These Makeup Mistakes Make You Look Older

While makeup can help us look younger and fresher, mistakes in makeup can make us look older. Remember that your makeup needs to change with your skin’s changing as you get older. It is no longer possible to use the same tried-and-true techniques you used in high school 15 years, 20 or 30 years ago.

Even though you might be an expert at applying makeup, it’s possible to look older if you don’t take care. Here’s a list of common mistakes in makeup that can make you look older, not younger. Continue reading to learn if you are making these mistakes, and how to fix them.

Foundation faux pas

You don’t have to make the same mistakes as your foundation. While foundation is the basis of any look you choose, your foundation requirements will change as you get older. Melissa Silver, a Maybelline New York artist, says that “no foundation is better than a bad foundation, but a good foundation is the best.” Your skin will look uneven if you don’t apply foundation. Applying foundation too thickly can cause it to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, accentuating your imperfections.

A formula that is thick enough to smoothen your skin without making it cakey should be used. As you age, your skin will become drier. A cream or liquid foundation is better for you than a powder foundation that can cause flaky skin. Even if you have been using the same foundation shade since eighth grade, you should still check for a better match. You may be surprised by the results!

Use the wrong foundation

There are many foundation options available, including liquid, powder, cushion, mousse, and gel. Not all foundations are the same. It is important to understand which foundations will make you look younger and which ones will prolong your life. Hillary Kline, a makeup artist, explained that “No one has perfect skin. However, it is possible to find the right foundation for you and give you the coverage you desire.”

Kline stated that it is important to understand coverage. Kline explained that a foundation with medium to full coverage is best for natural looking skin. A foundation with medium or greater coverage is best if you are looking to cover imperfections.

Kline advises against wearing foundation if you want to hide your age. “As we age, our skin becomes more dry so powdering doesn’t absorb all the moisture and oil.”

Contouring

Contoured makeup has been a top trend in recent years. Contouring is all over the place, from the red carpet to the grocery store and the runway. No matter who the target audience is, every brand, from Urban Decay to Laura Geller to L’Oreal, has a contouring kit. They are selling out by truckloads.

It is easy to see why contouring is so popular. It can be a great way for a youthful look if done correctly, however, too much contouring can lead to a skewed appearance, according to Murat Evin (creative director of The London School of Makeup). While contouring can make your face look younger, it can also cause you to appear older.

He explained the basics of contouring and how it can go wrong. The art of contouring enhances your face’s structure, making it appear more defined. Too much definition can highlight lines and wrinkles that should be hidden.

Evin suggests that you blend your contour lines to keep your skin looking young.

Highlighting

You will look younger with glowing skin. It takes careful placement to make this glow work for your advantage. Highlighter should not be used on mature women’s faces. Suzy Gerstein, a celebrity makeup artist, says that you don’t want to use shimmery highlighter on the brow bone. This can make it look old and pull down the eyes.

You don’t want it in another area. She says, “In your smile lines and in the creases of the eyes.” Both emphasize crepey texture. You want to emphasize tauter areas such as the middle of your eyes or the cheekbones. She also recommends that liquid highlighters be used if you want to highlight.

Makeup with powder

To make creams last longer, it’s recommended to add powder to any creams. As you get older, your skin will produce less oil. Ariel Lewis, a makeup artist, explains that powder can seep into fine lines on dry skin. Instead, try a setting spray! Urban Decay All Night Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a good choice.

Not blending properly

It is common for people to forget to do certain things as a sign of aging. This can lead to problems when it comes time to apply makeup. Evin says that people tend to forget about the essential step of blending as they get older. Evin said, “People apply makeup and forget about blending, but it is crucial to properly blend your makeup to achieve a youthful, even coverage.”

Evin says that forgetting to blend can expose the signs of aging. Evin says that blending foundation unevenly across the face can accentuate fine lines that you want to conceal. Because mature skin is more fragile with age, it needs extra care.

Use the wrong brushes and tools

It doesn’t matter what kind of makeup you use, it’s how you apply it that makes you look younger. Evin said that you can look younger by using a smaller amount of makeup. Evin says that you only can achieve this look with the right tools and brushes.

It is crucial that you use the right tools to achieve light coverage. People make the common mistake of using thick bristles on heavy-duty brushes to apply foundation. Buffer brushes can be used to apply foundation on your face. They don’t blend in makeup as well as soft stipple brushes.

