Looking Good - January 6, 2016

*-- Makeup Tricks to Avoid --*
Makeup tricks are supposed to help us, not hurt us and if you are using the wrong ones, you could be actually adding the years to your complexion. Not all makeup tips and tricks are suitable for all women so if you are looking for ways to create the illusion of a younger complexion, you will have to be very careful about which techniques you choose. If you're clueless about the whole concept, make note of the following makeup tricks that should be avoided.

Concealer is meant to even out the complexion and make flaws such as blemishes and dark areas under the eyes disappear. While concealer has been a God-send to many women, misusing this makeup item will only do more harm than good. It is wise to avoid using too much concealer - especially under the eye area. Only a small amount is needed and using a good brush will properly blend the color into your complexion. It is not meant to be used in layers around your whole eye area. This make your eyes look strange and anything but youthfully natural.

Speaking of laying on too much concealer, it is also best to avoid putting on too much foundation. You may think that extra foundation will eliminate your fine lines, wrinkles and create an overall smoother complexion but in reality it will create a mask that will not only make you look older, but scary. To prevent this, use a makeup sponge and gently press it onto your complexion to remove excess foundation. Dab, don't rub.

Mascara does wonders to open up the eye area and draw attention to your peepers but if you think that using a lot of mascara on your lower lashes is a great trick for hiding your age lines around the eye area, think again. This so-called makeup trick can actually bring more attention to these flaws. Instead stick to mascara on your top lashes, which will really open up your eyes in a good way. Make sure to curl your lashes before applying the mascara, which adds to the illusion of bigger, more youthful looking eyes.

If you're noticing that your lips are thinning out a bit as you get older, don't fret, this is a natural part of the aging process. However, if you want to use makeup to create a younger, fuller looking pout, then you will want to choose wisely when it comes to lip colors. Believe it or not, you'll want to stay away from heavy, bright lipstick colors as well as dark shades and hues that are very shiny or metallic. These only serve to enhance your thinning lips and are very unflattering. Instead, avoid these altogether and turn to sheer lip gloss, which is easier to apply. The shine of the gloss automatically gives off the illusion of fuller lips in a way that appears more natural and not so in your face.

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