Is Your Makeup Aging You?

Does your makeup make you look old? If you look in the mirror and think, "Meh," instead of "Muah," it may be prematurely aging you! It's time to take a good hard look at your standard makeup routine. You just might find the culprit that zaps your zest and denies your youthfulness. Here's a short checklist to get you on your way to uncovering a new, youthful you.

Your skin is unprepared. Yup, if you don't prep your skin for makeup, the makeup can sit on top, looking blotchy, uneven, and old. Make sure to wash your face morning and night, exfoliate from time to time, and moisturize. Treat any skin issues - such as large pores, dull skin, or age spots - with appropriate skin care products. Apply a makeup primer to your face before applying any makeup to help it look smooth and beautiful.

You're using too much. Makeup that is too heavily applied will tend to cake and crack, leaving you with skin that looks wrinkly and old. Use a sheer foundation and blend well so you get good coverage without overdoing it. Remember, less is more when it comes to makeup. You can always add more coverage later if you need.

You're not using enough. If you don't wear makeup, then you're just not using enough! A little bit of makeup might just give you that youthful glow you've been missing. You can also use it to cover blemishes, age spots, and scars. A little bit of stick concealer goes a long way towards a brighter, more youthful face.

You over powdered. I love powder makeup because it helps take the shine out of my oily skin. A little bit of loose mineral powder over top of my regular foundation will keep shine at bay for most of the day. But too much powder sits on fine lines, making them appear more prominent, And that makes anyone look older.
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You're wearing wrong or harsh colors. As we get older, our skin tone starts to change a bit. We need to change our makeup coloring along with it so we don't look older. Also, pink eyeshadow can make you look tired, while dark lips make you look older. Stick to soft colors that go well with your skin tone to look your best.

You're wearing too much glitter. Too much glitter looks like you're trying too hard. And that alone can be aging. Stick with a soft shimmer instead, for a classic look that never seems to go out of style.

Your look is too matte. Too much matte makeup can make your skin look sort of dry and pasty. If you're going with a matte look, be sure your skin is well hydrated. Mix matte and shimmer textures for contrast and interest.

When it comes to makeup, most of the time, less is more. So start with a light hand, and gradually add more makeup until you find the level of coverage and intensity of color that you like. For a youthful look, stick to sheer colors, soft tones, and a hint of bronzer. People want to see your beautiful face, and not just your makeup.

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