Check Out Ways Your Make-Up is Ageing You

Make-up is there to help us look beautiful but apply it incorrectly you could inadvertently be adding years to your face. 

Here are ways your make-up is ageing you and how to put it right. 

You’ve over-plucked your eyebrows

Perfectly groomed eyebrows have the power to instantly transform your face and make you look years younger. But take care with the tweezers. Sparse brows are ageing. If yours have thinned from too much plucking, use a specially designed brow defining gel and shadow to build them back up.

Your eyebrows are the wrong shape (AM GUILTY OF THESE MOST TIMES)

To find your perfect shape, hold a pencil straight up and down the side of one nostril - this is where your brow should start. It should end just past your eye - any further will drag your eye down making you look older. If in doubt, get them done professionally.

You use too much foundation

Too much foundation creates a mask-like effect which destroys your natural radiance and makes you look older than you are. Instead use a small amount of good quality foundation aimed at more mature skin. One with a satin finish is more flattering than matte.

Your foundation is too dark

Foundation should be used to even out your skin tone, not to completely change it. If you're having trouble, visit the beauty counter of a large department store and ask to try out a few different shades. You may need to change shades with the season.

You use the wrong blusher

Ditch your powder blush for a cream one. Opt for a bright pink or coral colour – it may look vivid in the pot but will create a radiant glow on the face. Dab onto the apples of the cheeks for a youthful, flushed look.

You wear shimmery eye-shadow

The eyelids become thinner as we age, and wearing dark shimmery shades has a tendency to make them look thinner, more lined and crepe-like. Instead, opt for a soft shade with a little soft, reflective pearl.

You use the wrong sort of lipstick

Switch bold, dark lip colours (which have an ageing affect) for a sheer lipstick or gloss. If you use lip-liner, be sure to match the colour to your lipstick for a subtle look. An extra layer of gloss added to the centre of the lips will make them appear fuller.

You use too much powder

Wearing too much powder can dry out and weigh down the skin, adding years to your look. Opt for a translucent powder with light reflecting particles and apply lightly with a large, good-quality brush.

You wear black mascara

If you’ve always worn black mascara, try wearing brown for a softer look. Avoid lining the lower lash line as this can look overdone.

You’ve been wearing the same brands for years

If you’ve been wearing the same brand of make-up for years, consider a change. Visit your local beauty counter to try out new products and pick up new techniques. You may have been applying foundation with your fingers for years, but the new mineral products work best when applied with a brush, for example.

You over-conceal

Applied correctly, concealer can help disguise under eye circles. Use too much around the delicate eye area, and it can highlight wrinkles. Prep the skin with a moisturising eye cream first and use a lightweight concealer. Melt a little of it onto the finger and then dab lightly under the eye, blending carefully.

Are you guilty of any of them?