This post has been updated since it was originally published on July 8, 2022.
Being experimental with makeup is probably one of the best parts about creating an overall look. Whether you want to keep things natural or go full-glam, what you put on your face—especially your eyes—can make a huge difference when it comes to your appearance. As you grow older, it’s important to learn how makeup can enhance your best features, and at the same time work its magic by concealing signs of aging.
But let’s be real: we’re not all professionals here and we can only know so much. Sometimes, the practices we think could be giving us a younger, fresher look are actually doing the exact opposite. Keep reading as experts share the most common eye makeup mistakes that cause you to age instantly and how you can avoid them.
Intensely Removing Eye Makeup
Whenever you remove eye makeup, keep in mind that you always have to be gentle because the skin around your eye is pretty sensitive. If you rub it too much, it can "lead to broken capillaries as well as inflammation in the under-eye area," warns beauty expert Sanem Ahearn. Plus, rubbing the area intensely can worsen your under-eye circles, eyebags, and wrinkles.
According to beauty expert David Gray, it helps to invest in a really good makeup remover such as one that's "quite effortless and doesn't require much rubbing." These products are usually in the form of a "cleanser or balm with a water and oil-based formula" as recommended by Ahearn. "[They] will glide right off and prevent any unnecessary rubbing which worsens under-eye circles."
Using Shimmery Eyeshadow
If you feel like putting on glittery eyeshadow is a good idea for a younger appearance, well think again. It's not always shining, shimmering, splendid. Celebrity makeup artist and brand founder Jenny Patinkin says, "Eyeshadows with any amount of shimmer or luminosity should be avoided in the crease because not only do they accentuate the thinning texture of the skin as we age, but when light reflects from the crease, it can make the eyes look puffy and the shape appear distorted." As an alternative, she suggests applying "a matte color in your socket line to create shading that helps eyes to look smoothly shaped and bigger."
Additionally, Patkins points out that choosing the finish of your shadow is also crucial. She suggests, "It's always better to use a matte color in your socket line to create shading that helps eyes to look smoothly shaped and bigger." As a result, you will end up with eyes that will appear more youthful and larger."
Applying White Eyeshadow Under The Brow Bone
This technique is usually done to brighten one's eyes and achieve a lifted look. However, Patinkin notes, "White or opalescent eyeshadow under the arch of the brow is a very dated look and as with shimmery shadows in your socket line, can make your brow area look puffy." To replace this product, she recommends trying "a matte shadow or a slightly satiny shadow in one shade lighter than your own skin tone" so that your look is more natural.
Skipping Primer
One thing you definitely want is to keep your eyeshadow in place for as long as it can. To do that, you need the power of a good primer. Applying this product actually smoothens your lids so that your eyeshadow can stay put more. Having primer on as a base also lessens the chances of your makeup from smudging and creasing, both of which are instances that draw attention to aging.
Makeup artist Christina Milano agrees, "An eye shadow primer will hold your shadow in place all day which will overall give the appearance of youthful and put together look."
Applying Product On Your Waterline
Eyeliner can be such a game-changer when putting on eye makeup, but its placement is very crucial. Pro tip from three-time Emmy nominated makeup artist and blogger Kerrin Jackson: "Makeup inside the waterline instantly creates the illusion of smaller eyes. As soon as you apply that kajal inside your lash line, you're telling the world that you're older. Remember that big eyes equals youthfulness." She emphasizes, “When eye makeup smudges and runs under the eye, it tends to create the illusion of a gray shadow [or a dark under eye]; essentially an eyebag. And there you have it: instant aging.” So, it’s best to stay away from the lower lid area and focus on your upper lash line instead!
