A younger looking you is easy and simple. Just follow these beauty techniques and keep that youthful glow. Sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Younger: Use Primer
If you’re old enough for laugh lines, a skin care makeover can give you a fresher, younger look. Our skin dries and thins with age, so products used five years ago may look quite matronly today. A better routine calls for skin primer, according to Robin Rylant, a celebrity makeup artist who’s worked with Celine Dion. A high-quality primer fills in small wrinkles, making them less visible.
Younger: No Thick Foundation
If you still slather foundation directly over aging skin, you’re likely adding years to your look. That thick top coat tends to break into deep cracks, which look far worse than the fine lines you’re trying to hide. Instead, apply moisturizer, primer, then a light liquid foundation for additional skin-plumping moisture. Tap it in gently with a sponge, rather than rubbing it in.
Younger: Avoid Clown Eyes
Applying flattering eye makeup requires precision. Unfortunately, eyesight tends to decline with age. If you don’t see as well, you may not get the makeup on correctly. The results can include clownish amounts of eye shadow or crooked eyeliner. The solution: Get yourself a good magnifying mirror.
Younger: Enhance the Shape of the Eye
As we age, the eyelids tend to droop, so the goal is to draw attention away from the lid and toward the actual eye. Eyeliner is the key. Apply it in a thin streak along the line where the lashes begin, top and bottom. This will enhance the shape of your eye and create the illusion of thicker lashes. Use soft shades and a light touch when applying eye shadow.
Younger: Put Eyebrows Back On
Eyebrows are extremely important because they frame the face. But the brows tend to grow thinner and grayer with age. To put eyebrows back on, use eyebrow pencil that complements your hair color. Placing powder over the pencil will help it stay put. Some people choose to have eyebrows permanently tattooed, but the FDA and Consumer Reports has raised safety concerns about this practice.
Younger: Don’t Let the Lips ‘Bleed’
Few things draw attention to wrinkles like bleeding lip color. This happens because lipstick is a cream, and it tends to slip into any low spaces, including the lines around your lips. To keep color from traveling, use moisturizer, then coat the lips with foundation before applying lipstick.
Younger: Plump Up the Lips
Use these three steps for creating plumper, younger-looking lips. Begin by coating the lips with foundation. Next, line the lips and fill them in completely with pencil. Finally, use a lipstick brush to apply a lip-plumping lipstick. Choose a color with enough pigment to enhance the lips without being over-the-top bright.
Younger: Keep Lips Moist
Even the best quality makeup will have a tough time concealing dry, flaky lips. For this reason, it’s essential to moisturize often. Lip balms with shea butter, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E work well. Look for a product with sunscreen to protect against the sun’s drying effect. If you use extended-wear lipstick, be sure to let the stain dry completely before applying lip balm.
Younger: Whiten Stained Teeth
Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains so your teeth look about one shade lighter. To go deeper, try peroxide-based whitening gels or strips. These products bleach the enamel of your teeth to change your natural tooth color. For the most dramatic results, an in-office treatment with your dentist can make the teeth visibly whiter in less than an hour. Several treatments may be needed to get the desired shade.
Younger: Rejuvenate Tired Eyes
If your eyes look tired, the most obvious solution may be to get more rest. Sleep triggers the release of hormones that help the skin remain thicker and more elastic. To reduce eye puffiness, cut back on salt and stay well hydrated. You can also try soothing swollen eyes with cool cucumber slices or moist tea bags.