Old rule: Shimmery makeup is taboo in the daytime (or if you’re over 30).
New rule: Shimmer can flatter anyone, anytime. Today’s formulas, which are no longer garish and glittery, can actually make you look younger because they contain finely ground, light-reflecting particles that give skin a soft glow. A wider range of shades, like camel and pink, allows shimmer to be worn day and night. But limit the luminous look to no more than two features at a time. For example, if you go for shimmery eyes and lips, keep your cheeks matte.
Old rule: Your everyday lipstick should match the rest of your makeup.
New rule: Match lipstick to your skin. Shopping for lipstick can be tricky. Rather than selecting a shade based on the rest of your makeup, look for one that complements your lips’ natural pigment. (Flesh-toned colors, such as pinky brown, nude, and soft rose, tend to look good on most people.) For special occasions, choose a brighter, more dramatic hue in the same color family. If you normally wear a pinky brown, for example, a berry tone will work for you.
Old rule: Apply foundation all over.
New rule: Use foundation to spot-treat discolored or blotchy areas. Covering your entire face with foundation is not only a huge time zapper, but it can look masklike. The fresh take: Apply base to uneven or red areas, such as your nose, cheeks, and chin. Using your fingertip or a cosmetic sponge, dab some on and blend outward toward your jaw and hairline.
Old rule: Lipstick always needs liner.
New rule: Liner is for dressier occasions. Liner helps define lips and creates a border to keep lipstick from bleeding. However, wearing it every day is like always pairing hose with heels—it can look dated and too fussy. Whether you have naturally well-defined lips or need help creating a clean line, a lip brush (a small, firm brush with a flat or pointy tip) offers results similar to liner, but looks softer. Use the edges of the brush to trace your lips’ natural line and then fill in with a sweeping stroke.
Old rule: Match eye shadow to eye color.
New rule: Eye shadow should contrast with your eyes. Tone-on-tone colors make eyes less noticeable. Instead, a hue that’s in the opposite color spectrum will make peepers pop. For example, if you have blue eyes, try lilac or light pink; for brown eyes, opt for emerald green or deep plum; and for green eyes, use gold or coral tones.
Old rule: Eye makeup goes on after foundation, concealer, and blush.
New rule: Apply eye makeup first. Putting eye makeup on last means that specks of shadow will inevitably fall onto your face. When you fix these goofs, you tend to rub off the rest of your makeup. The solution: Apply eye makeup first. Start with eye shadow, brushing off any excess. Then swipe on eyeliner, smudging any harsh edges. Finish with a coat of mascara. Now move on to foundation, blush, or bronzer. Not having to reapply or touch up will save you time and energy. MORE: 8 Makeup Mistakes That Age You
