Look Younger in Minutes

SO BAD MY EYEBAGS and undereye circles have become that I now rely on copious amounts of concealer to ensure a fresh-looking and presentable me, in or out of the office.

It’s official: I’m old.

Lately I’ve been thinking more and more about ways to ease the aging process and yield the best results in terms of skincare and makeup—especially since invasive cosmetic procedures aren’t on the menu for me right now.

Thankfully, the beauty industry has not disappointed, providing both simple and high-tech solutions for those of us who need an instant boost with nary a prick or pinch to be felt.

Here are some age-defying moves to try out.

Easy Eyebag Camouflage

Speaking of undereye circles and eyebags, two products I now layer on regularly are Revlon
Age Defying SPF 25 Moisturizing Concealer in Light Medium and Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Warm Sand (the latter is meant to be used as a face base, but it also works great as a concealer).

To cover dark, recessed parts of the face, start with foundation or concealer that is the exact shade of your skin. If you use something lighter at this point, it will only draw attention to what you’re actually trying to cover up. Find the perfect match to your complexion by testing the tinted base in natural lighting.

Next, dot concealer half a step lighter than your skin tone. Gently pat pigment using your ring finger, so the cream can blend in seamlessly. Avoid rubbing, as this will only thin out the first layer.

New Makeup Move

After working with the two products above, most beauty pros would recommend dusting on loose or pressed powder to set the concealers in place. However, this only works if your face remains free of fine lines. Otherwise, the powder could leave unflattering creases. Unless you have a long day ahead under strong strobe lights, you’re better off leaving this step out and opting for the natural dewy finish of the liquid or stick bases. Also, the softer and creamier the makeup finish, the more youthful it actually looks on skin.

Warning Against Red

Your lips could also benefit from a mini-lift, in the form of nude shades which fill in creases and camouflage dark edges. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Nude (a wearable flesh tone) paired with Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Petal (a subdued rose tint) leaves an unbelievably younger-looking, pillowy pout.

Note that sophisticated red has a downside.

“Strong red lip color can make you look older, especially if you’re very fair. It can look [too striking], almost severe,” says Good Housekeeping beauty and fashion editor Pia Rojas. “Opt for lighter [hues] in pink or plum to give you a fresher, more youthful look.

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(Image courtesy of Kai Huang for Good Housekeeping Philippines. Image edited by Mariel Chua. Original Inquirer article link here.)