is your make-up ageing you: eyes and brows
You never forget to cleanse, are generous with your moisturiser, and know that eye creams should only ever be lightly patted on. Still, you look older than your age. How can this be? The answer could lie in your make-up bag. Here are the common beauty mistakes that may be responsible for adding years to your appearance.
You think eyelash curlers equal high-maintenance beauty
For an instant eye lift, it’s time to embrace your eyelash curler. Though they look like a time-consuming contraption, they’re easy to use and deliver an immediate wake-up call to eyes. Make-up artist Elsa Morgan warns against being too overzealous when curling and to avoid doing it every day as it can lead to breakages. If you can’t master the manual curler, go for a heated version instead, like Lash Wand Heated Eyelash Curler, $32, by ModelCo, 02 8354 6700, but again, don’t overuse. Keep your lashes healthy with a regular coat of eyelash primer under your mascara, like PureLash Lash Extender & Conditioner, $32, by Jane Iredale, 1300 850 008.
You can’t wield a mascara wand
Remember this rule when applying your make-up: upwards not downwards. Never apply anything, especially around your eye area, that will drag eyes down, making them look smaller. While you may think all mascaras open up the eyes, some formulas do the opposite by weighing them down. Morgan recommends going for volumising mascaras to create the illusion of longer, thicker lashes. “These are great for plumping and curling lashes at the same time,” she says. Avoid coating your bottom lashes with mascara, as it can smudge and make your eyes look tired. Try Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, $46, by Estée Lauder, 1800 061 326, and Diorshow Black Out Backstage Makeup mascara, $51, by Dior, 02 9695 4800.
You’re loyal to just one shade of shadow
Who hasn’t got a brown eyeshadow in their make-up bag? Yes, it’s a beauty must, but it’s time to push those beauty boundaries just a little. Brown hues are popular, as they tend to work with most skin types, but they can also drain colour from the face. Side-step this dilemma by choosing formulas with added sparkle or switching to gold and bronze tones instead. As well as the colour, texture should be an important factor. “Highly pearlised or frosted shadows tend to exacerbate ‘crepey’ eyelids and cling to wrinkles, and should therefore be avoided,” says make-up artist Janet Pardo. We love Bronzing Beauty Kit for Face and Eyes, $58, by Elizabeth Arden, 1800 015 500, and Carnet de Voyage Smooth Eye Colour Quad, $69, by Lancôme, 02 9931 8888.
You apply the thin-is-in rule to your brows
Like the hair on your head, brows get thinner as you age, so one of the quickest and simplest ways to restore youth is to redefine them and go for a fuller look. Plus, Ashley Olsen is wearing her brows a little thicker these days, so you know it’s on trend. Pardo suggests always using a powder to fill them in, instead of a pencil. “It’s so much softer and less fake than a hard pencil line,” she says. Brow Kit, $30, by Bloom, 03 9421 0200, contains a powder and tinted wax so you get a natural look with hold. If you’re unsure of the shape, get a professional to create your desired look, then commit to maintaining this afterwards.
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