Aren't you tired of hearing about all these cremes, lotions, potions and basic voodoo to stop aging?  Rather than blowing lots of cash on miracle creams, you might be better off considering how you wear your makeup-for a lot of women, it's their makeup techniques that is the main culprit.  Here are 5 common makeup mistakes that age you, and how you can fix it.

1) THAT'S TOO MUCH!!

Now we've all seen this, the woman who just can't say no (and no guys not in a good way).  It's the woman who doesn't know when to stop with the makeup.  The worst is when there's too much foundation and concealer-a sure fire way to age your skin.  Less is best, and the more natural skin peeking through, the younger it actually makes you look.  So just make sure you keep your skin hydrated (with a decent face cream depending on your skin type), and you'll take years off your face.

2) MY NAME IS PALE FACE

I know, you've always been told to go for a foundation that's a shade or two lighter from your natural skin tone-however, did you know this can actually end up aging you.  All of a sudden those fine lines are noticeable and you're looking a little wise for your wear.  Instead, go for a foundation shade that's a little darker and reflects light, and you'll be amazed what  a difference it makes. Makeup companies have clued into this fact, which is why you see so much more light reflecting foundation.  We've said it before and we'll say it again-Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundation ($58) is our top pick.

3) LAY OFF THE POWDER

Powder is a your worst enemy when you're starting to get those fine lines.  Unfortunately it tends to collect and just screams attention to those crow feet or aging skin.  Instead, avoid powders around the eye area and keep your blush to a whipped formula.  Yves Saint Laurent's Creme De Blush ($38US/$42CDN) is the perfect choice, it's a creme formula and it comes in the perfect neutral shades-much more flattering than darker tones on any skin tone.

4) DON'T FORGET YOUR LASHES

Mascara is wonderful for opening up your eyes and brightening your look-if it's done right, it can takes years off your face. A common mistake is to apply it to both the upper and lower lids-not a good idea.  Stick to only doing the upper lashes (heavy lower lashes will draw attention to wrinkles and dark circles), and go for a dark shade to really bring them out.   The same goes for eyeliner, stick to the upper lids and make it thicker on the outer edges, it helps lift older eyes.  Our pick, Lancome Definicils Mascara ($24.50US/$30CDN), perfect for separating and defining those lashes.

5) CLOWN COLORS

Nothing looks worse than a woman wearing clown like makeup.  You've seen it-the too bright red lipstick, overly dramatic blue eyeshadow and the lacquered on blush, it just looks out of date, not to mention ages you.  Neutrals are brilliant for flattering aging skin, and are very chic this season.  Neutral lips and cheeks are great for masking thinning aging lips and sagging skin, and unlike bright colors, doesn't draw attention to those little imperfections.  

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