He suggests that you always use a soft brush for any type of makeup, especially eye makeup. Evin explained that this is due to skin elasticity. He explained that the skin around your eyes becomes more delicate as you age. You will make your eyes appear older and more heavy if you use a stiff bristled brush. For a gentle application of eyeshadow and even coverage, make sure to invest in a soft brush with fluffy thistles.

Forgetting primer

To look your best, it’s essential to get your face right from the start. Kline says that if you don’t use primer, your appearance will change as the days go by. You run the risk that your makeup will look muddy or melted by the afternoon if you don’t apply primer. This does not guarantee a youthful appearance. You are ensuring that your makeup lasts all day by using a primer.

Kline reminds us to primp your skin before applying primer. It’s crucial to have a good skin routine, as well as properly moisturizing your skin and priming it before applying makeup.

Concealer mishaps

Concealer is not one size fits all. For under-eye use, concealers that are designed to cover spots and blemishes may be too thick. Lavonne, a makeup artist, explains how concealer can go wrong. “If concealer is too thick and not the right color you are accentuating more than what you are concealing.” A light touch is recommended for skin under the eyes, which is seven times thinner than your rest of the face.

For under-eye use, choose a light formulation and a shade that matches you skin tone. To counteract the appearance of purplish circles you can use a color that has a yellow or peach hue. Avoid using super-light colors. They will make your skin look dull and floppy. Only apply to the inner corner under your eye. Blend gently and move downwards.

Blushing beauty

You shouldn’t blush your cheeks unless you are in high school. Avoid using too much blush, too little or the wrong color. Jan Ping, a celebrity makeup artist from Los Angeles, says that there was a time when blush was more important than it is today.

Avoid using shades that are too dark or too bright. They can make your skin look dull and muddy. Instead, pinch your cheeks to determine the perfect blush shade. To avoid flaky results, use a cream formulation and not powder. Use a small amount on the middle of your cheekbones and move upwards and back. Blend well. This will instantly give you a youthful glow and a lift to your skin.

Black lining of the bottom lash line

For many reasons, heavy liner on your bottom lid can make you look older. It can make your eyes appear smaller and accentuate the fine lines around your eyes. You want your eyes to look younger. This can be done in many ways. The first is to keep your bottom lash liner lit.

Ariel Lewis, a Washington DC-based makeup artist, says that you should use a deep brown eyeshadow with an angled brush rather than a hard black pencil. Keep gel liner off the bottom. It should be used only on the tops of your lids. To use black eyeliner on the top and brown on the bottom, you will need to apply a layer of liner. Blend the brown eyeshadow from the inner corner to the outer corner of your bottom lid. For a more precise application, you can also wet the brush.

Missy Lowe, Makeup Artist, explains that you can also use nude or white liner at the bottom of your waterline. It brightens the eyes and gives you a youthful glow. This is the perfect product for a no-makeup makeup look.

Too much mascara on your bottom lashes

This is similar to wearing heavy mascara on the lower lash line. Suzy Gerstein, a celebrity makeup artist, explains that heavy mascara can cause shadows and flake to form on the bottom lashes. This can create the illusion of dark circles. It can also pull the eye down. She says, “I love the tightline mascara by It Cosmetics.” It allows you to reach the roots easily without clumping and acts almost like eyeliner. If you plan to use mascara on your bottom, make sure it is tight and clean.

Metallic eyeshadow

Although you may love it, metallic eyeshadow can make your eyes look older. These shimmer shadows are fun and can draw attention to the fine lines and wrinkles in the area. Lowe explains that metallic, shimmer, and glitter shadows can settle in the fine lines and “crackle” around the eyes. You can create flawless looks by using matte or satin shadows.

Ariel Lewis, a makeup artist, explains that metallics can be worn in the middle of the lid if you want them to look festive, especially during the holidays. They will draw more attention to the lines in your eyes by being placed on the corners.

Fine pearl shadow is another way to add shimmer to your skin without looking old. Sasha Plavsic, founder of Ilia Beauty, says that you should choose a light shade that isn’t too sparkly. It’s nice to layer fine pearl on top of a non-shimmering shadow.

