By
Claudia Castillo
Face it, makeup is a fantastic way to express your unique personality and show off who you are. The beauty behind makeup is that it’s a form of self-expression that allows us to showcase our personalities, unleash our creativity, and bring more color into our lives.
BUT – and yes, there is a “but” – when it comes to beauty, sometimes, even the most well-intentioned makeup choices can have the opposite effect, making you look older than you are.
Remember, there’s no cut-off age for looking phenomenal.
However, there are methods to the madness: flawless makeup is within your reach with the right techniques.
Beauty products and aesthetics aim to highlight your features, boost your confidence, and disguise any signs of aging. So, let’s make sure you’re making the most of your routine and getting bang for your buck when it comes to your makeup.
Ready for some tough love?
Here are some mistakes that could be aging you without you even realizing:
- Forgetting all about skincare
A youthful glow starts with great skin! Your face is your canvas, after all. Fine lines are not your enemies; befriend them, and remember, they are a part of your unique journey! Show your skin—lines and all—some love by properly moisturizing both day and night. Incorporating this habit will help replenish moisture and natural oils, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce the appearance of aging.
- Dark spots
Meet them head-on with a good discoloration defense serum. Laugh at their attempt to bring you down! Whether it was the dreaded acne picking or too much time in the sun, there are proven products that work to minimize hyperpigmentation. As usual, medical-grade products are highly recommended! Bang for your buck, remember?
- Sun exposure
Greet the bright and sunny day with a face SPF of 30 or higher. This step should be the last of your morning skincare routine, just before you start your makeup. Using an SPF daily is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging and maintain a healthy skin tone. UV radiation can cause damage on cold, cloudy days, too. So remember, rain or shine, this product should be a permanent part of your everyday routine.
- Prioritize your skin!
Always, always, ALWAYS go to sleep with a fresh and clean face. Your body eliminates impurities while you snooze, so it’s essential to wash away the remnants of the day. Keep in mind that your skin collects oils, dirt, grime, and pollutants (in addition to makeup) over the day, and you don’t want to trap those in your pores. Wash, rinse, repeat. Layer your products. And go to bed knowing you are treating your skin the way it deserves!
- Not editing your makeup bag
Is it time to declutter and get rid of your old makeup products? Are you holding onto items that you haven’t used in a while? I understand, friend. It can be a struggle to part with things that you’ve spent money on. To not feel wasteful, you might use them every so often. But more times than not, you find yourself digging around, bypassing old makeup that ends up living in your cosmetic bag for years.
It’s important to recognize that expired products are a breeding ground for bacteria, doing more harm than good when used beyond their shelf life.
Plus, they might not even be considered trendy anymore.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Any cream or liquid product should be replaced every 4 to 6 months. This includes items like eyeliners, lip liners, lipsticks, glosses, concealers, and foundations.
- Some signs that your products may be expired include:
- Cakey or clumpy textures, which can accentuate enlarged pores, wrinkles, and skin texture.
- Eye and lip liners that no longer glide smoothly; may become dry and chalky.
- Lipsticks and glosses that have an off or rancid smell.
The bottom line, the items you keep in your makeup bag can significantly impact your overall makeup look. It’s time to toss out what’s old and start fresh!
- Purchasing the same formula for the past 20+ years
When it comes to choosing your foundation, it’s crucial to ask yourself: “Am I picking the right one, or am I settling for a look that’s dull, orange, washed out, or simply not me?”
Understanding your undertones and the finish you want will help you select a product and shade that perfectly complements your complexion. Remember, your skin may have changed since you bought that Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse many years ago, so it’s time to explore some fresh options.
Start by determining whether you have warm or cool undertones and whether you prefer a matte, dewy, buildable coverage, or sheer finish. If you’re feeling lost, a skilled makeup artist or cosmetics professional can help point you in the right direction.
I highly recommend some exceptional high-end foundations from Chanel, Tom Ford, Clarins, and Dior. But if drugstore shopping is more your style, you can absolutely find incredible foundations there, too! Options from L’Oréal, Milani, and Maybelline will surprise you with their quality and performance.
Embrace the journey of finding your ideal foundation because, no doubt, there is one out there that you’ll love!
- Following the wrong influencers on social media
Raise your hand if you’ve ever fallen victim to a product, trend, or online shopping spree that didn’t deliver the results you anticipated – those desired outcomes that initially caught your attention on social media.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
Many people, from Baby Boomers to Millennials, follow beauty influencers outside their age group. This isn’t necessarily wrong, as long as the influencers align with your specific beauty goals, practical needs, and personal standards.
Social media is all about discovering the latest fads and capitalizing on trends. Influencers have become incredibly popular because they successfully influence you to buy products. We’ve all heard the phrase “TikTok made me buy it…” But the question is: are you purchasing the right products for yourself?
I encourage you to experiment and try new things. However, don’t invest in a product just because it looks great on an influencer. What works for them may not work for you. Focus on your own needs and desires. What products are best suited for you and your skin?
While we’re on the subject of social media. Are you following @FACE_IT_by_Claudia yet? Let’s connect!
- Forgetting that confidence matters
The old saying, “confidence is key,” holds even today. Without confidence, even the most expensive beauty brands and skincare products won’t serve their purpose.
A lack of confidence can easily age you.
It all begins with how you talk to yourself. Don’t start your day by looking in the mirror and dreading your beauty routine. Avoid picking yourself apart or thinking negatively. Instead, begin each day by complimenting your reflection and giving yourself a high-five! Then, get started.
If you’re new to makeup or unsure where to begin, first refer to the skincare section of this article to ensure you’re using products designed to protect your skin and avoid rapid aging.
Start with simple beauty routines. Each week, introduce a new product to help you achieve your beauty goals. After applying your foundation and/or concealer, blush, or whatever your basics are, challenge yourself to go a little further.
For example, in the first week, incorporate a tinted brow gel. In the second week, add mascara or eyeliner to make your eyes pop. In the third week, introduce lipstick.
By adding a single, simple product each week, you’ll gain the practice you need without feeling overwhelmed when starting your day. This approach will help you stay calm and, most importantly, confident.
Aging is a natural process, and it can be embraced!
With the right routine, you can effectively slow down the visible signs. Prioritize your skin, give your beauty products the care they deserve, and understand your preferred trends – and your confidence will be evident!
