A Pro MUA Shares The Most Common ‘Complexion & Foundation Mistakes’ To Avoid For Women Over 40 This Winter: ‘Can Date The Look Of Our Face’
November 30, 2024 by Lisa Cupido
Professional Makeup Artist Erica Taylor knows a thing or two about makeup mistakes you want to avoid — after all, her livelihood is centered around not making the kinds of mistakes that can make your complexion and facial features look off.
In this helpful TikTok video, Taylor lets us in on a few “common complexion mistakes” that she says “can date the look of our face.”
Most of us using makeup, particularly foundation and concealer, are aiming for radiant results. We want our skin to look like our skin, only much better. If your makeup has been looking patchy lately, or something seems wrong about the tone and texture of your skin, you may be making one of these five mistakes Taylor points out. They may be common, but they are also easily corrected.
1. Using a Matte Primer
Using a primer that is too matte can make your skin look flat. If you have oilier spots on your skin or larger pores, only use the matte primer in those places that need it, and purchase a dewier primer to apply to your other areas so that your skin look well-hydrated. The type of primer you use will affect the look of your foundation.
2. Choosing the Wrong Makeup Colors
Even if your technique is perfect, your makeup won’t look right if your colors aren’t complementary to your skin tone. Whether you are choosing foundation or blush, aim for colors that aren’t too dark or ashy (as we age, warmer tones often complement us better).
3. Applying Setting Powder With a Sponge
Taylor isn’t a fan of applying setting powder over foundation and concealer using a makeup sponge or puff because she says it loses some of the volume of your makeup and can make it look flat. Instead, apply setting powder with a light brush and dust it over your makeup.
4. Too-Light Concealer
Just a few years ago, makeup artists were showing us on social media how to apply a concealer beneath the eye that is two shades lighter than your skin. The effect might look good on camera, but in real life it can appear too ghostly. Taylor argues that a darker concealer that matches the skin and is more of a color corrector neutralizes dark undertones and makes everything look “fresh and clean.”
5. Using Powder Blush
Applying a powder blush and applying it too low on the face are two mistakes that can age you. Powdered finishes aren’t the best choice for mature skin, which benefits from a hydrating cream blush or bronzer. Placing it slightly higher on your cheekbones can also help give your face a nice lift.