Makeup is meant to give you a fresh and radiant look, and flatter your features. If applied incorrectly, however, it can work against you and even make you look older. Here are five common makeup mistakes that might be adding a few years to your age and our tips on how to avoid them.
1. Too much foundation
Heavy foundation soaks into your fine lines and draws more attention to wrinkles. Opt for a tinted moisturizer or a CC Cream, such as the Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (US $55; AED/SAR 202).
2. Over-the-top contouring
Contouring can change the shape of your face and nose as well as give you a facelift, but the technique tends to appear harsh outside of a photo shoot. Go for a light face-sculpting method, such as strobing, which will accentuate your features in a subtle way. Use a powder highlighter, like the Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder (US $56; AED/SAR 206), and apply from the temple to the cheek, on the bridge of the nose, the forehead, and the chin.
3. Applying blush the wrong way
Applying blush in circular motions on the apple of your cheeks is outdated and aging. Instead, sweep your blush in a soft stroke across your cheeks for a youthful flush. Opt for a peachy pink shade with shimmer, such as the Nars Blush in Orgasm (US $30; AED/SAR 110).
4. Eyeliner on the bottom lid
Lining only your bottom lid draws attention to your dark circles and makes your peepers look smaller. If you’re going to apply liner on your bottom lid, make sure to line your top lid as well—or skip the step altogether.
5. Over-plucking eyebrows
As we get older, the hair on our eyebrows start thinning and plucking them excessively only makes it worse. Make your eyebrows appear thicker by using a powder or a brow pencil, such as the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil (US $23; AED/SAR 110).
—Khaoula Ghanem