As much as we try to escape it, aging is an inevitable part of life. But that doesn’t mean we can’t at least look good while doing it! The body goes through so many changes as we get older. For example, your facial features may lose their fullness, wrinkles will begin to develop, and many experience drier skin as they get older too. Ultimately, your skin will have different needs throughout your life. This also means you’ll need to change your makeup routine to adapt to the changes in your skin and facial features.
Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t play and have fun with makeup like you once did in your younger years. With the right makeup tips, you can achieve a youthful look. Just try your best to avoid these 10 makeup mistakes many seniors make!
Skipping Skincare
One of the biggest beauty mistakes many people make is not having a good skincare routine. Establishing a good skincare routine can do a lot for mature skin. It can help your skin stay hydrated, help with wrinkles, and keeps your skin looking its best. Better yet, when you take care of your skin, you’ll also find that your makeup will apply better too.
Some skincare tips for mature skin include wearing sunscreen daily, using the right moisturizers for your skin type, and making sure you stay hydrated. Further, adequate water intake will help your skin feel plumper and will help improve its elasticity.
Finally, another skincare step seniors should do is exfoliate. Dr. Steven J. Pearlman, a well-known New York City plastic surgeon, explains “The outer layer is a roof of dead skin, and it thickens as you age, so you need to exfoliate to see more of the fresher skin,”
Forgetting About Primer
After applying skincare, don’t forget to apply primer before starting the rest of your makeup application! Makeup primer is a great product that is used as a base to help your makeup go on smoother.
Further, primer can also help your makeup last longer. For mature skin, primer can also help prevent the foundation from settling into fine lines and wrinkles which can help your skin appear more youthful!
Not Using the Right Foundation
Foundation is mostly used to create an even complexion. Unfortunately, another makeup mistake many seniors make is not using the right foundation. You can find formulas that are full coverage or light coverage and the one you use depends on what type of look you’re going for and whether or not you have a lot of blemishes you desire to cover.
Further, mature skin is often drier which means it requires maximum hydration. With this in mind, you’ll want to stay clear of matte foundation and instead, look for one that has a hydrating formula. Furthermore, be careful about the color you choose too. You might need to go a shade warmer than you think to prevent your skin from looking too pale and washed out.
Using the Wrong Eye Shadow
Another makeup mistake many seniors make is wearing too much eye shadow, the wrong formula, and the wrong colors. First, a little bit of eye shadow can go a long way. Too much eyeshadow can cause your eyes to look too heavy. Keep it simple and don’t feel pressured to even wear eyeshadow at all. You can opt for a bit of primer and concealer instead.
Second, seniors should consider using a cream shadow instead of a powder because cream shadows don’t accentuate fine lines and will give you a smoother texture. Finally, be careful when choosing your eyeshadow colors. Shimmery eyeshadows may look nice but they can accentuate wrinkles. Instead, opt for matte colors that provide pigment without emphasizing wrinkles.
Skipping Lip Liner
Lipstick can be the perfect makeup product that completes a look or adds a pop of color, but don’t make the mistake of skipping lip liner. As we get older, our lips begin to lose elasticity and plumpness and this is where the lip liner comes in.
Lip liner can help your lips appear fuller. It also helps prevent your lipstick from bleeding or smearing and can help it stay in place for longer. Apply the lip liner first, then top with your favorite lipstick or gloss.
Flat Eyelashes
Don’t make the mistake of applying your mascara to flat eyelashes! Curling your lashes is a simple and quick, yet effective step to your beauty routine. This can help make your eyes look more youthful and energetic.
To curl your lashes all you need is an eyelash curler. Carefully place the curler at the base of your lashes and hold for about 10 to 15-seconds per side. Then apply your mascara after.
Overdrawn Eyebrows
Are your eyebrows getting thinner as you grow older? Or perhaps you have thin eyebrows due to years of overplucking. Whatever the case, don’t make the mistake of overdrawing your eyebrows during your makeup application.
Overdrawn and unblended eyebrows can make you look older than you are. Instead, choose an eyebrow pencil color that is close to your natural hair color or a color that works with your skin tone and apply the pencil lightly. Afterward, blend the eyebrow color in with your natural hair using a soft brush. Blending also ensures there are no harsh lines left behind.
Applying Eyeliner on Your Bottom Lid
Eyeliner is a great makeup product that can help add definition to your eyes. That said, don’t make the mistake of applying heavy eyeliner on your bottom lid.
While this might have been the thing to do in your earlier years, lining your bottom lid can make your eyes appear dark and heavy and may even emphasize fine lines. Instead, line your top lashes using a soft pencil or felt tip eyeliner.
Applying Too Much Concealer
Do you have dark circles under your eyes? You’re not alone. Concealers can be a great product to help diminish the look of dark circles, however, just be careful not to apply too much concealer.
Seniors should reach for a lightweight creamy concealer that is easy to blend. To effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles, apply the concealer under the eyes and the inner corners.
Poor Blush Application
Blush is a great product that can add a natural glow to your look. However, to achieve this, you’ll want to be careful where you apply the blush. First, experts recommend that seniors reach for a cream blush since it’s more hydrating in comparison to powder blush.
Second, start small and add more if needed. Since the skin tends to lose gravity and droops as we get older, make sure you blend the blush upwards. Start around the apples of your cheeks and blend up towards the temples (though don’t go all the way to the temples). This will help give you a natural lift and glow.
