You’re Wearing Too Much Concealer and Foundation
The phrase “less is more” could not be any more true than when it comes to face makeup like foundation and concealer. Some make the mistake of thinking having more age spots or wrinkles as we age means needing to pile on more makeup to conceal everything. The problem with this line of thinking is that the more face makeup you apply, the more likely it is to settle into pores and fine lines and look aging. What can then happen is that, sure, you cleverly conceal some hyperpigmentation on your face, but you also spread so much makeup to parts of your skin that don’t need it that all anyone can see when they look at your is makeup, and not your skin.
The solution? Wear less makeup, but apply it strategically. Only apply foundation to areas of your skin where you feel you need the most coverage and then blend it super well. The same rule applies for concealer. Instead of applying concealer beneath the entire eye, where movement is frequent and makeup easily settles into fine lines, only apply a few dots of concealer to the inner corner, where discoloration is common. Blend well.
Baking Your Makeup
Like many recent makeup trends, Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist are behind the popularity of this one: baking your makeup so that it lasts longer. Baking involves setting your concealer and foundation with a heavy dusting of loose powder. The technique works wonders if you plan on spending a few hours under hot lights getting your photo taken. But in real life, and in sunlight, it can look heavy and harsh.
Be careful with powders — they’re a product that can give and take away. While a light (keyword: light) application of translucent or pressed powder will set your makeup and keep it from streaking, it’s easy to go overboard. And since few makeup products can settle into fine lines quite like powder can, you can see why too much powder is never a good thing.
Contouring The Face
While we’re on the topic of Kim K., here’s another makeup trend she made ridiculously popular that can age you: contouring your face. Contouring involves applying a deeper color to some areas of your face, such as beneath your cheekbones, and then applying a lighter highlighter above that area to draw more attention to it. Unfortunately, this can also make your face look more hollow and older.
A better technique for mature skin is skipping contour makeup and focusing on ways to warm up the skin using bronzer or blush. Apply a light bronzer or pretty blush to your cheeks, higher up than you might ordinarily apply it. This has the effect of lifting the face and making it look more youthful.
So many of your biggest foundation and concealer problems can be solved in two words: use less. If you feel like your makeup is no longer serving you or looking fresh, try these changes to bring your look up to date.