<i></i> <i></i> <i></i> 2<p>Makeup is a way of making us look beautiful and refreshing. It has the ability to hide those imperfections making the skin appear flawless. It is a true form of art, that enables us to express creativity. Sometimes, most of us end up making crucial mistakes in the application that enhances our fine lines and wrinkles. Here are some common makeup mistakes that can add years to your face:</p> <h2>Over use of concealer:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-1-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Applying too much concealer in a desire to achieve a matte look can result in a disaster. Experts say that finding the right shade can be crucial. Be sure to apply a tester on your hand or neck to see if matches your skin tone. Use a lighter weight concealer for the under eye puff bags, than the rest the face. Applying a thick layer can also make the face look dry and cakey, highlighting your pores and fine lines. Applying water based formulas, with lightweight sheer coverage may be the best way to avoid this makeup error.</p> <h2>Applying too much mascara:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-2-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Excessive use of mascara can also result in making them look matted and untidy. If adequately used the mascara can be used to define your lashes. It may accentuate the edges of your eyes and make your eyes absolutely stand out as predominant feature on your face. But using too much mascara can draw attention to those wrinkles situated around your eyes. Use fake lashes, to add extra volume to your lashes. Be sure not to use more than 1-2 coats on both the eyelashes especially the lower ones for giving your eyes just the right amount of oomph factor.</p> <h2>Perfect the bold lip look:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-3-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Lipstick can be used to define the lips, it can do wonders for the whole look. Sultry bright shades of saturated colors are in fashion this season, so don’t be afraid to rock that bold new lip color. However if you have thin lips, avoid using darker shades of lipstick as the lips can appear even thinner. Simply extend the lip boundaries with a lip pencil. Use a lip accentuating pump, for thicker and fuller lips. A good bright shade of lipstick especially pink, orange or red can make you look miraculously young and refreshing.</p> <h2>Smokey sultry eyes are perfect for a night out:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-4-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Smokey eyes with darker eye shadows are perfect for girl’s night out or an evening date. However a common mistake that most of us end up making is applying the darker shade of eye shadow to the whole lid. The darker shade is to be only used to define the edges of the eyelid. Golden or shiny shades are to be used mainly on the middle third of the eyelids, with the lightest shade to be used to define the inner brows and to accentuate the inner corner of the eyes, to make you look you’ve had a good eight hour beauty sleep. Avoid using bright colors during the day. Most eye shadows come in a trio set, for highlighting different areas of the eyes.</p> <h2>Overusing the eye pencil:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-5-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Applying a dark shade of eye pencil on the lower lid can result in your eyes appearing smaller than they are. To make them appear bigger and brighter, apply a lighter shade or even a white pencil on the lower eye lids to make your eyes appear fresh. It is a perfect solution to fake all those hours in bed that you spend reading or working!</p> <h2>The rouge belongs on the cheek bones:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-6-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Pastel shades of melon and peach are more in fashion these days, thus avoid using brighter shades which can make you look years older. Also be careful to apply the rouge along the contours of the cheekbones on the sides and on the either side of the nose bridge. This can highlight the shape of your face giving it a more youthful glow. Avoid applying blush to the central part of the cheeks, as it can make you look bad highlighting subtle imperfections. Choose pastel coral shades of blush that are trending these days.</p> <h2>Don’t overdo the eyebrow:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-7-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Highlighting the eye brows too much with darker shades, can make them appear unnecessarily thickened. This can also make you appear too aged, putting extra emphasis on your brows. To perfect the eye brows make sure you fill in the beginning of the brow, the thicker side lightly, concentrating the color towards the pointed end. If you do not get the hang of it, use plenty of tutorials online.</p> <h2>Do not underestimate the power of a makeup correcter:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-8-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>As we grow older, dark circles due to sleepless nights and the stress of adulthood makes us appear tired and wary. Blemishes, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and acne marks can also be a huge problem. Try ditching the concealer for a skin correcter to target the specific spots.</p> <h2>A lip pencil is an absolute must:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-9-j.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>A lip pencil should be used to highlight the edges of the lips, making them appear more defined. However one should not overdo it, putting an extra visible boundary on the lips, making them appear loculated. Use the pencil in a way that it is centered towards the lips rather than away from it, be sure to blend in the pencil!</p> <h2>Hold yourself from putting too much face powder:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-10-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Avoid putting a lot of powder all over the face, only covering the problematic T-zone, to prevent that dirty oily glow. Try using loose mineral powder or rice flour to absorb the excess oil, keeping your makeup in place. Too much powder application especially under the eyes can make you appear older. Your skin can appear dry and flaky, again making the fine lines and wrinkles more visible.</p> <h2>Use the foundation to even out your skin tone:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-11-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>A foundation is the solid base for any additional makeup on your face, however many people tend to screw it over. Thick strokes of foundation or not being able to bend it properly, makes your face appear cakey and wrinkly. Our skin tends to become more dry loosing moisture as we age, thus if you live in a cold climate opt for cream based hydrating foundation or even a tinted moisturizer for everyday look.