The Millennial Makeup Mistakes That Age You, According to Beauty Expert

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, millennials, but some of your tried-and-tested makeup techniques may be doing you a disservice.

Fear not, though, as beauty expert Shira Ben has posted an informative video on TikTok about the common makeup mistakes that may be aging you.

The video, which has received more than 665,000 views since Ben posted it on April 5, shares five “simple changes” for those who want to learn how to create a more youthful appearance with their products. Newsweek has contacted Ben for comment via email.

5 Makeup Mistakes That Are Aging You

Applying a Dark Brown Eyeshadow Crease

Ben urged viewers to stop “running a dark brown eyeshadow directly into the crease of your eye.” This technique can make your eyes appear older by making them look smaller, whereas a brighter and more open look is the goal.

The makeup artist said to “instead run a medium brown shadow and a fluffy brush slightly above the crease of your eye.” She added, “My eye looks double the size.”

Using Eyeliner Techniques From 2016

If your go-to eyeliner look is still a thick black wing with “2016 Ariana Grande” energy, this is your chance to remove its grip on you and bring your makeup routine into 2024. (Ari, if you’re reading, this rule will never apply to you. Keep wearing that wing!)

To soften the eye area for a more youthful appearance, Ben said “to try a smoked-out brown liner.” A smoked-out eyeliner can help lift the eye area without the harshness and heaviness that comes with a black eyeliner.

Having Poor Blush Placement

Where you place your products can completely change your face shape—especially with those that add dimension and depth, such as blush.

If your blush doesn’t look quite right, Ben thinks it may be because “you’re applying your blush too low down, and you’re not blending it out.”

To remedy this, she said to “apply your blush a little higher up on the apple of your cheek, and make sure to give it a good blend.”

Sculpting Without Contour

You may have been told to use contour to accentuate your cheekbones, but testing a new placement with less product can lead to a more lifted look overall.

Less is more, so instead of drawing a line under your cheekbone from your ear to your mouth with a contour wand, place three to four dots going upward from your cheekbone to the edge of your brow bone. This technique could “give your face an instant lift,” Ben said. It also warms the face where it would naturally catch color in the sun.

Not Choosing the Right Lipstick

When it comes to lipstick, there are two elements to consider: shade and formula. Selecting a shade that doesn’t complement your skin tone or choosing a drying formula that won’t sit well on your lips could age your mouth—that applies to lipsticks, stains, glosses, liners, balms and more.

Ben suggested using “something vibrant and hydrating” for a youthful lip color.

What Do the Comments Say?

Viewers who have already implemented the changes spoke about their successes, with one writing, “Smoked brown liner was a total game changer when I figured that out.”

“Yes!!! This is such good advice,” another added. “I’m almost 30 and trying to have a glow up and these are some of the tricks I’ve been following, and it’s made a huge difference!”

Other viewers made it clear that they were attached to their makeup techniques and staple products, particularly the winged eyeliner.

“I actually like the black eyeliner better on you,” a commenter wrote. “I’m 52 and still wearing it. It’s all I know. Hopefully I don’t look hideous.”

“You’ll never take my wing eyeliner from me,” another added.

“I’m going to be 90 with a cat eye,” a user said.