a fuller appearance, rather than drawing it down which can make lips appear thinner.
A common mistake is choosing a lip liner that is too dark or using it to define a very sharp edge, which can result in an unnatural look. Instead, opting for a lip liner that matches your natural lip shade can add definition while maintaining a youthful appearance.
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4. Foundation Choices: Foundation is the base of any makeup look, and using the wrong formula can add years to your face. Many people choose heavy, matte foundations that settle into fine lines, making the skin look aged. Instead, experts recommend opting for lightweight, hydrating foundations or tinted moisturizers that provide a fresh, radiant complexion.
Selecting a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone and offers a subtly dewy finish is key to reflecting light, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, and imparting a healthy, youthful luminosity that makes your skin look its best.
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5. Eyeliner Techniques: Harsh eyeliner on the lower lash line is a common mistake that can make the eyes look smaller and heavier. Instead, applying a softly smudged liner or defining only the upper lash line can provide a more lifted effect.
By focusing on the upper lash line, you can create the illusion of bigger, more open eyes. This technique helps in lifting the overall appearance of the face and steering clear of an aged look.
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6. Skipping Primer: Skipping primer might save time, but it could also sacrifice the longevity of your look. A good primer creates a smooth canvas, filling in fine lines and pores and ensuring that your makeup stays put. Without it, foundation and concealer can settle into wrinkles, which is never the goal.
To keep your makeup in place all day while maintaining a youthful glow, consider adding a primer to your routine. There are primers for every skin type, from mattifying to hydrating, so choose one that suits your needs. The result is a flawless finish that not only lasts longer but also enhances your skin’s natural texture.
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7. Just as important as your foundation and blush is lip care, as neglecting your pout can lead to a dull, aged appearance, with dry, chapped lips making even the most beautiful lipstick shades look unappealing and emphasizing imperfections.
Make lip care a non-negotiable part of your beauty regimen by regularly exfoliating and moisturizing with hydrating balms, and when applying color, opt for creamy lipsticks or a shimmering gloss to instantly plump and smooth your lips, ensuring a vibrant and youthful smile.
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8. Skipping Highlighter: The power of a well-placed highlighter cannot be understated. It adds dimension and glow to your face, capturing light in all the right places. Skipping it altogether can leave your makeup flat and one-dimensional, which can age your look.
To refresh your makeup, use a highlighter on the high points of your face—such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow. This technique enhances the structure of your face and adds a luminous finish that brightens your overall appearance.
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