Makeup Mistakes That Add 10 Years.

The wrong makeup choices can pile on the years to your look. If this is not your intention, which I seriously doubt, then please, please take heed of these life changing tips. Follow these quick tricks to ensure you stay on top and looking as young as you should :

Allowing foundation, concealer or powder to settle into the fine lines.

Too much makeup can cake up into areas and often exaggerate fine lines even more. It also gives a flat, dull, lifeless appearance when the skin is covered in too much makeup. Once you have applied your foundation and concealer with a brush, take a cotton tip and remove the excess gathered in any fine lines . Then use a damp makeup sponge and pat it over the face to create a softer finish.

Eyebrows too heavily covered.

They look unnatural when pencilled in too dark and dense. Instead choose a colour that is close to your natural colour and using a fine slanted brush, dip into soft brow shadow and lightly stroke through your eyebrow.

Not wearing enough eyeliner or wearing a very thick line

The power of eyeliner shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s a great way to help lift the corners of the eyes. As we age the outer corners start to droop a little. By applying a thin, eyeliner, extending up and outwards towards the end will create an illusion of lift. A line that is too thick will also close up the eye, making the eye- lid seem hooded.

Misplaced blush and too much colour

Stripy blush is unforgiving and looks harsh at the best of times. Go for sheer softness, which will flatter any face shape. Try a gel formula as this gives a natural texture that melts into skin instead of sitting on top and looking heavy. Blend well.

Wearing a darker foundation than your neck, leaving makeup line around the jaw

Nothing is worse than foundation looking like a mask. Draws the eye down and makes your skin colour unnatural. Foundation should look like second skin, radiant and fresh. Match perfectly so you look flawless.

Forgetting to remove your makeup at night before sleeping.

Skin needs to breathe and cells regenerate. Night time is one of the only opportunities our skin has to rest. Tired skin can age you.

Dehydrated skin – must moisturise day and night

The secret to flawless vibrant skin is maintaining hydration and a good moisturiser is the key. Prevents skin from cracking and developing pre-mature aging and wrinkles.

Not using sunblock

These days it’s a sin to not protect the skin with sunscreen. Most lines and wrinkles are from too much sun- exposure. The sun’s rays can dry the skin out and we need to protect the skins health and vitality.

Eyebrows too thin and highly arched

Incorrectly plucked eyebrows throw your face off balance. The shape and length of eye is framed by the arch and thickness of the brow. Have an expert shape them for you, then, later as they grow, you can follow the initial shape.

Too much mascara, clumpy and gluggy

Draws attention away from your features and looks outdated. Also closes the eye up a little. Try curling the lashes to extend their length and use a mascara wand with thick fat brush for extra fullness and eye opening doll like lashes.

Over zealous with bronzer

Too much bronzer all over flattens the tone of the skin. We still want to keep the youthful healthy holiday tan glow, so keep it to a dusting around the perimeter of the face and across the cheeks. Stay clear of putting too much around the eyes and mouth, this will only drag everything down.

Avoid too strong contour under the cheeks

Looks stripy and harsh.If you are slim, it will make you look gaunt. For that happy, young, healthy, look, swirl peach/pink blush on the apples of the cheeks to add a touch of colour and youth.

Frosty eye-shadow

Too much shimmer and metallic shine is not always flattering as we get older. Best to highlight the right areas, so avoid metallic and shimmers near crow’s feet and noticeable wrinkles, instead opt for eyeshadows with subtle sheen.

Wearing the wrong lipstick colour and too dark

Iridescent and pearl colour lipsticks don’t work so well after a certain age. Choose a formula that has moist sheen and add gloss on top of thin lips to make them appear fuller. Dark colours make the lips look mean and drab.

Not removing dead skin by exfoliating

Make sure to exfoliate the skin regularly. Dead skin keeps skin looking dull and you lose the smooth texture.

Yes I know there are 15 common mistakes here but better more than less to learn from. You know, there are even more than this now I’ve had a little time to think about them, but enough for now. Implement some or most of these and you will always be looking younger and stylish, no matter what your age may be.

… and just for good measure, here are my 4 BIG Beauty mistakes

• -neglecting to moisturise neck and hands
• -bold harsh blunt haircuts
• -hair colour too dark for face
• too much botox!!!!

"Live Life & Be Beautiful"

Belinda Zollo

Founder - Zollo Makeup Academy