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Why do I look older with makeup? What am I doing wrong?
QuestionYou could probably go with a more hydrating looking foundation! I’m pretty dry myself and I like more skin-like foundations that give me the benefit of the doubt lol. I like Mac’s original Studio Fix and aboutFace’s foundation. Also you could use a little blush to give some of the color back. Not a bad place to start! :)
I think my primer is from that same MAC series 👀 I’m going to take yours and another commenters advice and see if Sephora will let me snag a few samples of foundation and concealer. Tysm!
For a light and creamy formulation, my go to for like the past five years has been the NARS pure radiant tinted moisturizer! (Combo/dry girlie here)
I’m INCREDIBLY dry and recovering from Excel V laser treatment so have some patchy spots, and Armani’s silk foundation is a DREAM so far! Also at Sephora. It’s $$$$ but they do have “travel sizes” that are slightly cheaper. 🫣
Try the Clinique moisture surge tinted moisturizer. It makes you look so youthful!
Girly the problem is that you’re using blue eyeshadow when you already have beautiful blue eyes. What you want to do is pick an eyeshadow color on the opposite side of the color wheel to your blue eyes. Think more browns, orange, reds etc. Eye liner on the outer parts of your eyes would look nice too. Like maybe a small wing. Brown or black liner would work on you. And lastly you should get color matched to a concealer that is exactly the same shade as your skin. Maybe go get few samples of concealers you like from sephora, then put on the concealer and go out in natural light to see which color disappears on your skin. That’s what you should use to coverup any blemishes. Butttt tbh girly you’re so pretty I’m fairly sure you can get away with no makeup at all. 🥰
Omg thank you for the detailed response 🥲 I’m taking notes. Do you have dry skin too? It seems that every concealer I’ve tried makes the skin underneath look scaly
Maybe do a lighter lip?!
Yeah my first thought was the lip color isn't doing any favors.
Maybe a matte lip colour would look ‘younger’ too?
I think matte and floral- natural colors do look really good on everyone tbh! I love them! I have small lips and they’re my favorite! I love a good vibrant color but it’s what looks best on for a seamless look I think
Welcome! For your dry skin I would use a primer then a creamy concealer. I think the Tarte shape tape ultra creamy concealer might be a good one to try. Also I forget to mention your eyebrows in my initial comment but I think the Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Tinted Waterproof Eyebrow Gel would be an easy low maintenance eyebrow product that would give your eye brows a more finished look.
Hold on, since we have you here: why do I sometimes look old with red lipstick and sometimes not? It‘s really weird. Is it the nuance or that sometimes people look older than on other days???
I look like a clown with red lip stick. No matter the undertone, brand, formula. Clown
Ughhh finally someone who can understand my struggle. I want to wear a red lip so bad but no matter what I look like a clown. It’s always too much. Do you have large features on your face? My theory is that people with large eyes and big smiles like myself don’t work with red.
I do! I have big round eyes and big smile too! Wtf?! You're right!
Are you talking about the same color red looking different? Or different colors of red lipstick? The undertone makes a huge difference, and if you’re cool toned and wearing a warm red it can look off. Otherwise it could be the rest of the look… like blue eyeshadow with a red lip is probably going to look dated, winged black liner will give 50s vibes. Lighting plays a big role, puffy face/dehydrated skin day… lots of factors, red draws attention too
I don't think you need any lip color because you have naturally berry colored lips, just put on a gloss.
I’ve been taking acne meds since 2015 so my skin is constantly very dry (it’s my pay-off for having clear skin). With that, of course use only liquid products (but I do use setting powder), and before applying any make-up, depending on your dryness, I actually apply oil to my face, and then Vaseline. Then, I apply the primer, foundation, etc. directly on it. Also, I use a shower filter because hard water destroys EVERYONE’s skin, but mine especially would scab from dryness; I looked like the joker because I had cuts on the sides of my mouth going up my cheeks. If not showering, then I use a cup of filtered water from my Brita to wash my face at the sink. I apply oil and Vaseline to my face at night as well, before rinsing off and applying it again in the morning. Also, I was actually told to not use any Tarte products because they’re made from Amazonian clay and clay can be dehydrating.
