9 Make-Up Mistakes That Can Make You Look Older
Neglecting Your Eyebrows
“Many women neglect their eyebrows, but it can be so ageing,” says make-up artist and wellbeing expert Lee Pycroft. “Instead, focus on making them as full as possible to continue enhancing the structure of your face. Use a brow pencil in feathered strokes to mimic the appearance of hair, avoiding any harsh, blocky lines. Then go in with a gel to help build volume and bulk – run this against the direction of the hair, before going back the other way again for a fuller effect. For pencils, Benefit has brilliant, cool undertones that are never too red, unlike some on the market. If in doubt, always use lighter colours when it comes to brows and always follow the motto: frame first, then fill.”
Not Wearing Any Highlighter
“No one should shy away from highlighting textures such as powder and cream hybrids,” says A-list make-up artist Florrie White. “They add light to the complexion when applied lightly and in the correct places, such as the top of the apples of the cheeks, the temples and at the inner corners of the eyes. Try not to go hell for leather with them - nail the placement and you’ve got a soft-focus glow that’s both youthful and fresh.”
Wearing Cold, Steely Tones
“As a general rule, most people should avoid cold, steely tones like greys and ice blues. These can be quite harsh and bright, but in the wrong way,” advises Lee. “Instead, look to warm, copper make-up palettes that house shades of taupe, cream and bronze – anything that’s generally a bit more glowing in pigment. These types of shades are guaranteed to suit everyone and they’re less likely to show up fine lines or creasing in the eyelids.”
Skipping Skincare Prep
“Women often think the more they cover up with make-up, the better, but actually it’s skincare that should be your focus,” explains Florrie. “Spend a little longer each morning on applying your moisturiser and primers. Add two minutes of upwards massage and gentle strokes. This will help disperse bags under your eyes, tone your jawline and, in turn, you will use less foundation, which is not only more modern, but will mean you don’t get any flaking or orange streaking come 4pm.”
Ignoring The Need For Setting Powders
“People are so nervous of powder now and some would say don’t use it at all, but it’s often needed around the eyes where the skin is hollower,” explains Lee. “Look to formulas that are very finely milled and contain hyaluronic acid for extra silkiness. Apply it just to areas that need it: for example, where you have less fat on the face and need more dimension. You want to stick to these areas, and avoid applying it to the outer edges of your face as this is where the skin needs to maintain its luminosity the most.”
Using Harsh, Dark Eyeliners
“Swap your black eyeliners for softer shades like espresso brown, deep purples and emerald greens,” adds Florrie. “They still give a beautiful intensity, but are less harsh around the eyes and the delicate skin that sits there. Having said that, keep using black mascara – it’s far more eye widening and dramatic than brown mascara.”
Applying Foundation All Over The Skin
“Full-coverage foundation all over the skin is too much,” says Lee. “Instead, be clever in your application and look to sheer formulas that are a step up from tinted moisturiser, but not full coverage. These sit better on the skin. Then you just need to dab on some long-wear concealer where it’s really needed – think under eyes, around the nose and on lids. You’re guaranteed a glowier, breathable finish if you take this approach and, naturally, that will make you look more youthful and fresher.”
Being Too Timid With Colour
“A lot of us can be timid and forget to play with soft colours on lips and cheeks, but it’s so youthful and flattering to all ages,” explains Florrie. “Go to an unbiased counter in Space NK, take advantage of the knowledge of the artists there and be bold to try something different. It will only ever add warmth and radiance – and it won’t look theatrical when you’re properly matched. There are also some shades that are universally flattering, like NARS’s Orgasm and Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour Blushers.”
Not Spending Enough Time On Mascara
“A lot of us forget how powerful mascara can be. We should all spend much more time on getting it right and utilising its benefits,” says Lee. “Try and use it to get a fanned-out effect at the outer corners by pulling the wand through to the tips several times for extra volume. Then take the tip of the wand right into the roots, using a dabbing motion to help build product up quickly. This will give the illusion of more darkness around the lash line and will last far longer than kohl liner. As for the bottom lashes, just target the roots – again with the tip of your brush, to avoid an ageing spider effect.”
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