Makeup has the potential to enhance your features and provide a revitalized, balanced look that transcends age. However, despite its benefits, eye, lip and cheek makeup application errors can unwittingly emphasize fine lines or dark circles. We reached out to celebrity makeup artists who have identified four common mistakes and provided valuable tips for avoiding them over 40 and looking more radiant this spring.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog, Margina Dennis, celebrity makeup artist and expert and Destiny McGill, celebrity makeup artist and Day Spa Owner of Lavish Life Studio.
MUAs Share 4 Makeup Errors That Can Draw Attention To Fine Lines Over 40 And How To Fix Them
1. Using Glittery, Sparkly Eyeshadows
While there's nothing wrong with a little shimmer to emphasize your peepers, Jackson warns that ultra-glistening or shimmering eyeshadows can draw attention to wrinkles. Choosing a sparkly eyeshadow, and "applying it with a heavy hand can tend to create a skull-like shadow in your eye socket," Jackson says.
She recommends "using a warmer tone eyeshadow instead," and "keeping the application to a wash over the lid instead of a strong definition in the crease line." This can then help your peepers look brighter, bigger, more awake and noticeable.
McGill agrees, and adds that "glittery or shimmery eye shadows really settle into the wrinkles and draw attention to them." Instead, she recommends "choosing a matte, neutral eyeshadow." Will do!
2. Choosing Blue-Based Red Lipsticks Or Darker Colors
When it comes to your pout, Jackson suggests "steering clear of blue-based red lipsticks or darker lip tones." These products, she notes, can "make your lips appear thinner and definitely make you look older than you are."
Jackson goes on to say that "the trend of dark lipstick comes and goes with much regularity these days." This fad, she points out, will "never help anyone look younger, and this is due to simple principles of light."
Black or dark red shades "absorb more light than lighter and brighter shades," she continues. Instead, she recommends glossier, creamier formulas in subtle red or pink shades that match your natural lip color, as these can make your lips look moist and plump rather than "dried out."
3. Wearing Matte Lipsticks
Now that you know what colors are best to avoid, Dennis also has a tip for picking the right formula. While matte lipstick may be popular and durable, it has the potential to dehydrate the lips. As we get older, our lips lose their natural moisture, which can lead to flaking, chapping, and dryness.
To prevent further damage, Dennis says to avoid both matte and dark lipsticks. "Too dry of a formula of lipstick can emphasize wrinkles and dryness," she warns. Instead of a matte lipstick, Dennis advises selecting a "moisturizing and balm lipstick" in shades that "emulate a youthful flush."
She also suggests "a clear lip liner or one that matches the lip color that will keep the color from feathering and look more natural."
4. Opting For Powder Blush
Skin naturally becomes drier with age, and powder blushes could make this even more apparent, Dennis says. Instead, she recommends trying out cream blushes for a youthful and hydrating look. "Many people make the mistake of using powder blush instead of cream which can look more natural and radiant," she says.
The best kind of blush for aging, wrinkled or textured skin, Dennis says, is one with a "cream or liquid formula" that does not have an "added shimmer" or glittery element in it. Powder and shimmer formulas, she stresses, can "draw more attention to texture and wrinkles."
She also says she would "shy away from the creme to powder formulas because these can sometimes highlight texture in the skin." Instead, she concludes that it's best to "choose colors that invoke a youthfulness" like "rose, cool peach, coral, terracotta and soft reds." The more you know!