Yeah I tried all the tarte concealers but they always turned patchy on me
Same. Absolutely terrible concealer and it dries out so fast. And I have extremely oily skin so that says a lot. 😂
It’s weird because back in 2016 it used to be my favorite concealer, idk what happened but the consistency of it nowadays is completely different
Omg same!! Literally had one around 2016 and I loved it sm. But the ones I have tried recently are trash 😔
Oh really? What concealer have you been using these days? I have oily skin too. The shape tape works well on me but I’m always here for suggestions on new things to try.
I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch concealer, I absolutely love it! I use a lighter shade for my under eyes and a regular one for my imperfections and it really helps on hiding my dark spots without committing to a full foundation.
I have combo skin that leans dry and I really like the NYX Bare* With Me Concealer Serum.
Piggybacking off of the other comment, I also have blue eyes and find neutral to cool toned browns really make them pop, but I stay away from oranges and reds because I’m also very pale and they pull way too warm and wash me out. Def try a brown wing too!
I think another issue is that you may not be picking colors that suit your skin and make you glow - look into color seasons. I think the grey top in your initial photo is more flattering than the black top which is washing you out. I recently learned I’m a light summer and wearing colors in my palette have definitely made me look more youthful. Good luck!
I wishhhh Sephora would do an in store color match using color theory. Like they bring out swatches of the different seasons and match us to one. So many people don’t know what colors suit them best and it’s important.
That would be so cool!! That’s a really great idea
yes
The elf hydrating concealer has honestly been a life saver for my super dry skin. I also always have to skin prep if I want to wear any kind of base.
I have dry skin and I make sure hydrate my under eye, let it absorb, use a primer, apply concealer (I use nars radiant creamy concealer) and honestly the biggest difference for me was using a good setting powder (I have Trish mcevoy) it keeps everything in place and I have the least amount of creasing when I do that
NARS has great concealers and you can get it at Sephora. I have dry skin and little creases under my eyes and it works great for me.
Make sure u exfoliate, serum & moisturizer, then the concealer should work well instead of caking up. I us ILMAKIAGE personally, but u don’t seem to need a foundation imo? But if u want that’s a good one. Tarte is my fave for concealer 🩷
That’s why I personally only put concealer on the inner part of my eyes, and being before the crease starts. It’ll brighten your eyes without as much creasing, albeit creasing is super normal.
I like Tarte shape tape extra creamy concealer. I have dry under eyes. Also I like a pot concealer for acne or blemishes.
this is the one
I would definitely suggest a lighter lip and no mascara on the bottom lashes as well! If you wanna define your bottom lid a bit more, try putting matching eyeshadow on the bottom lid and blending well.
I second this post and think you would look great with no foundation, W pattern blush well blended, a little highlighter on the nose bridge and corners of eyes, mascara, eyeliner and a lip gloss ! For dry skin I personally use the original ponds cream at night to get hydration while I sleep.
Because you're using the wrong cosmetics, which make you look like you have very dry skin. you should use something before makeup to moisturize your skin. maybe some additional moisturizing care in the evening would also help. You should also moisturize your lips regularly, then they will look much better. In my opinion, this green eye shadow doesn't suit you at all, you should probably go for more warm, subtle colors or just use eyeliner. Additionally, a bit of pink and bronzer, possibly also highlighter, would go a long way in my opinion. PS. you have wonderful eyes!
Your current eye makeup is making your eyes look smaller, imo. Instead of applying so much eyeshadow, I’d focus on doing it in a way that elongates your eyes such as a cat eye. You can also hit your lower lash line with a brightening eyeliner, maybe consider some eyelashes that add length to the end of your eyes!
I think you’d pull off a really great dewy look too with minimal/no eyeshadow (though I’d still add the lashes in this case!).
I think a lighter color and glossier lip would look great on you. Nyx fat lip oil is my favorite.
You are just like my elder sister: so beautiful but once she wears makeup, it tends to look off on her.
