5 eye makeup mistakes that make you look older -

Whether you’re a mascara addict or wouldn’t be seen outside without your trusty eyeliner flicks, eye makeup can help give us a signature style and add definition and interest to the face.

However, if applied incorrectly, eye makeup can have less than desirable effects, including making us look older.

we asked Caroline Barnes, makeup artist and Max Factor ambassador, to reveal some of the most common mistakes she sees people make with their eye makeup, and how we can make sure ours is flattering rather than ageing.

5 eye makeup mistakes that make you look older

1. Not having enough hydration around the eye

Failing to keep the skin around your eyes nourished and hydrated will lead to a tired, crepey effect, making the skin look older than it is.

If you’re planning to make your eyes a focal point, then it’s worth moisturising this area. “Boost hydration by using serums, eye creams or rejuvenating primers,”advises Caroline.

Our testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been busy researching the best eye creams and the Temple Spa Eye Truffle Complete Eye Rejuvenation cream came out on top.

2. Using powder eyeshadow

“A powdery eyeshadow on older eyes can look quite flat,” explains Caroline. Powder is also likely to settle in any creases around the eye, which can have the effect of highlighting them.

Caroline advises opting for a cream eyeshadow instead. “This will give a softer, more modern finish to your eyelids,” she says.

Our GHI experts recommend the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow. They said it’s super easy to apply and a little goes a long way with this product. Plus it has a lovely silky-smooth texture!

3. Mattifying the skin around your eyes

If you’re a bit slap-happy with the face powder, it might be time to tone it down a touch, as the area around the eye generally doesn’t need mattifying and doing so can actually make you look older.

“The skin around your eyes is much thinner than the rest of your face and doesn’t need that matte effect,” says Caroline. “If you feel you do need to absorb excess oils around your eyes, use eyelid primer or a very fine translucent powder instead.”

4. Wearing droopy eyeliner

“Graphic eyeliner can give your look a sharp finish, but it doesn’t work if the skin has softened, as it can look droopy rather than angular,” says Caroline.

“Instead, choose a smudged kohl pencil, which is much softer,” she recommends.