Are your favourite makeup products and techniques secretly adding years to your face? In an era of endless online tutorials and expensive product pushes, achieving a genuinely youthful look can feel confusing and costly. The Daily Mail consulted leading beauty professionals to uncover the simple, affordable swaps that can make you look fresher and more radiant instantly, without a luxury price tag.
Expert-Approved Makeup Swaps for a Youthful Glow
The consensus from top makeup artists and skincare founders is clear: less is often more, and hydration is key. Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of the Rodial Group and author of How to Make Your First Million, despite being in her early 50s, champions 'no spend tweaks' for a fresher face in minutes.
Ditch the Heavy Eyeliner: Hatzistefanis advises that the quickest way to lift the eyes is to line only the upper lash line. 'Skipping any pencil under the eyes makes an immediate difference, as it avoids dragging the eye down and prevents emphasizing dark circles,' she explained. Rose-Marie Swift, founder of RMS Beauty, agrees, recommending a 'sexy smudge' achieved by applying black liner tight to the upper lash roots, softening it, and flicking the outer corners slightly upwards. She finishes with black mascara wiggled at the roots to brighten the eyes, advising those with sparse lashes to skip lower lash mascara to avoid casting shadows.
Embrace Creams and Define Your Features
Swap Powders for Creams: A shift from matte powders to dewy creams is essential. Both Hatzistefanis and Swift are advocates for creamy, glowing formulas that brighten the complexion. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Wiles, who works with stars like Sarah Snook and Elizabeth Olsen, praises cream blush for imparting a 'pretty sheen to the skin.' Swift warns, 'Trying to cover up your age with makeup actually ages you more,' suggesting you should 'conceal what needs help and leave the rest of your skin to glow.' She states that 'moisture beats matte,' as dewy skin reads youthful, while flat, powdery skin reads tired.
Define Your Lips Lightly: Lip definition is crucial, but not with heavy products. Hatzistefanis prefers to slightly over-line lips with a liner matching her natural shade or slightly deeper, but follows with a lightweight lip oil for volume and a fresh finish. Swift cautions against ultra-matte, drying formulas, advising to 'stick with hydrating tints, balmy stains, or a serum-like lipstick that feels like skincare.'
Foundational Habits for Lasting Radiance
The experts stress that what you do before and after applying makeup is just as important.
Perfect Your Brows & Hydration: To combat thinning brows, Wiles recommends using a tinted, fibre-enriched brow gel like Benefit Gimme Brow (£28) for instant fullness. Swift advises letting brows grow and filling sparse areas with hair-like strokes, avoiding a 'blocky' look that can appear stern.
Prioritise Skin Hydration: Wiles suggests drinking plenty of water, eating good fats, and taking cod liver oil for supple skin. Margot Grant Witz, Vice President at Elizabeth Grant Skin Care, calls hydration and sleep the 'fastest visible skin transformers.' Her routine includes a gentle milk cleanser, hydrating serum, and barrier-supporting moisturiser twice daily. She also deems a humidifier 'essential' in winter to combat dry indoor heat.
Embrace Facial Massage: Instead of pricey treatments, Wiles advocates for DIY lymphatic drainage massage with fingers or tools to increase blood flow, drain puffiness, and bring a natural flush. Witz agrees, recommending using a facial oil to prevent pulling the skin, and using chilled spoons or a jade roller to de-puff eyes in the morning.
Overhaul Your Cleansing Routine: A proper cleanse is non-negotiable. Witz advises starting with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a regular cleanser. Crucially, she highlights two free habits: washing makeup brushes often and changing pillowcases frequently. Studies have found makeup brushes can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. While not free, upgrading to better-quality brushes like Morphe's six-piece set (£30) can make a significant difference. 'Clean tools and clean fabrics alone can noticeably calm and brighten the skin,' Witz concluded.