I never thought it could be how she was wearing the makeup, but now that you mention it, I think I have a few tips for you.
I really liked your no makeup brows, so I would skip the brow pen if you used one in the makeup one, and the eye shadow does not suit your fair beautiful skin, so just go with a color that is almost the same shade as your skin. I’m black, and in most YouTube videos I watch, it’s usually a deep brown, almost like a concealer. Then I think a pretty blush color would help give you that youthful look, and a simple lip gloss to keep your lips glossy, and then a mascara. For people as beautiful as you, less is more.
N.B. I have never worn makeup in my life, so if anyone wants to correct me on something I said, please feel free to do so! We are all just trying to learn.
like others mentioned, more moisturizing foundation but maybe add light blush + highlight and keep lips moist or add gloss!
You are literally so stunning, but i agree that the blue eyeshadow really isn't doing you any favors. Imo if you want to do a blue eyeshadow, you have to really go for it as a statement color rather than a light wash of color, otherwise it can make your eyes look gaunt or bruised. Like the other person said, orange is opposite from blue on the color wheel, so it would really make your eyes pop. You could use a copper/bronzey color as a light wash of color if that's the style you want to go for. I also think a darker, warm brown eyeshadow would look really good as an eyeliner.
IMO I think it’s because (besides the way your foundation sets in your forehead) it looks dated? Blue eyeshadow + clumpy mascara I mean. You look better and more youthful without it which I wish was my problem 😂 Also don’t think that lipstain is helping since it makes your lips look uneven
I feel the mascara on her bottom lashes age her eyes. They sorta give her eyes that droopy look. Thin wing on the top eyelid with mascara and no mascara on bottom lids would looks amazing
I look older with make-up, too I think the best for us is only mascara and lipstick, maybe a lil concealer
Same.
What i’d say is to use golden, champagne or bronze tone to open up your beautiful blue eyes and opt for an inner corner highlight. It’ll give a youthful, ethereal glow. Try a light lip shade like Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk set you get the lip liner, lipstick and gloss. Also one day try a nice nude brown or pink lip liner, line the lips and fill them in, then do a pretty gloss. Fenty do lovely glosses and Maybelline Lifter glosses are a cheaper dupe. For blush try Milani Luminoso or Nars Orgasm. I think when make is too much of a harsh contrast against our skin it can age us.
Brown mascara, think K beauty, they have lighter browns Bring luminosity back into your base Use a Satin finish eyeshadow, in a light taupe Gloss lip You have beautiful brows, just brush them through
You look the same age in all pics.
A lot of your features and the colouring you have are what some of us use makeup to mimick. Your eyes are beautiful, a bit of mascara to emphasise them! Your brows are great and you have naturally pigmented lips. Also you have no bags, just a little bit of blue under your eye (which still looks really youthful). Make up is a lot of fun and nice if you want to change your look for a few hours but if you intention is to look "better" i think less is going to be more with your face.
My suggestion would be to at least leave your base as minimal as possible, just a little correction here or there where you need it.
Just my opinion but I think foundation tends to age most people. I ditched it at like 34 lol.
I felt the same and used BB creams when I hit that point. I started using Nivea cream as primer, and swapped to the blue L'oréal Infallible foundation for more coverage and thankfully it looks natural/dewy. Powder always aged me, too, but after swapping to this routine I can hit my face with translucent powder at the end, it absorbs nicely and my makeup stays all day.
the eyeshadow is ageing you. id go for warmer colours, and maybe try cream eyeshadows (the ones your using look a tad chalky which i think is adding to the old-ness).
Less/no mascara on bottom lashes! And everyone has already said different foundation, but you have good skin and could get away with no foundation, too. But
Makeup in general especially heavy eye makeup and darker lips makes people look older. Glowy skin, rosy cheeks and lips look more youthful
You'd look great in an orange-y-red lipstick and a winged eyeliner.
