Applying makeup is an art that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is designed to improve your appearance and make you look younger, but it can actually age you if it isn’t applied properly. Using heavy concealer or too much lip liner can make you look up to ten years older than your actual age. Plucking your eyebrows too thin and putting mascara on your bottom lashes can also age you. Also, a lot of makeup is created with harsh chemicals, try researching your makeup brands to make sure that you’re using the best products for your skin.
Wearing Heavy Concealer
Concealer is a great tool to keep in your makeup arsenal, but using too much tends to make the wrinkles and lines around your eyes stand out. The concealer settles into any cracks it is applied on top of, so it should be used very sparingly in the eye area. You can use a highlighting concealer under your eyes to add brightness, but remember that less is more.
Using Dark Lipliner
Lining your lips is helpful, especially if your lipstick tends to bleed onto the skin around your lips. Use a light colored liner on your entire lips before applying lipstick so that the outside of your lips doesn’t look darker than the inside if your lipstick wears off. You can also apply a shimmery gloss to the center of your lips to help them look fuller. There are also glosses you can apply that are designed to plump your lips temporarily.
Over-plucking Your Brows
Many women find that their eyebrows get thinner as a natural part of aging. Over-plucking your eyebrows mimics the natural aging process and makes you look older. It’s not good to leave your brows completely untamed, but be careful not to pluck them into a thin line.
Overusing Powder
Setting your foundation with powder will help it stay in place longer, but using too much powder will make it look like you’re wearing a mask. Excess powder also settles into every line in your skin, emphasizing the fine lines that you’re trying to hide. Using a clean brush to get rid of excess powder is the best way to keep your skin looking smooth and even without allowing excess powder to settle on the surface.
Applying Blush to the Apples
Blush is designed to make you look young and healthy, but applying it in the wrong place will make you look tired and old. If you apply a light colored blush along your cheekbones it will lift your facial skin and give you a youthful glow. Try several shades of blush before deciding on the one that looks the most natural on your skin.
Applying Mascara Incorrectly
Applying mascara on your lower lashes is almost guaranteed to age your face. It highlights dark circles and crow’s feet. Mascara should only be applied to your upper lashes, and a thick formula should be avoided. If you find that mascara makes your lashes stick together, consider forgoing it in favor of curling the lashes. Curled lashes make your eyes look brighter and bigger. This simple step can take years off the appearance of your face.
The dermatologists at Boulder Valley Dermatology are experts in the science of healthy skin. For more beauty tips, visit their Facebook.
