Is Your Makeup Ageing You?
MAKEUP MISTAKES THAT AGE YOU…
Tried and tested makeup techniques need to evolve as we age, what we wore in our 20’s & 30’s could be adding years. We need to ask ourselves… Is our makeup ageing us?
MISTAKE- FORGOING THE PRIMER.
As we get older the pores in our skin tend to enlarge and the texture is less refined, using a primer not only encourages foundation to last longer but it creates a smooth surface for foundation application.
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Look for a formulation that is right for you, illuminating, pore minimising, red control… all these will help combat specific problem areas.
MISTAKE- AVOIDING FOUNDATION.
As we age our skin does too and we begin to notice the visible signs of damage, from the harsh sun, diet, lifestyle, and of course genetics. Foundation can help minimise the appearance of maturity spots, dilated capillaries, and dark circles.
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Foundations have evolved dramatically and as we age we should look for foundations with skincare benefits, hydration inducing glow rather than a full coverage finish. Your old option is probably not your best option! By using a more lightweight, dewy foundation the skin feels and looks more youthful. Extra coverage, where needed, should be in the form of concealer. A light dusting off translucent powder will set the foundation without dulling the finish.
“Foundations have evolved dramatically and as we age we should look for foundations with skincare benefits”
MISTAKE- THE RIGHT BRONZER-
Not all bronzers are created equal and as we age we should steer clear of anything too sparkly. We need to add colour back into the skin, we lose this warm glow as we age, but adding a bronzer with glitter spheres will only serve to highlight wrinkles and imperfections.
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Adding warmth into the skin helps create a healthy youthful glow but we need to be mindful to use one with a matte finish, whether this is in a cream or powder form. Apply to the face where the sun hits, cheeks, nose, and forehead and blend seamlessly.
MISTAKE- CONTOURING.
Contouring is very ‘on trend’ but as we age we lose fullness in our face and hollowing out areas with the contour technique is very ageing.
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Maybe applying a subtle, well-blended contour can strengthen the jawline but avoid contouring the cheek and temple area.
MISTAKE- SKIPPING BLUSH.
As we age we lose the flush of youth making our skin more dull and lifeless looking.
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Adding blush instantly makes us appear more healthy and fresh. Adding the colour just above the apple of the cheek towards the cheekbone gives the appearance of a micro lift
“Contouring is very ‘on trend’ but as we age we lose fullness in our face and hollowing out areas with the contour technique is very ageing.
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MISTAKE-CHOOSING THE WRONG COLOUR BLUSH.
Just like with foundation, it is important to choose the correct colour and formulation. Powder foundation can be ageing, making the skin appear drier, highlighting wrinkles and fine lines. Equally, choosing the wrong colour can be more ‘clown’ than a healthy glow
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Know your undertone and choose your colour accordingly…peach, mauve, pink, brick, berry. Avoid powder blush, instead use a creme blush to create a subtle hint of colour and a more dewy natural finish
MISTAKE- TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH EYE MAKEUP-
As we age we lose definition in our face so skipping eye makeup can lead us to look washed out and expressionless. Equally, adding too much eye makeup, including mascara on the bottom lashes can emphasis any under-eye shadowing giving the impression of a sleepless night
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A soft taupe liner or shadow along the lash line will help define the eyes, adding mascara to the top lashes only will open the eyes without causing flaking and shadow. If you love a smokey eye, keep the intensity to the lid area, adding too much depth to the lower lash line will give the illusion of dark under-eye circles.
MISTAKE- BROWS, TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE.
in an age of brow extremes, we need to be mindful of the shape and depth as we age. No brows, the wrong shape, and intensely drawn on brows can all be equally ageing.
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Brows should be approached with a light touch, brush the existing brow upwards and follow the natural brow line with either a brow pen, pencil, or powder and fine brush using feathery strokes. Be mindful of intensity and colour, stick to one shade darker than your natural brow for a soft natural result.
“If you love a smokey eye, keep the intensity to the lid area, adding too much depth to the lower lash line will give the illusion of dark under-eye circles.”
MISTAKE- THE WRONG LIPSTICK.
A nude, super dark, or matte lip trend is a big No-No as we age. Just as our skin becomes less plump and full so do our lips. A matte formula will cause lips to appear drier, a nude will wash us out and a dark will create the illusion of thinner lips and an overall harsh result
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Prep your lips as you would your skin, hydrate, and prime. Brighter colours create a much-needed warmth to the face and an instantly chic and polished look. If bold is your ‘go-to’ ensure you create a perfect shape with a lip liner before applying your colour. Choose a long-wear velvet lipstick, these create a nourished finish whilst holding the brightest of colours in place. If you prefer a natural hue choose a tone similar to the darkest part of your lip and follow the same rules, prime, lip line, creamy lipstick finish.
Written By Makeup Artist: Leisa Welch.