I don't think you look "older"; I think what's happening is the tinted serum is lightening and dulling your natural skin tone without removing the redness. if you're going to go with a tinted serum or moisturizer, I'd go just a touch darker than your natural skin to avoid it looking washed out. that, or go for full coverage or concealer as someone else suggested. you could also do a bit of blush and even bronzer if that feels doable, they both help liven up and balance out color!
I do agree with folks saying to switch up the eyeshadow, but I think also, try only doing the base of your lower lashes. I also have long lashes and they tend to look more natural if you don't cover the lower lashes to the ends.
also what lip stain is that?? I've been trying to find a replacement ever since they stopped making Lipstick Queen and I've come up short (I've tried every color changing lipstick I can get my hands on, no dice so I give up and just want a similar shade lol). I love that color!
Okay something I recently learned, wear your blush higher and only conceal the inner and outer corners of the eye.
I'm in my 30's and I've been doing my contour the same for years. It was frustrating me that some how my make up just wasn't looking the same as it used to and also WHY I looked much older. Yeah, it was because I was wearing my contour too low.
Alsoooo, move your eyeshadow higher. You are wearing it too low and it was making your eyes seem deeper set than they are. I also had to change this up! Here's a good example of what I mean!
Moving it up a bit helped so much!
I have an issue where I suddenly have noticeable forehead wrinkles when I wear foundation certain ways... I combat it by using primer and letting it dry, then only using a small amount of (dewy) foundation on my forehead. Then I use setting powder and a dewy setting spray. Sometimes I even mix in a bit of baby oil in with the foundation all over my face to give it a different look then add setting powder on my T zone. Obviously feel free to adapt! Just some info. Also, you're stunning
I would say to opt for using a tinted moisturizer rather than foundation. The ones I use are Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and the Tower 28 Tinted Sunscreen. And just lightly set with powder, and a good amount of setting spray. I think your foundation is making you look older!
I would use a darker eyeshadow, this one looks kind of messy no offence. Maybe add some eyeliner and a heavier foundation/concealer as well
The first one is without makeup, if so I think you're beautiful naturally, about your makeup I think you could use a little bit of blush and highlighter to accent it
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Placement of blush. Eyeliner.
Pic 3 actually looks good
I think for you the makeup has the opposite effect of aging you- especially the mascara for some reason. So maybe don’t do anything on the eyes and just focus on lips!!
u pick an unsuitable makeup layout for urself, i think u should try clean girl makeup since you have beautiful features and that kind of layout can help enhance your face so muchhhhhhh!
Lots of great tips for you here, but I think you should try using a very light swipe mascara, or maybe a clear mascara and see how it looks without the mascara on the lower lash line.
Also, you have hooded lids, so when you use your new color try just a thin sweep of the color above the outer crease (not in the inner corner).
Dewey/liquid makeup looks youthful. Matte/Powdery finish makeup looks mature. Moisturize real good and lean a lil more dewey w a nice lip gloss maybe
Thissss!! I learned that powder all over my face aged me. I tend to have dry skin so I went for spot powder under my eyes and a bit on my T-zone ♥️♥️♥️
No eye shadow, mascara on the upper lashes only, cat eyeliner
Your eyes already naturally drag down. Lower lashes drag the rest of your eyes down. You want to lift them up by doing your upper lashes & the cat eye.
But also don’t overdo the cat eye length because your eyes are already large.
I also have fine lines that makeup sinks into, some loose setting powder on a puff over those areas would help. I also have really dry skin and I love glossier’s base makeup.
BUT I think the hair is what’s really throwing it off. Specifically that type of updo with a few loose strands is quite a classic older lady hairstyle I think. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but if you’re trying to look younger maybe stay away from that one. Maybe makeup isn’t the issue at all and you should just get a haircut. Some face framing layers maybe.
Are you using foundation? It seems like your skin is dry from it peeling around your nose! Make sure your moisturizer and use a primer before applying foundation
I think the septum ring in the first pic is what makes you look younger.