Eyebrow emergencies

It is a fact that our eyebrows naturally thinned with age. This can be accelerated by years of over-plucking. Pamela Jeschonek, a licensed makeup artist and eyebrow artist from Everyday Esthetics Eyebrow Studio, explains that brows naturally thin as we age. “Brows naturally fall with age. They don’t sit as high as they used to when we were younger. For a more youthful looking brow, go full and arched. Start by applying a brow powder.” Jeschonek says that powder can increase fullness, and it is fast and easy to use.

Powder will also help keep your brows from appearing too stern and sharp. Ariel Lewis, a DC-based makeup artist, says that cream-based brow products should be avoided as you get older. They can apply too harsh a line. Lewis suggests Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow powder Duo. To add some width, you can trace the powder a little beyond the natural brow line.

To give your arch some lift, draw it a bit higher at the top of your brow. Jeschonek explains that you should gently lift the arch with your powder over the brow line, just as we would do for the brow. It takes some practice but it is magic. Don’t be afraid to go outside of the natural lines of your brows, but keep it light and fluffy. You can create younger-looking brows with the right technique and shade.

Lipstick that is too dark

As we age, our lips lose their definition and become less defined. You don’t want to use too much liner on your lips. This can make them look smaller. Jan Ping describes her strategy for perfect lips. “I like to begin with lipliner and then use a neutral shade that is just a little bit darker than the person’s natural lip color. I line my lips, then I apply a tinted gloss to fill in the gaps. Many women believe that heavy lipstick is the best option. However, I feel that gloss can give a more youthful look and gives it a soft, natural finish.”

Letting your lipstick bleed

Although most people get better at applying makeup over time, it is not common for everyone to improve their skills as they age. Evin says that even a slight movement in the lipstick application can make you look older. Evin explained why it’s important to apply lipstick perfectly or you risk exposing your flaws. The neater your lipstick application, the better. It conceals any obvious lines around your mouth. Lipstick can start to bleed as you age, due to fine lines around your mouth that prevent lipstick from staying put.

Evin shared the idea that perfect lips can be achieved with a multi-step approach. Use a primer to create your new lip look and then finish it off with gloss. Your look will be secured and your lipstick won’t fall off.

Wearing bright colors

It’s fun to use bright colors in your makeup. It’s easier to make your face look older once you get past a certain age. Sasha Plavsic, founder of Ilia Beauty, says that it’s similar to wearing a mini-skirt. Some mature women can pull it off better than teenagers. It may not be appropriate for everyone. According to her, colors such as “bright blues and purples and greens tends to emphasize features that indicate a woman’s aging.”

She’s not the only one who thinks so. Ariel Lewis, a DC-based makeup artist, also advises against bright colors. “You should get rid of blue eyeshadow.” She suggests that you use darker, more muted colors such as deep jade or navy instead of brightly colored blue.

Try to be trendy

It is easier to look old than to appear too young. There is a fine line between looking younger and looking old. Anthony Pazos is a hair stylist, makeup artist and TV personality who has worked with many celebrities including Beyonce and the Kardashians. He believes that it is important to maintain an age-appropriate look. It’s clear to others that if we try to be cool or make it look unnatural, it is a sign that we are not secure. You should be your best self without being too much.

Never updating your look

A classic look is always a good option, but it is important to remember that the style you wore twenty years ago may not be the same today. Pazos says that styles change over time and you should too. “If you live in an era that is not 21st century, then you are aging.” Sometimes, our comfort levels can cause us to appear as though we are stuck in an older era. You can look younger if you are willing to try new styles and challenge your comfort zone.

His last tip was to make small changes when it comes beauty.

Neglecting to take care of your skin in the first instance

If you don’t take good care of your skin, even the best makeup won’t cover up your age. Kline states that sunscreen is the most important thing to do. Are you not applying sunscreen every day? You’re leading to skin aging. Skin aging is most often caused by the sun. Make sure you are using a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF.

Kline states that one of the biggest mistakes that women make is not washing off their makeup at the end. You’re constantly dealing with environmental factors such as dirt and pollution, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a cleanser that is gentle and effective, or if you feel lazy, use cleansing towels to get rid of all your makeup.

It is better to have less than you think

The general rule to prevent your makeup from looking old is: Keep it simple. Keep it simple and natural. Even if you do want to add a little bit of something, try to keep it simple. Lowe says that most makeup rules can be broken. So don’t be afraid of trying new things to find the best look for you!