7 Ways to Look Younger Instantly With Makeup

Skin First, Makeup Second

When it comes to looking younger with makeup, makeup artist to the stars—think Gigi and Chrissy Teigen—Patrick Ta says to focus on your skin care first. “I find that the base of great makeup starts from healthy skin,” he adds. “Always wash your face morning and night, exfoliate at least three times a week, and have a skin-care routine that best fits your skin’s needs.” His personal lineup: all things La Mer. “I love the Renewal Oil ($260), Eye Concentrate ($245) and Lip Balm ($75).”

Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder agrees, and says to think about what makes skin look young and try to emulate that. “It’s a dewiness and a freshness coupled with a nice rosy glow,” she says. “To achieve that look, I love using nice, dewy skin care.” Blunder’s best radiant-skin trick: “Look for a salve or balm to use under your makeup,” she says. “I love the Biography oils.”

Be Choosy With Your Blush 

“Blush looks so youthful and fresh,” says Blunder “Don’t be afraid of it!”

For cheek color that glides on and won’t settle in wrinkles, cream blush should be your go-to. Blunder says her newly launched Liquid Flush ($28) colors “work great on all ages because they really mimic a natural flush without looking like you’re wearing anything on top of your skin.”

But, don’t just apply your cream blush anywhere. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin offers up a helpful tip: instead of smiling and applying blush to the apple of the cheeks, “apply it with your natural resting face, and apply it a little higher on the cheek—it draws up the eye and brings life to the face!” 

Location, Location, Location

Carefully applying your makeup in the proper places—and avoiding others—can instantly shave years off of your appearance. “The key is to not over-apply anything and keep product focused just on areas you need it, rather than applying a heavy layer of anything all over,” says Blunder.

Ta recommends applying bronzer to the highest point of the hallows of your cheekbones before applying blush to the apples of the cheeks, blending up into the bronzer. 

“This will give the illusion of lifted cheekbones without harsh lines,” he says. Another tip: “I also always bring my bronzer and blush shades into the crease of my eyeshadow looks for a monochromatic blend that will also help lift the eyes.”

The Creamier, the Better

Sure, they’re easier to apply when you’re in a pinch, but Irwin says staying away from powder formulas is a sure way to keep skin looking younger. “Instead, cream products give a youthful glow and help draw moisture into the skin,” she explains. Another bonus: creamy formulas—we love this Sun Melt Bronzer ($30) from Saie—are less likely to settle into fine lines. 

Apply Your Moisturizer The Right Way

Every great makeup look starts with a good moisturizer (we’re currently loving the best-selling Three Ships Radiance Cream). However, how you apply is just as important as what you use. “I love when skin in a little damp right after you’ve washed your face and you can massage on your moisturizer like someone is giving you a mini facial,” says celebrity makeup artist Liset Garza. The result? An instant glow way before you apply any makeup.

Consider a Tinted Moisturizer

“For youthful and glowing skin, invest in a tinted moisturizer with a yellowish base to it,” Garza suggests. “It warms up skin for an instantly youthful look.” For an even more natural look, she advises using your hands to apply it. Ones to try: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($48) (Garza’s favorite) and ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48) for a superlight finish.

Toss Your Black Liner

Take the focus away from your fine lines and bring it to your eyes with the right eyeliner. Garza advises to switch out your black shade for a brown one. “Your lashes will look fuller and more natural,” she says. The best way to do that is by using a gel liner because they are easy to control and deliver the rich color you need. “My favorite one to use is Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner ($28).” For a steady line, give Benefit Cosmetics’ They’re Real! Xtreme Precision Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($24) a try in shade Xtra Brown.