The lighting in your makeup pics are highlighting the wrinkles on your forehead. You look the same age on both.
the cool tones and the highlighter is the probelm, also it looks like the forehead has slightly creased makeup on it
id suggest something like brown, orange or dark coral and not on the entire lid, blended and strongest towards the outter corner, almost like the start of a wing, but i wouldnt do a wing.
you can try a warm or a brown toned, hydrating, not too glossy but also not really matte drying lipstick, wash your lips with warm water, apply a thick layer of lip balm, let it sit for 15 minutes or more and wipe it off right before you apply lipstick. i think putting not much lipstick in the middle and blending it out, then patting some color from your blending brush or finger onto the little M shape (forgot the name) would suit you and look natural, bold pink toned lipstick is associated with old ladys a lot
Go for a more dewy foundation (and potentially more moisturizing skin prep) and get some blush on your cheeks. The eyeshadow isn't doing you any favors--if you're going to do color, you really have to go big and bold and pack it in there. The wash of color is giving mom in the 90s. But your eyes are stunning, so I'd highly recommend using browns instead to help them really pop.
You could try a primer or a similar colored eye pencil underneath the shadow. It’s applied too sheer and the color pulls ashy so it reads as a little discolored and tired
I tried putting on mascara on my lower lashes like influencers do. Doesn't look good on me. Even eyeliner. Makes me look old. I just use mascara on upper eye lashes. I look fresher. 😁
As others said, better base products, change the eyshadow colour to something warm and a lipgloss instead of something matte and dry
Always use a setting spray to melt all your make up together, i have dry skin and it’a great at stopping my make up settle into fine lines
Everyone has already given great advice, but I just wanna say, blush!! Blush brings a youthfulness, it brightens your complexion, your base is looking a little flat
Look beautiful tho 🤭
Okay so here's how you could test it: 1) Apply foundation and concealer then pause and take a picture. 2) Apply blush then pause to take a picture. 3) Apply lipstick then pause to take a picture 4) Apply eyeshadow then pause to take a pucture 5) Apply mascara and brow pencil then pause to take a picture.
This way you'll know if there's a specific step that's aging you. To me it looks like you can skip doing your brows, for axample. Or rather, only shade in the ends of your brows, and only a little bit.
You are gorgeous, by the way!
I feel like you need like a glowy base and then a more prominent blush or highlight, and I’d opt for a diff shadow color maybe mauve? And a tiny bit of bronzer.
Ditch the blue eyeshadow
I'd recommend to try elf halo glow ( or the charlotte tilbury) as your foundation and spot conceal.
Also embroylisse is an amazing primer for dry skin. I'd swap out the Mac for this one.
Only powder where necessary.
I think because your skin is dry, the pigment in the foundation perhaps looks chalky and dull taking away youthful qualities.
I agree with recommendations re shadow color.
The lip colour doesn't work for you. How about staying makeup free? You indeed look younger .
Your foundation doesn't have good coverage. Experiment with different brands and get a new one.
Also try more contouring, your current one is way too subtle. Try googling eye shadow shapes that make you look younger. (Techniques that enlarge distance between eyes and eyebrows can give you a younger look)
I would moisturize and exfoliate with a sugar scrub on my lips often, i highly recommend to everyone
Makeup ages me too. It doesn't matter how i do it or what i use, i just look better without makeup. Makeup isn't required, if it doesn't suit you then 🤷🏼♀️
But opinion aside, ANYWAY a big thing for myself is that wearing any sort of tint or foundation tends to age me. Don't know why. But i just skip base and focus instead on skincare--you have beautiful skin, so also don't "need" foundation. That might be a good place to try to start and see if you look different to yourself?
Take a look at the veins on your chest and inside of forearm. If they are greenish, check out r/olivemua.
Hey! This might help, too.
Start your liner from around where your pupil sits when you look straight. Start there, draw out to the outer corner of the lid if you are doing wings or want to smudge with pencil- then once you get it generally how you want it at the outer corner, taper it or smudge it just a little nudge towards your inner corner to finish.
I think you should skip the bottom mascara, or swap to a thickening one vs a lengthening or curling mascara like you'd want your upper lashes to have. Tbh Great Lash (the pink and green tube) is not good at all for upper lashes but it's perfect for bottom lashes, you just get a little tint/small amount of definition with one light coat vs spidery tendrils (which may also make you feel aged.)
