10 Ways to Look Younger Now
Missing your youthful glow and plump lips of years past? Learn how to take years off your look without heading to the dermatologist. Instead, try the following age-defying makeup tricks that'll give sagging skin a boost, deflate puffy eyes and more. PhotoCredit: Ericka McConnell.
"I have puffy-looking eyes." - The fix: Wear eyeshadow
When lids are swollen they lose definition. Bring back depth with two shadows: one in a light color (try gold) and another in a medium shade like bronze. "Swirl both colors together with a brush before applying to your lids and just beyond the crease," says Silver. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowCreme in Antique Gold and Golden Sands, $17.50; EsteeLauder.com.
Make your eyes look brighter with eyeshadow.
"My skin tone is uneven." - The fix: Wear full-coverage foundation
"An older complexion needs more coverage, not more product," says celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey. Translation: Layering on a sheer formula isn't your best bet. Instead, Bailey recommends using a small amount of full-coverage liquid foundation. Since these formulas are denser, they're better at camouflaging imperfections. Use a foundation brush to apply color down the center of your face, then gently sweep it outward. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence SPF 20 Foundation, $30; Dermablend.com.
"How do I lift my droopy cheeks?" - The fix: Put on liquid highlighter
Have you noticed that the supple skin that once plumped up your cheeks has now headed south for your jawline? Don't panic, here's the trick: Smile wide and use the tip of your ring finger (it applies the lightest pressure on delicate aging skin) to gently tap liquid highlighter along your cheekbones, from just beyond the apples of your cheeks up toward your temples until you meet your hairline. "The product contains light-reflecting particles that draw the eye upward and away from droopy jowls," explains celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller, owner of Laura Geller Makeup. Benefit Cosmetics High Beam, $26; Sephora.com.
Try these 8 surprising beauty tricks.
"I look tired all the time." - The fix: Wear two shades of eyeliner
"Properly applied liner opens up your eyes by giving them definition," says Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and owner of Mally Beauty. She suggests using creamy formulas since they will glide across lids without tugging at skin, creating a more seamless line. "Walk" black eyeliner across your top lashes using tiny back-and-forth motions, starting from the outer corner of your eye inward. But avoid dark colors on bottom-they'll only accentuate undereye circles. Instead, use a nude shade to brighten the area. Mally Beauty Mattewand Eye Brightener, $25; QVC.com. Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon in Black Smoke, $9.99; at drugstores.
"When I wear lipstick, it bleeds into the lines around my mouth."- The fix: Use lip stain
Nothing screams "I look older" louder than when your lipstick "feathers" or seeps into tiny lines surrounding lips. The simple solution is to swap your lipstick for a lip stain. "These matte formulas are quick-setting and don't bleed like creamier lipsticks," Bailey explains. If you prefer a shinier finish, wait for the stain to dry, then apply a moisturizing balm over lips. Laura Mercier Lip Stain, $20; LauraMercier.com.
Find the right lipstick shade for your complexion.
"I miss my youthful glow." - The fix: Swipe on cream blush
Know this: If you prefer to use powder blush (or foundation or eyeshadow, for that matter), proceed with caution. "Powders settle into fine lines, accentuating them," warns Bailey. Go for creams instead-they won't highlight imperfections and are more pigmented so you can use less. As for choosing a blush color, light skin works best with paler shades; darker complexions should go brighter. Hard Candy Hide & Glow Cheek Duo Cheek Tint in In Love, $6; Walmart.com.
"How can I get the most out of my antiaging products?" - The fix: Coat skin with makeup primer
While you sleep, nighttime creams and serums boost cell turnover to reveal younger-looking skin. But they can't work if they rub off onto your pillow. Prevent this by applying a thin layer of primer to your face after you smooth them on. "A nickel-size amount should do the trick," says Roncal. Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer, $25; QVC.com.
Discover haircuts that can make you look younger.
"My lips are getting thinner." - The fix: Dab on clear gloss
Collagen production slows down with age, causing lips to lose their fullness. "To combat this, apply clear gloss to the center of your bottom lip and along the bow of your top lip," Geller says. The gloss attracts light to the thickest parts of your lips, plumping them. Elizabeth Arden Crystal Clear Lip Gloss, $14; ElizabethArden.com.
"I need an eye lift."- The fix: Curl your lashes and use mascara
"Curling is an important first step that will really open up your eyes," says celebrity makeup artist Melissa Silver. Also, since lashes tend to thin out as we age, sweep on a coat or two of a volumizing black mascara. "These mascaras are formulated with ingredients that condition and plump," Silver explains. Maybelline New York Falsies by Volum' Express Mascara, $7.77; at drugstores.
Check out which mascaras came out on top in our editors' tests.
"My skin looks washed out."- The fix: Put on lipstick
If nothing else, swipe on lipstick before heading out the door in the morning. "Adding color to this focal point on your face instantly warms up your entire complexion," says Bailey. The best lip color to use? Berry. "It's the most universally flattering shade-great for every skin tone," he says. CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lip Color in Euphoria, $6.50; at drugstores.
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
You Might Also Like:
9 Secrets of Wardrobe Stylists
8 Foods That Help You Live Longer
How to Maximize Your Workout
10 Foolproof Ways to Get In the Mood
How to Make Your Sex Life a Priority
Become a fan of Woman's Day on Facebook and Twitter.
