As we get older, our bodies change… and so should our beauty regime (and we’re not talking about just slapping on a miracle cream or covering those greys!) The way you apply makeup can add years if done incorrectly… yikes! We asked our beauty director, Michelle Brownlee Smith, what makeup mistakes we should avoid at all costs.
Face
As you age, your skin becomes drier and pigmentation may occur. “Use a moisturising foundation, especially if you have a particularly dry skin,” advises Michelle. And don’t be tricked into thinking that applying more foundation will help hide fine lines and wrinkles! Foundation settles in these lines and accentuates them. “Opt for a primer instead. It will smooth out lines, boost moisture levels and help even out your skin tone,” says Michelle. And what about using a darker shade of foundation for a ‘sun-kissed’ look? “Avoid this beauty sin at all costs! Use a bronzer instead.”
Cheeks
Blusher gives you a youthful glow and livens up sallow, dull skin. To apply, “smile and sweep colour onto the apples of your cheeks, blending toward your temples with a large blusher brush,” explains Michelle. Avoid contouring with blush! “Harsh lines along your cheekbones will ‘age’ you, especially if your skin has lost natural volume,” says Michelle.
Lips
Want younger-looking lips? Dab on a gloss. “Use your finger to do this, so that there are no defined lines which will make your lips seem tightly pursed,” says Michelle. Avoid using lip liner to outline your lips – it will date you instantly (remember the 90s?!). Rather colour in your entire lip with lip liner, then finish off with a coat of gloss to make your lips look plump.
Eyes
“Apply eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible and use a cotton bud to blend,” says Michelle. When you’ve finished applying your eyeshadow, use a clean brush to sweep over the edges of your shadow to ensure that all harsh lines have been blended away.
Brows
Over-plucking is a definite DON’T! “Thicker, fuller brows are the new trend (think Cara Delevingne),” says Michelle. Fill yours in with a pencil or shadow shade that matches your hair colour; applying it in short brisk strokes to mimic eyebrow hairs.
Trying to turn back the clock? We’ve got a facial that will give your skin a youthful glow.