You can also pat on a touch of highlighter with your finger in the inner corners of your eyes by the tear duct/side of nose bridge, hit the cupids bow and then lightly hit the tip of your nose.
I hope you find some stuff that works for you!💐
I also agree with the others here who said warm colors may suit you better. You'd look lovely in more warm toned pinks, nudes, and apricot colors for blush/lips vs the cool berry/fuschias.
I don’t really think you look much older, but as a dry skinned lady I always recommend a dewy setting spray! Livens up the skin and sets makeup for longer. I like Milk’s hydrogrip setting spray, Charlotte tilbury’s airbrush setting spray, and MAC Fix+, but there are honestly dozens of great high end and drugstore ones.
Most people look older with makeup. Try a makeup no makeup look
Looks like you have slightly hooded eyes, so applying eye shadow all over the lid makes the eyes appear smaller. A good technique for hooded eyes is to apply eyeshadow with eyes open looking straight into the mirror, applying the eyeshadow above and beyond the crease, instead of just on the lid itself. Then on the lid, a lighter, shimmery shade can make the eyes look bigger! Look up hooded eye eyeshadow tutorials and I bet a lot of the techniques will be helpful! And then, as others have said, go for warmer brown/red/pink tones for your eyeshadow, to make the blue of your eyes pop.
it’s all about skin prep. make sure your skin is clean, hydrated, and protected (cleanser moisturizer sunscreen are your basics you want to use daily). then from there choose your makeup based off the finish you’re going for (matte, skin like, dewy)
first of all, you don’t look older in any sense of the word. you’re gorgeous. second of all, i think a clean, dewy makeup style would look so pretty on you!! nyx has a really great dewy finish setting spray. try a liquid highlighter and some fine glitter on the lid, it’d really bring out your eyes 🩵
I heard Wayne Goss say once that foundation is always going to make the skin look older. So, maybe use a more light weight coverage. Also, the colors youre using are a bit dated.
Would you consider some subtle highlights around your face? I found d that as I got older (I’ve got a LOT of years on you haha) I had to lighten the hair up around my face because it started to take on harsh tones over the years. Your hair is beautiful and NOT harsh but you might like the brighter “money pieces” framing your face a little. Ultimately, you have beautiful features and skin and really shouldn’t be hard on yourself. :)
It's the 90s eyeshadow. Single primary(ish) colour washes like that were all the rage back then, especially greens and blues. You can of course still wear them, but not as a single-colour wash like that. Your eye colour and skin tone would look absolutely incredible with rose-brown kind of shades though!
If you have dry skin, I've heard really good things about RMS Beauty primer.
Id just like to say, you have true grey eyes!!! Rarest eye color!
Lighter lips.
I think this colour eyeshadow would make your blue eyes pop!
I think it’s mainly the blue eyeshadow
the about face foundation has saved my life as a dry skin young gal who can look 20 years older with the wrong dry cakey foundation
That foundation looks really dry on you. And the eyeshadow color is a no go. Opt for like a beautiful bronze or warm brown
I have similar creasing on my forehead. To get it to look smooth I use a really good moisturizer, primer (something pore filling), then set it with setting spray before applying any foundation. It keeps the skin under the makeup nice and hydrated. If you have problems with dry skin this can help the whole face as well!
You’re lovely. Try a good moisturizer, conceal only where you need it (no foundation) some blush and lip gloss, and curl your lashes.
Just a general comment but tbh everytime I buy alcohol or anything with no makeup I get carded (when I have a full face of makeup I sometimes don’t) 🤷♀️
Prepping your skin before makeup will go a long way
You don’t look older, you just look more polished.
Because you don’t need it
Ok. She have pretty face and makeup ruining it. Solid 7/10 by 4chan womens hotness scale. And with make up she made herself look much older. Something like 5/10. Just dont use makeup. you really dont need it with how naturally beautifull you are.
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