We all strive to look fresh and young, and makeup often becomes our faithful assistant in this endeavor. However, sometimes even the best intentions can lead to the opposite effect. There are makeup mistakes that, unnoticed by ourselves, can add a few extra years to our appearance. Beauty expert Anna Tronina, with over 10 years of experience, pointed out which pitfalls to avoid so that your makeup works for you, not against you.
The Smell of Old Cosmetics
Do not pass on or accept cosmetics as heirlooms. Even if it’s your favorite blue eyeshadow from your youth or a set of foreign lipsticks dear to your grandmother's heart. Our expert says: "First and foremost, check the expiration dates, take care of your health. Also, pay attention to the quality of fragrances: an unpleasant smell from cosmetics can sometimes overpower even your favorite perfume."
Too Light Foundation
According to Anna, many women are misinformed that this product should match the skin color on their neck or hands. "In reality, when choosing concealers, you should apply them directly to your face, on one half of it, and carefully ensure that the shade blends seamlessly with the skin color on your forehead, cheeks, and chin," advises the beauty expert.
Foundation can also make you look older if it emphasizes flakiness or settles into wrinkles. Therefore, choose a product suitable for your skin type, and consult with professionals if necessary.
Sharp Graphic Eyebrows and Thick False Eyelashes
This was fashionable in the 2010s. Now, naturalness is in the first place. Boldly replace false eyelashes with lamination (visual lengthening and curling), and let your eyebrows grow out and give them an untouched look. Also, do not style eyebrow hairs vertically upwards; that trend is also in the past, emphasizes the specialist.
Wide, Too Long Eyeliner
This especially applies to the lower eyelids, which can add an extra 10 years to your appearance. "Replace them with a neat thin line along the lash line that transitions into a short delicate wing of 2–3 mm. There’s no need to line the lower eyelid; it’s better to apply nude eyeshadow with a fluffy brush," recommends Anna.
Clearly Defined Lip Liner
This refers to brown or burgundy colors. You should also not go beyond the natural lip contour. Our expert says: "If you haven't attended makeup courses where they teach how to create a gradient lip with three colors, then use the same color for both the outline and filling. Choose a lipstick shade close to your natural lip color, but 1–2 shades darker."
Light Lipstick Shades and Blue Eyeshadow
Exclude white, pearlescent pink, and orange colors. They are associated with looks from the 70s and 80s and have not yet returned to fashion. Blue and lilac eyeshadows are also better left aside for now. Anna advises using red, burgundy, and muted pink shades for lips, and brown, beige, bronze, and emerald for eyelids.
Too Bright Blush
They also add age. "This cosmetic item is needed to imitate a youthful blush when embarrassed or in the cold. If applied too heavily, the effect can be more comical than flirtatious," says the beauty expert.
Try to emphasize the natural beauty you already have, rather than following standards and "drawing" a new face with makeup. Then you will look as harmonious as possible, and the number of makeup mistakes will be minimized.
