Avoid Makeup Mistakes That Could Age You: Tips for a Youthful Glow
Hey there, beauty lovers! It's Keira from the Subtl YouTube channel, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s both fascinating and important—how to avoid makeup mistakes that might be aging you. This is something I’ve been researching a lot, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
We all know that makeup trends come and go, and sometimes we adopt techniques that might not be the best for our skin type or age. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, it’s crucial to keep your makeup routine fresh and uplifting. Let’s get into it!
1. Contour Placement: Higher is Better
One of the most common mistakes that can age you is placing your contour too low on your face. Back in the day, we all learned to contour by creating that fish face and applying it right under the cheekbones. But unless you’re trying to super-chisel a round face, this technique can actually make your face look more sunken and older. As we age, our faces naturally lose volume, so the goal should be to enhance what we have, not diminish it.
Tip: Apply your contour or bronzer slightly higher on your cheeks, blending it upward to lift your face rather than drag it down. A fluffy brush is your best friend here. This subtle adjustment will give you a more youthful, lifted appearance.
2. Concealer: Hydration is Key
Another makeup mistake to avoid is using a concealer that’s too dry or matte. While the triangle concealer technique is popular, it’s not always ideal for everyone—especially if you have dry skin or fine lines. I personally have some intense under-eye veins, so I need more coverage. But I’ve found that a hydrating concealer is a game-changer.
Tip: Focus on finding a concealer that’s moisturizing and matches your under-eye area well. You can even mix shades to get the perfect color. The key is to avoid anything too matte, which can accentuate dryness and fine lines. And remember, it’s okay to look a little shiny—just use a light, hydrating base underneath.
3. Eyebrows: Lift, Don’t Drag
Your eyebrows frame your face, so it’s important to get them right. One mistake that can age you is dragging your eyebrows too far down, which can make your face look droopy. Instead, focus on lifting your brows to create a more youthful look.
Tip: When filling in your brows, start by brushing them upward. Follow the natural shape of your brow with light, feathery strokes. Avoid the outdated blocky brow look, and don’t overdo it on the inner corners—this can make your brows look too intense and heavy.
4. Blush Placement: Keep it High
Blush is another area where placement is everything. Applying blush too low on the cheeks can pull your face down. Instead, keep your blush high up on your cheekbones to help lift your face.
Tip: Apply blush (or a lip and cheek tint) on the higher part of your cheeks and blend it upward toward your temples. Cream blushes are great for a natural, dewy finish that looks youthful and fresh. Don’t be afraid to add a little blush to the bridge of your nose too—it gives a cute, youthful glow!
5. Powder: Less is More
Powder is essential for controlling shine, but too much of it can settle into fine lines and make your skin look cakey and aged. The trick is to use just enough to keep the shine at bay without overdoing it.
Tip: Use the shine control powder to set your makeup, focusing on the T-zone. A stippling brush is perfect for applying powder lightly and evenly. Remember, you can always touch up throughout the day, so start with a minimal amount.
6. Bronzer: Go Light, Go High
Bronzer is often confused with contour, but they’re not the same. Bronzer is meant to mimic the sun’s natural warmth on your skin, so it should be applied differently.
Tip: Apply bronzer lightly with a big fluffy brush across the high points of your face—where the sun would naturally hit, like your forehead, nose, and cheekbones. Avoid going too dark, which can make your skin look muddy and aged.
7. Highlighter: Strategically Add Glow
Highlighter is a fantastic way to add a youthful glow, but it’s important not to go overboard. Too much shimmer in the wrong places can highlight fine lines and wrinkles.
Tip: Apply highlighter sparingly to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone. For a subtle, youthful glow, try using your finger to pat a little highlighter on your eyelids and inner corners of your eyes.
8. Eyeshadow: Lift with Light and Dark Shades
Eyeshadow can either lift your eyes or drag them down, depending on how it’s applied. One mistake is applying too much dark shadow in the wrong areas, which can make your eyes look smaller and more tired.
Tip: Tap off excess shadow before applying it to avoid fallout that can drag your look down. Use light, shimmery shades on the inner corners and brow bone to brighten and lift the eyes. When applying darker shades, focus them on the outer corners and blend upward to lift the eye.
9. Eyeliner: Ditch the Heavy Liner
Heavy eyeliner, especially on the lower lash line, can make your eyes look smaller and more closed off, which isn’t the most flattering look as we age.
Tip: Opt for a softer, brown liner instead of black, and keep it light on the lower lash line. Try using a smudged eyeshadow instead of liner for a more natural look that won’t drag your eyes down.
10. Lashes: Keep Them Light
Finally, let’s talk about lash extensions. While they’re a great time-saver, too-heavy lash extensions can weigh down your eyes and make you look tired.
Tip: If you love lash extensions, opt for a lighter set that lifts your eyes rather than dragging them down. If you’re sticking with mascara, use an eyelash curler and apply a light coat of mascara for a more natural, lifted look.
And there you have it! These are my top tips for avoiding makeup mistakes that can age you. Remember, makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty and making you feel your best. If any of these tips resonated with you, give them a try and let me know how it goes!
Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Subtl YouTube channel for more beauty tips and tricks. See you next time! Bye!
