Let’s face it (no pun
intended), no one stays as young as they want to look forever. Time can be an
enemy for those avoiding the aging process. And not everyone is willing to go
under the knife just to stay that way. Paying a whole lot of money for a little
nip and tuck here and there won’t work for the thrifty. I hope I don’t give off
my age for mentioning this, but if you’ve seen the movie “Death Becomes Her”,
you’ll be quick to empathize with those pining for their once youthful looks. The
movie’s premise is simple; two women take an anti-ageing potion, effectively
reversing the wear and tear of old age. One potion to solve the woes of mature,
career oriented women. Only problem is if they die, they carry on like they’re
still alive, bearing the scars of accidents and death experiences till
eternity. Hilarity ensues when the object of the women’s affections come in the
form of a bumbling plastic surgeon and the fact that their bodies are falling
apart with every little act of carelessness. Feels like they had it pretty easy
with the potion and a plastic surgeon lover…
Now if only life were that
simple. But you don’t need to rush over to the nearest surgeon or dermatologist
or kooky mystic to get a quick fix. There are simpler ways to get that youthful
glow with the power of cosmetics- and you don’t even have to slather your face
with tons of products. These easy-to-follow makeup tips and tricks will make
you look like that 20-something without much hassle.
Moisturize
This sounds so mandatory and it actually is. Think of your skin as a canvas,
before putting on the make-up, it has to be primed. Moisturizing will help
plump mature skin (especially those with wrinkles), effectively helping the
foundation glide on effortlessly.
Aveeno Active Naturals Tinted Moisturizer ($16.99)
contains sunscreen and has a lightweight coverage, enhancing your skin’s
radiance. Tinted moisturizers are time savers, giving off a more natural look.
Foundation
Don’t overdo it. Neither should you overdo concealers. Choose the right shade for your skin tone too. You’ve probably experimented with a sizeable number of foundations and concealers to figure out what works best for your skin tone. How to look younger actually depends on how well you hide your flaws with simple makeup tips and tricks.
Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream (from $13.99) provides complete coverage while
concealing those fine wrinkles and creases and other imperfections. Has a matte
finish and luminous properties without making you look like you swam in a
bathtub full of glitter. Pick a yellowish tone as yellow tones look warmer
thereby making one’s skin look younger. You can get these products with the Groupon 20% off code
The eyes
Ok so how to look younger
instantly? Pay attention to your lovely eyes ladies! Since most aging signs
often show in the corner of your eyes, helpful makeup tips and tricks should be
followed strictly to look younger than your actual age. Say goodbye to shimmery
eye make-up. Neutral colors in matte work best. You don’t need to put more than
2 colors of eye shadow to define your eyes.
Try the Sonia Kashuk Eye Couture
Palette ($19.99) from Target.com. With essential matte shades, the
colours are easy to blend. Remember, less is more! For those with puffy under
eyes, don’t go gaga over the concealer too. Use a concealer one colour lighter
than your skin tone and pat it gently under your eyes. What about mascara; you
say? All you have to do is curl your eyelashes to give the illusion that your
eyelashes are still full of youth and not flat, skip the mascara if you must if
it makes you look like you have spider legs attached to your eyes. Daily
mascara use isn’t healthy for the eyes or the eyelashes, but if you must, one
or two coats will definitely do. Check out Sonia Kashuk’s Dramatically
Defining Eyelash Curler (from $8.99).
Fan of eye-liner? Good news is you can still use eye-liner but
avoid black as this’ll look too harsh. Opt for brown coloured eye-liner instead
to provide that soft, central look. Check out Alma Eye-liner Crayon Contour in
brown ($4.99) for precise definition. Don’t forget to use the Groupon 20% off code
The Lips
These do get thinner with age. Avoid strong, matte colours. Choose colours that make your lips fuller and be careful with colours that bleed (the kind that defines the lines on your lips, getting into every crease available). You can actually use matte lipstick and then add a moisturizing balm on your lips. For a simpler solution, we recommend L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm ($5.99). This is an easy fix; it doesn’t shimmer like mad on your lips, providing it with a healthy tinge instead. Get this with our Target Promo code.
The cheeks
What? No face powder? Skip it. It’ll make your face look cakey with the moisturizer and foundation. No powder blush either? We’d recommend you use a cream blush instead, just pick the right skin tone as usual. You’re aiming for that healthy flush to the cheeks and not the look of someone slapping the red into you. Try using Maybelline New York’s Dream Bouncy Blush ($7.99).
Subtle highlighting will also work. Don’t go overboard with
highlighting the brow bones to your cheek bones (now form a letter ‘C’ from the
points I’ve mentioned). Also add some highlighter to the bridge of your nose.
Definitely no shimmer. Subtle is best here. Try using Maybelline’s
DreamLumi Touch Concealer, Highlighting, Radiant 310 (from $7.99).
Both products are available on Kmart. Use Groupon 20% off code to save more!
That fountain of youth will
remain elusive for now. But these makeup tips and tricks are just some tactics
to make yourself fresher and younger in looks. With the right make-up, a
healthy diet (hydration ring a bell?) and confidence, you’ll glow. This isn’t
cheating your way into youth; it’s enhancing what you have for the present. As
we age, less becomes more. If there’s such a thing as dressing your age,
there’s also putting on makeup for your age. The trends you were used to before
may not work on you now (if it still does then lucky you!). One more factor to
looking young? Smile. It adds allure and a sense of luminescence to anyone’s
face, no matter the age!
