“LOOK AT ME!” 6 Makeup Mistakes That Age You..

Do the wrinkles on your face scream, “LOOK AT ME!” after your standard makeup application? Rather than chalking it up to age, the main thing to consider are your makeup choices. Just like hairstyles, makeup techniques can add or subtract years to your appearance.

Prepare to hop aboard your own personal time machine with these makeup do’s and don’ts. Destination? 10 years younger.

1. Don’t skip or cake on foundation. Skipping out on foundation in your daily makeup routine can have harsh effects. Foundation helps even out your skin tone, whereas going sans coverage can put all of your skin’s flaws in the spotlight. A sheer, translucent foundation corrects the flaws and helps liven up the skin for a youthful, even tone. If you have oily skin, shoot for a mineral powder. For dry skin, tinted moisturizers are the best way to go. Another thing that can put creases & wrinkles on full display? TOO MUCH foundation. Heavy makeup is a one-way ticket to Ageville; it makes you appear older than you are.

Heidi Klum loves shiny things, but her face shouldn’t be one of them! Going too natural and skipping foundation can be a harsh option.

2. Using too light of a base. Foundation that’s lighter than your skin tone will only exaggerate wrinkles and fine lines. Try a hue that’s 1-2 shades darker with a hint of shimmer. It will give your skin a fresh glow.

Try the foundation stripe test with 3 hues to see which looks best! Can you guess which shade works best for this model?

3. Applying blush incorrectly. Blush applied to the apples of the cheeks can draw attention to cheek wrinkles and sagging skin under the eyes. Apply color on the highest point of the cheekbone and brush upward. A rose-tinted shade of blush works great for all skin tones and ages, but don’t over-do it! Heavy color on the cheeks gives off a severe, clownish appearance. A general rule of thumb with makeup: Too much = AGING.

Xtina commits makeup suicide with numerous mishaps – the most noticeable being too much blush. The end result is clownish and severely unflattering.

4. Metallic eye shadow. Frosty-colored eye shadows magnify creased eyelids and wrinkles. Instead, try a matte or solid color in peach or taupe which work great on all skin tones. 

J-Lo’s metallic eyeshadow is definitely costing a thing: her age!

5. Mascara & eyeliner on lower lashes. Applying mascara and eyeliner to your lower lashes highlights two of the things you want to hide most: Crow’s Feet and dark circles. Plus, it makes your eyes looks smaller. For big, bright eyes – coat your top lashes with the blackest mascara to make the whites of your eyes look bright and clear. Also be sure to curl your lashes to make them look fuller – which of course means YOUNGER!

Sigh…a classic case of bad makeup happening to good people! We love Emma Stone, but her clumpy lower lash look highlights every wrinkle.

6. Bright lip colors. As you know, our lip fullness deflates with age. Bright, dark, or iridescent shades can be too heavy for thinning lips – allowing the color to bleed from the natural lip line. Bright hues can also be aging in general due to the severity and heaviness of the color. A neutral rose shade is very flattering, and a sheer gloss to top it off adds fullness.

(J)WOWW, that lipstick is unflattering! This bright, lavender hue paired with her overly dramatic eye makeup makes Jenny Farley look 10 years older than she is.