Makeup tricks that can make you look five years younger

By Andrea Claire for Yahoo! Southeast Asia

It’s funny how when we are young we try to look more grown-up by adding makeup. Now that you’ve actually grown, the reverse applies: less makeup can make you look younger. Here’s a makeup strategy to retain that youthful look.

Before you put anything on:  A fresh glow is the basis for all youthful looking skin. Get on a skincare regimen that hydrates and smoothes your skin. Don’t forget your SPF! (Learn more about good skincare habits)

Now try these steps:

Step 1:Getting to “first base” keeps you young at heart and radiant. Start with a liquid foundation that evens out skin’s uneven textures and pigmentation. Lightly set with a loose powder, then use blot films for the rest of the day, to take access oil away. Beware of powder use – it can age you when you apply layer upon layer. Try FACEatelier Ultra Foundation, although rich in colour it has a light-weight quality that feels like “second skin”.

Step 2: Stay away from “cake face.” Heavy concealers will crease and work into your fine lines, accentuating them. Instead, try creams that have light-reflecting benefits, like Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment.
TIP! For those with extreme “panda” eyes, gently pat to blend your concealer, as opposed to heavily layering it on.

Step 3: Fresh cheek / sculpting combo. Slight sculpting will add definition and lift; apply a hint of bronzer in your cheek hollows followed by a sheer flush of colour for a youthful glow. Try the Sephora Collection Sculpting Disc.

Step 4: Defined eyes.  The two key words for looking younger are “Glow” and “Definition,” and this especially relevant for your eye makeup. Add some glow via a hint of champagne-hued shimmer will lift the eye and take off five years. Apply in the inner eye area around the tear duct, at your brow arch, mid-lid and outer corner. Then, add definition with a hint of gel liner or powder at the lash line. Stay away from black as it can look harsh and ageing – try an earthy plum or chocolate brown. Use MAC Cosmetics eye shadow in Shroom paired with Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink
TIP! Stay away from white or silver shadows which will look harsh drawing attention to ageing eyes.

Step 5: Luscious lips. As we age, our natural lip colour tends to fade, as well as our natural lip lines. Try adding a base with a lip plumper, or use a collagen infused lipstick. Lip liner is a must and applying liner after your lipstick can define the edges without leaving them too looking geometric, especially if you are lip liner newbie. If you prefer to user liner prior to lipstick, fill in your entire lip otherwise you could be caught with the horrid ring around your lip. Opt for creamy pigmented colours as opposed to frosty, shimmer lip colours. Gloss is ok as long as it’s not frosty Barbie pink. Try DuWop Prime Venom or L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Anti-Aging Serum

Where to get it:

FACEatelier at online store Luxola
Soap & Glory, DuWop and Sephora at Sephora outlets at Ngee Ann City, Ion, Great World City
MAC at MAC stores and at leading department stores
L’Oreal at Watson’s and Guardian outlets

Andrea Claire is a top hair and makeup artist who’s worked with several international celebrities. Check out her blog at http://www.andreaclaire.onsugar.com