We all want to look our best.
And the right look can pump up your pucker to perfectly compliment your personality.
But sometimes, in an effort to follow makeup trends and keep up with our skincare regimens
we can unknowingly age ourselves into the next decade.
While we're all about growing older with strength and grace, we definitely wanna look good while
we do it.
We rounded up some makeup mistakes that seriously age you — so you can glow up before you
grow up — no matter what age you are!
A solid foundation
From liquid to gel, cushion, mousse and powder, not all foundations are made for every skin
type.
Makeup artist Hillary Kline explained,
"Nobody has perfect skin, but do find a foundation that is right for your skin type and gives
you the coverage you want."
Kline explained that understanding coverage is key, saying, BB creams and tinted moisturizers
provide a more natural look, while full coverage foundations cover all your imperfections.
But if you want to keep your age under wraps, Kline says it is best to nix powder-based
formulas, saying,
"As we get older, skin becomes more dry, so adding powder just absorbs all of the oil
and moisture."
Over-contouring
From the runway to your local grocery store, contouring is everywhere.
And every brand from Urban Decay to L'Oreal, makes a contouring kit, which are selling
out by the truckload.
Done right, contouring plays up your youthful appearance, but too much contrast can actually
age you up.
Murat Evin, creative director of The London School of Makeup, says,
"The art of contouring is that it enhances the structure of your face, so that it appears
more defined.
However, too much definition can actually highlight aging lines that are better left
concealed."
And don't forget to blend, baby, blend!
Evin recommends always blurring those contour lines for the most youthful look.
The wrong brush
It's not always a matter of what you apply, it's how you apply it.
We've all used a little extra foundation on those days when our flaws feel extra noticeable,
but Evin reveals the best way to look younger is to be precise with your product and your
brush.
He says,
"A common mistake people make is using heavy-duty brushes with thick, tight bristles to apply
foundation.
Using buffer brushes actually plasters your face with heavy foundation and doesn't blend
in your makeup as well as a soft stipple brush can."
He advises always choosing a softer brush — especially when it comes to eye makeup,
saying,
"The skin around the eyes is the most delicate of all.
[...] Make sure you invest in a soft eye shadow brush, with fluffy thistles for a gentle application
and even coverage."
Forgetting primer
News flash: Everyone needs to use primer.
If you don't, according to Kline, as the day gets older, so will your look.
She explained,
"By not applying primer, you run the risk of having your makeup look muddy and melted
off by the afternoon.
[...] By using a primer, you are making sure that your makeup lasts throughout the day."
But don't forget to prep your skin before you prime.
Kline recommends a regimen that includes a gentle cleanser, and a hydrating lotion.
Trying to be trendy
There is no quicker way to look old, than by trying to look too young.
Celeb makeup artist and hair stylist Anthony Pazos believes it's important to aim for an
age appropriate look.
He says,
"When we try too hard to look cool and it seems unnatural, it's a clear indicator to
others that you are just not that secure.
It's best to be the best you without going overboard."
But Pazos says you can totally have fun with trends that work for you.
And he offers a bit of wisdom, adding,
"Remember being classic is timeless because trends come and go."
Forgetting to update
While a classic look can last for ages, know when it's time to ditch that tired look.
After all, styles change and according to Pazos, so should you.
He says,
"If you are stuck in an era not in the 21st century, you're aging yourself.
Sometimes our own comfort levels can make us appear stuck in an era long gone.
If you want to look younger, you need to challenge yourself and try styles that you may not be
comfortable with."
He says when it comes to beauty, small improvements can go a long way.
Skipping the SPF
Even the most flawless makeup will age you if you don't take care of your skin.
Kline says the number one thing you need to do is use sunscreen — every day.
She says,
"The sun is the top cause of skin aging.
So, make sure that you're wearing a daily sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 or higher."
Another major mistake, according to Kline, is not taking your makeup off at the end of
the day.
She says,
"Throughout the day, you're dealing with environmental factors like dirt and pollution that can clog
the pores, which can lead to breakouts.
Find a good cleanser and, if you are feeling lazy, get cleansing towelettes to remove all
of your makeup."
We're totally down with wiping a few years off our faces — y'know, before we get our
flawless beauty rest!
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