Common Beauty Mistakes that can add Years to your Appearance


Wrong colour and type of foundation

As your skin ages, it becomes drier and fine lines become more visable, so the foundation you wore in your 20’s just won’t suit your skin’s condition in your 30’s, 40’s and so on.  Avoid foundations that are mattifying as you get older or if your skin is dry, instead opt for a foundation that will hydrate your skin.  Try Adorn’s  Porefect & Perfect – loose or liquid foundation with 20+ sun protection factor or try the hydrating cream mineral foundations.  These will not only nourish your skin, but contain mica to scatter and diffuse light which helps to minimise the look of lines and winkles.  When it comes to choosing the right shade, be sure to try foundations in daylight and steer clear of those with peach or pink undertones as they can make skin look dull.  When applying foundation less is best as you want people complimenting you on your beautiful skin – not your makeup! Primers are also a good investment, as they deliver extra moisture and smooth out the complexion.  In most cases a moisturiser is not needed when using a primer – especially if you a have normal to oily skin type. Try Adorn’s Porefect & Perfect – Foundation Base Mineral Skin Primer.

You think there is no need for concealer

Most make-up artists agree that you should have two concealers in your make-up bag:
a highly pigmented one for hiding blemishes and evening out the complexion and a sheer illuminating one for obscuring under-eye circles.  Try Adorn’s Cover Correction Concealer Trio, which includes yellow concealer for hiding red or black tones. Great for that nasty pimple or a late night!  Uneven skin tone is one of the main signs of ageing (think pigmentation and sun spots), so achieving an even complexion is the key to maintaining a youthful appearance.  Avoid concealers that are too thick, as they will just sink into dry skin and accentuate fine lines.  

Not sure what shade to go for?  Select a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation for under the eyes and a shade that matches your foundation for blemishes on the skin.  

You only use brown eye shadow  

Who hasn’t got a brown eye shadow in their make-up bag?  Yes, it’s a beauty must, but it’s time to push those beauty boundaries just a little.  Brown hues are popular, as they tend to work with most skin types, but they can also drain colour from the face. Try choosing formulas with added sparkle or switching to gold and bronze tones instead. Try Adorn’s Eye Create Day/Night Trios for green eyes, blue eyes and brown eyes.  These gorgeous pots are designed to make your own eye colour pop! Aside from colour, texture is an important factor.  Shadows with shimmer or that are frosted tend to draw attention to ‘crepey’ eyelids and cling to wrinkles and should therefore be avoided.

You neglect or over pluck your brows  

Just like the hair on your head, brows get thinner as you age, so one of the quickest and simplest ways to restore youth is to redefine them and go for a fuller look.  Use a powder to fill them in, instead of a pencil as its more natural looking and less harsh than a hard pencil line.  If you’re unsure of the shape, a professional can create your desired look and then commit to maintaining this afterwards.


You see your bronzer like it’s fake tan

While I am not suggesting you ditch your bronzer altogether, it’s important you don’t apply too much, apply it too dark or apply the wrong shade as it can make your complexion look lifeless instead of sun-kissed.  The best way to apply your bronzer is to take a large powder brush and, starting at the midpoint of the forehead, dust two crescent moon shapes along your face and down to your chin (this is also known as the double-C rule).  By doing this, the powder will hit the forehead, the top of your cheekbones and the outside of the jaw line, finishing on your jaw.  Go for lighter shades of bronzer and avoid those that contain too much sparkle, as this can sit in fine lines. Try Adorn’s Face & Body Mineral Bronzer in winter, autumn or summer.


You think blusher belongs in the 80’s  

The beauty of blusher is that it can take years off your face in seconds, as a soft glow is considered a sign of health and vitality.  While some make-up artists say you should go for cream formulas as they give a brighter, more luminous look, others say powder is better, as it gives a long-lasting finish.  Whichever you choose, keep the colour high on your cheek bones and are careful not to apply it to far down the face as it causes the face to look drawn.  This will give lift to the face, especially if you wear a lighter shade on top of the cheek bones and a darker one below.  Keep your complexion fresh with soft pink shades or those that mirror the natural colour of your cheeks when they blush. Try Adorn’s Barely Blushing Mineral Blush in summer, spring or autumn.


Lip liner that is too dark

A dark line drawn around your mouth can actually make lips look smaller and emphasise fine lines.  The key to younger-looking lips is to make them appear more voluminous by using a liner in neutral caramel or pink shades, as lighter colours tend to give the illusion of fullness.  Always use a liner that is the same shade as your lipstick. Make-up artists agree that you should never go outside your lip line.  Use a wax pencil, as they last longer and help prevent your lipstick from bleeding. Try Adorn’s Lip Define Mineral pencils.


You don’t use an eyelash curler

For an instant eye lift, it’s time to use an eyelash curler.  Though they seem time-consuming, they’re easy to use and deliver an immediate eye opener.  Don’t be too harsh when curling and avoid doing it every day, as it can lead to lash breakages.  If you can’t master the manual curler, go for a heated version instead, but again, don’t overuse.  Keep your lashes healthy with a regular coat of eyelash primer under your mascara.  Try Adorn’s Long & Lush Eyelash Primer.


Mascara – Up or down?

Remember this rule when applying your make-up:  Upwards never downwards!!
Never apply anything, especially around your eye area that will drag your eyes down, making them look smaller.  While you may think all mascaras open up the eyes, some formulas do the opposite by weighing them down.  Go for volumising mascaras to create the illusion of long thicker lashes and apply mid-length and out, concentrating on the outer lashes.  Applying mascara too close to the roots can also weigh the lashes down. Avoid coasting your bottom lashes with mascara, as it can smudge and make your eyes look tired –if you must apply to the outer corners only.  Try Adorn’s Lashing Out Mineral Mascara or Volumising, Waterproof Mascara in Black Onyx.

BEAUTIFUL SKIN HABITS:

Apply at least SPF 20+, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when it’s overcast and use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen if you plan on being in the sun for extended periods of time.·    

Invest in natural make-up – pure mineral cosmetics are best, as they do not clog the pores, which is great for acne sufferers and those with sensitive skins.  Beware of mineral make-up imposters and check the ingredients.  Visit www.adornmineralcosmetics.com.au for further info.·    

Drink at least two litres of water throughout the day and skip caffeine, which dehydrates the skin and enhances wrinkles.·    

Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke if you can, as it’s believed to be just as bad for your skin.·    

Don’t drink too much alcohol; it’s another skin dehydrator.·    

Get your sleep, aim for eight hours of shut-eye every night – they don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!·    

Eat foods rich in antioxidants each day.  Munch on richly-coloured fruits and vegetables (such as leafy greens and blueberries).·    

Invest in natural skincare products that suit your individual skin type.  I recommend a visit to your expert dermatologist who is a skin specialist.  They can diagnose your skin type correctly and recommend what is REALLY suited to you and is not just marketing hype.

For information on how Adorn’s Pure & Natural Mineral Make-up can reveal a more beautiful you– please visit www.adornmineralcosmetics.com.au

BrionyK - Adorn Mineral Cosmetics A make-up artist for nearly 10 years, a bridal make-up specialist and an educator of women on the basics of applying flawless make-up.