7 Eyeliner, Eyeshadow And Mascara Mistakes That Can Emphasize Fine Lines — And Simple Hacks To Avoid Them
1. Adding Heavy Black Liner to Your Waterline
When applied heavily on the lower waterline, a black eyeliner pencil can create the illusion of smaller eyes, Tomchenko warns, and this can also accentuate under-eye bags and wrinkles. To avoid this effect, she says to always think of a softer end goal. "Women over 35 do not need graphic makeup, and the line should be soft," she suggests.
Tomchenko has a great solution to this issue, and explains how to get a gentle cat-eye eyeliner look that will make your eyes look more refreshed and youthful. "I recommend using a gray or brown color, and a soft pencil like kohl can be used to stretch out a line," she adds.
Tomchenko notes that "you can blend it while the pencil is fresh or use a slightly dampened angled brush dipped in concealer to help achieve a soft mini-wing."
2. Using Ultra Sparkly Eyeshadow
According to McGill, eyeshadows that are excessively glittery or shimmering can have the unintended effect of further highlighting wrinkles, potentially exacerbating the issue rather than masking it. McGill says that "glittery or shimmery eye shadows really settle into the wrinkles and draw attention to them." Instead, she recommends "choosing a matte eyeshadow."
Jackson agrees, adding that the color of your shadow is just as important. "Using a cool toned eyeshadow and applying it with a heavy hand can tend to create a skull-like shadow in your eye socket," she warns.
"Try to use a warmer tone eyeshadow instead," she suggests. She stresses that "keeping the application to a wash over the lid instead of a strong definition in the crease line" is ideal.
3. Wearing Red Eyeshadow Shades
One eye makeup color Jackson suggests skipping if you want to look younger is a red, scarlet or crimson one. "Red eyeshadows can add years to your face simply by making your eyes look tired, irritated and generally giving a look of being unwell."
There is very little that is flattering about a red eyeshadow, Jackson stresses, and she always advises "avoiding red on the eyes altogether." "I generally avoid red eyeshadow because it is such a tricky shade to get right on the eyes," Jackson points out.
This, she says, is purely because of the "color of our blood," which is red. "What happens when we cry, or have an allergic reaction to something, rub our eyes, or get a bruise? Our skin and eyes go red," she adds. This, she concludes, is why using a red eyeshadow can inadvertently look like "you have been crying, have allergies or something unpleasant altogether is going on. It’s not a very appealing or flattering look." (Noted!)
4. Putting Thick Concealer Directly Under Your Eyes
Tomchenko suggests applying under-eye concealer carefully to ensure proper selection, and to not apply too much (resulting in a thick look). “The shade should either match your skin tone or be slightly lighter,” she says. “You should only apply concealer to the line where your dark circle starts, as applying concealer on the bags under your eyes or on wrinkles will make you appear older.”
She says to use your finger to apply the concealer as the warmth of your finger will help the cream melt and blend well.
“Using a brush is not recommended as it may not work well with products that contain wax, since it melts only in warmth,” she continues. “Additionally, adding too much powder can also make you look older.”
5. Using Older or Expired Mascara
Welcoming a new spring season means opting for new makeup (or checking the products you use), Chang stresses. The easiest way to get an undesired clumpy look when it comes to your mascara, Chang says, is to use a product that is older or expired.
"Mascara formulas are constantly being updated and improved, so if you’re still using the same mascara you’ve been using for years, it’s time to switch things up," she advises.
"Newer mascaras often have better staying power and can give your lashes a fuller, more voluminous look," she says. When it comes to purchasing new makeup products, many experts suggest reassessing your eye makeup every 3-6 months and replacing it if it begins to clump or gives a flatter or less voluminous effect when applied.
6. Not Curling Your Lashes First
Eyelash curlers are mascara's best friend when it comes to sky-high lashes, Chang said. Failing to use this tool before applying your mascara can lead to that droopy look you're aiming to avoid. "Many women make the mistake of not curling their lashes before applying mascara," Chang explains.
This, she says, can "give your lashes a droopy, downward-facing appearance that can make you look tired and aged." She suggests "curling your lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara to help give them a more lifted look."
7. Skipping Primer Beforehand
Lastly, before even applying eyeliner or eyeshadow at all, Patel explains that it is essential to use a primer on your eyelids. This, she says, will prevent smudging and smearing throughout the day as primers are designed to lock in your eyeliner in place."
The goal is to always keep the eyeliner in places you want it to stay," she says. In order to prevent looking older with a smudged look, Patel stresses that you should always "start with preparation of the eye area."
Using a good primer "suitable for the eye area," she explains, will "help to keep not only your eyeliner in place, but also your eyeshadow."
She concludes that your primer "should also hydrate the eye area so liquid eyeliners will not dry out, causing pieces to land in places that will not give a clean look."