</p> <h2>Choosing the right type of foundation base:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-12-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>The key is to understand the concept of coverage. If sheer or light coverage is required for an everyday look, opt for a BB cream. If one needs to hide the imperfections, then medium to heavy coverage is required. Know what formulation of foundation works best for you amongst, gel, mousse or liquid based foundations. Try to use mineral based sutured foundations, as dry skin can make you appear too old.</p> <h2>Overdoing the contouring:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-13-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>It is now a necessary step to achieve a complete look. Famous makeup brands such as naked and urban decay are manufacturing lots of contouring kits that are insanely popular. These shades a tad bit darker than your skin tone, work by adding extra 3-D depth to your face. You can use them to define your jaw line and sharpen the edges of your face. However you can easily overdo it highlighting the wrinkles on your face. The key is to adequately apply thin strokes of the shade and to blend it evenly, so that it does not stand out unnecessarily.</p> <h2>To highlight or to not?</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-14-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Highlighters can be used to make certain areas of your face stand out, if done right they can impart you a youthful glow, however one must know which areas of the face to highlight. The smile lines and the creases of the eyelid are absolute no go areas. Restrict yourself to the upper cheek bone and the centre of the eyelids. Stick to liquid highlighters, as they do not tend to appear flaky.</p> <h2>Do not forget to blend:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-15-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>One key mistake that women tend to make when not applying makeup, is forgetting to adequately blend. As we age fine lines and pigmentation take over, blending your makeup is crucial. Blend the foundation, the contouring shades and even the eye shadows to evenly hide those imperfections. Use the correct tools such as the popular beauty blender or the softer stipple brushes rather thick hard ones. Care to invest in a brush set for daily application of makeup, so that you stand out from the average crowd.</p> <h2>Let’s not forget the primer:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-16-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>A good primer formulation can make your makeup last all day, allows you to minimize the appearance of pores, allowing for an even smooth application. A primer serves to ‘prime’ the skin before the application of makeup, hydrating it or mattefying it, depending on your skin type reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Allow the primer to dry before the application of makeup, to achieve everlasting effects.</p> <h2>Wearing shiny metallic eye shadows:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-17-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Shimmery metallic eye shadows may highlight the imperfections around the eye. It may settle around the under eye area, further bringing attention to the dark circles and eye bags. Use a pearl powder base with matte formulations of eye shadow such as the ones with a satin finish. Use an eye shadow primer to prevent eye shadow from cracking making them last all day!</p> <h2>Arch your eyebrows:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-18-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Eyebrows tend to appear thinner as we age due to over plucking and loss of hair. Using thick liquid formulations to fill in your brows, can result in an absolute disaster. Use powder or pencils to fill in the eyebrows making them slightly arched in the center, for a bold impressive look, do not forget to even out the powder with a brush.</p> <h2>Avoid bleeding lips:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-19-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Start off with a primer for the lips. Be sure to hydrate them so that they not appear chapped. Use a matte formulation of lipstick, lined with lip pencil to neatly apply the lipstick. Finish off with a gloss to keep your lipstick in place, and to make your lips appear dewy and fresh. A gloss and a primer is crucial for tidy application of lipstick. Preventing it to slip out of its place. Bleeding lips can also make you appear really old, so perfect lips are the key to youthful look.</p> <h2>Avoid incorporating too many trends:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-20-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>One should apply makeup according to this era. Trying to amalgamate too many trends at once, can make you look inappropriate. Complement a smokey eye with pastel lip color. If the shade of the lipstick is bright, try toning down the eye color. It is all about balance when it comes to good application of makeup.</p> <h2>Take care of your skin:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-21-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>Good makeup may not be able to do the complete job if you have bad skin. Use a cleanser to thoroughly take the makeup pigments, before sleeping. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove the dead debris and let your skin breathe. Makeup looks best on a flawless healthy skin. Be sure to invest in a proper makeup remover.</p> <h2>Less is more:</h2> <img src="https://cdnone.netlify.com/db/2017/10/c-users-zainab-afridi-downloads-3-10-2255-1-22-.jpeg"/>Shutterstock <p>In terms of makeup, an appropriate quantity of product for application is essential. Do not use too much foundation or concealer, for a parched dry look. Apply a pea sized quantity on the right kind of tool, work on your face gradually blending it evenly on the face. Use brush for an even application, fingers will require more effort and will not result in an even application, sponges tend to absorb more product. Wash your makeup products and exercise adequate hygiene and skin care.</p> <p>Makeup can be a difficult art to perfect. It is an essential part of a woman’s life. We spend hours each day before the mirror, perfecting our face, as it is often the first thing people notice about us. Achieving a great look, is crucial for everyday boost of confidence. A makeup can transform an individual, however if overdone, or applied incorrectly it can make you much older. The tips given above are highly useful, be sure to practice them to accomplish the epitome of beauty and perfection.</p> <i></i>