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What do Yara Shahidi (18) and Dakota Fanning (24) have in common? Baby Face syndrome.
Okay, it's not an actual syndrome, as such, because it's not a problem, right? And even though Yara is just 18, she will probably continue to have 'permanent baby/young face' way into her 50s. That is for sure.
The struggle is so real, I know, right.
Strange to believe that someone might see this as an issue. In a world consumed and obsessed with youth, who would want to find a way to look older? Be that via makeup, hair tricks or dressing.
For many women this is a real issue.
READ MORE: 5 realities you have to live with when you're an adult in a tiny body
Last week, a colleague told me that when she doesn't wear makeup, and her acne's showing, people think she's a teenager.
And for other petite women it's often an issue of not being taken seriously, avoiding clubs because they're asked for ID (then questioned on its legitimacy upon presenting said ID), and hit on by 16-year-olds who think they are peers.
"I am often given the Kiddies Menu at Wimpy or at Spur," says Lynn. Now just shy of 24-years-old, her petite stature, sweet personality and baby face often lead people to believe she is still in school.
"I hate the c-word. Cute. People calling me cute is just the worst thing for me. Tiny, Little One, Kleintjie. I don't feel taken seriously." Lynn says she feel underestimated more so than anything.
This she says often drives her to push herself, to prove she's more than just a little girl.
How we made Lynn look (a bit) older using makeup
Bustle suggests mascara, rocking updos, wearing lipstick instead of gloss, wearing skirts and contouring.
READ MORE: Do we put celebrity parents under pressure to share pictures of their children online?
Many other sites also suggest the use of lipstick and even using lip liner.
Lynn says "I'm not very girly." So wearing lipstick (especially red lipstick) might make her feel more self-conscious.
Instead we found that using a lipstick in a matte berry shade worked well as Lynn wouldn't have to worry about it smudging. (L'Oreal Berry Boss, 886) We also applied bronzer, some eyeliner and lots of mascara to make her eyes pop even more. We brushed her brows and filled them in a touch, while applying a bit of Woolworths' eyeshadow in two shades to give definition to her eyes.
Images: Marisa Crous
I believe though that for anything you try to be successful, you need to feel comfortable in what you wear, be that on your body or on your face. You need to be as convinced as the beauty expert or stylist that helps you out.
READ MORE: Animal waste found in fake makeup - counterfeit products in SA and beyond
Some of my suggestions to help you appear older?
- Focus on wearing 'grown-up' shoes instead of sneakers. Brogues and block heels do the trick
- Ditch any hoodies
- When it comes to hair and makeup, steer clear of ponytails
- Heavy makeup is definitely not necessary. Use what makes you feel comfortable whether that means a bit of eye makeup and gloss or a bold matte lip and a touch of mascara. Focus on one area at a time.
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