Makeup can be a versatile tool that not only conceals imperfections and accentuates your finest features, but also contributes to your unique sense of style. However, incorrect use of makeup may have the opposite effect, adding years to your appearance.
To assist with a more youthful, radiant look, we sought advice from professional makeup artists. These experts shared three common makeup mistakes made by women over 40 that inadvertently make them look older, along with three tips to help avoid them.
Read on for tips and suggestions from Natasha Moor, Global AAPI makeup artist and founder of Natasha Moor Cosmetics, Victoria DiPietro, cosmetologist and owner of Bella Angel (whose clients include Chelsea Handler, Elizabeth Banks, Bridgit Mendler, and more), and Margina Dennis, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
3 Aging Makeup Mistakes To Avoid Over 40 - And Helpful Tips For A Flattering Look
1. Using Eyeliner On Your Bottom Lash Line
With the wrong eyeliner style, dark under-eyes and crow's feet around your eyes can be inadvertently highlighted, DiPietro warns.
To avoid this, she suggests "not [using] eyeliner under your bottom lash," and instead, only using eyeliner on your upper eyelid. "By using eyeliner correctly, you can create the illusion of a lift on your eyes," she explains.
Instead, Focus On Your Top Lid
She instructs to "outline your eyes on the top lid and just in the corner of your eye." And, DiPietro emphasizes that you can "go a step further and add a cream color eyeliner or white on your waterline." This will brighten up your eyes to create a more youthful look.
"Another tip to create a younger look with eyeliner is [to] create a subtle wing," DiPietro recommends. She says you should "make sure when you make the wing that you start at the last lash and go up just a tiny bit." It's crucial to "stop right under where your eye creases, so that the wing doesn’t disappear and exaggerate your crease," she adds.
2. Applying Eyeshadow That Is Too Shimmery
Shimmery highlighters and glittery eyeshadow have become popular over the last few years. While a little shimmer in just a few places, like the tops of cheekbones and brow bones, can make you look stunning and give you a healthy glow, moderation is key here.
Not Blending Well
Blending your foundation, concealer, blush, and eyeshadow is key to ensuring you don’t leave harsh lines on your face that can age you. Whether you opt to blend with a damp makeup sponge, makeup brushes, or your fingers is your choice — but be sure you spend the last few minutes of your makeup routine blending well. Give your skin a spritz of makeup setting spray to seal the deal for hours.
3. Wearing A Matte Lipstick That Is Too Dark For Your Skin Tone
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.
Wearing Lipstick That's Too Dark
A too-dark lipstick can create an unflattering contrast if your skin tone doesn't complement it. It can also highlight llittle fine lines and wrinkles you may have around your lips (that are common and normal). Try instead lining your lips with a nude lipliner and applying a neutral toned lipstick and a gloss on top to "plump" up lips.
