The world is filled with makeup rules that may have started with good intentions but have since gone way wrong. Pro makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor busts some of the biggest offenders—and tells you what to do instead.
Makeup myth: Shimmery eyeshadow accentuates wrinkles
Truth: Coco Chanel was known for wearing white blouses and multiple strands of pearls to bounce light around her neck, which she believed made her look younger and more glowing. The same concept works on your eyes. Sparkling shadows brighten eyes by distracting from imperfections like dark circles. And the shimmering particles break up light, creating their own unique texture that hides roughness and wrinkles on lids.
Application tip: Don't forget your neck
Apply foundation to the center of the face, and blend it out with a foundation brush or damp sponge. Then use a large powder brush to apply powder bronzer to your neck, so your neck and face will match each other. For women with a golden or yellow undertone who need a little more color, choose a foundation that's one shade darker and has peachy tone.
For women with ivory skin, choose a color with a little pink in it. For women with deep ebony complexions that look more olive, add warmth with a shade that is no lighter or darker than your skin tone but has a little more red or terra-cotta color to it, which will balance out the green pigments in your skin.
Makeup myth: Bright blush looks unnatural
Truth: Avoid dull shades that look washed out, and don't add richness to your complexion. A bright color, applied softly, will look natural, but it will also combat signs of fatigue. A sheer application of bright peach, pink, or even red will mimic a natural flush better than a dusty rose color. Skipping blush altogether, especially when wearing foundation, leaves a bare face looking a little too neutral to look natural.
Application tip: Strategically place your shimmer
Using shimmering beige, pink, or gold on the lids and the inner corners of the eyes wakes them up by bringing light to the area. The most foolproof way to apply it is with a chubby eyeshadow pencil. You want to color all over the lids and sketch a sideways letter V at the inner corner of each eye. Consider this trick your instant look-awake move.
Application tip: Layer, layer, layer
Use a foundation brush in soft outward strokes to apply the product over the face. For areas that need more coverage, use the brush to press foundation into the skin, allowing you to build it up in specific spots. Don't be afraid to experiment. If you apply too much, blot a damp sponge anywhere there is excess product to soften it.
Application tip: Use a circular motion
Apply blush in a circular motion, high on the apples of your face where your cheekbones end, about an inch below the outer corners of your eyes. Keeping the flush of color high adds fullness. Just don't go too high; you don't want blush anywhere near your temples.
Makeup myth: Matte skin makes you look younger
Truth: This is the makeup equivalent of saying you have to cut your hair short after a certain age. We're not sure who started this silly rumor, but just like healthy, shiny hair, you can never go wrong with glowing, freshly moisturized skin. Keep your skin refreshed with a facial treatment oil and a dewy foundation.
