As we age, our skin and features evolve, requiring a shift in our makeup routine to maintain a youthful appearance. Here are 13 common makeup mistakes older women often make that can inadvertently add years to your face.
1. **Skipping Primer**: Primer is a beauty essential that many overlook, but it’s particularly vital as we age. Without a good primer, foundation can settle into fine lines, emphasizing them rather than disguising them. Tricia Cusden, the founder of Look Fabulous Forever, stresses that “a common problem with foundation is that it disappears within a couple of hours when applied to older, thirstier skin.” Primers act as a barrier, ensuring makeup stays put and looks fresh throughout the day.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, Gel-Based & Hydrating Face Primer For Smoothing Skin & Gripping Makeup, Moisturizes & Primes, 0.811 Fl Oz
Price: $8.11
Rating: 4.6 with 26,987 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
Read more about: Ace Your Makeup Game Step-by-Step Tutorial to Perfectly Conceal Scars
2. **Not Updating Your Foundation**: Foundation formulas have evolved significantly, and what worked in your 30s may no longer flatter your mature skin. Sandy Linter, a seasoned makeup artist, advises exploring new foundation options, explaining that “foundations are nothing to be afraid of now, even though they had a bad reputation in the past for being too mask-like.” Modern foundations are designed to be hydrating and light, offering a natural finish that enhances your skin’s texture without settling into wrinkles.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup, Light Beige, 1 Count
Price: $8.62
Rating: 4.5 with 157,064 ratings
Brand: Maybelline
3. **Neglecting Eyebrow Maintenance**: Sparse or thinning eyebrows can dramatically impact your appearance, as “brows add balance to the whole face and definition to the eye area,” says Cusden. Many women stick to the same brow products they used when they were younger, which can look heavy and unnatural. Instead, opt for a softer, more natural color that complements your current hair shade.
4. **Using Black Eyeliner**: While eyeliner is essential for defining the eyes, black can be too harsh on mature skin. Ariane Poole recommends “opt for charcoal gray or deep navy,” tones that provide definition without the starkness of black. These colors can beautifully enhance your eye color and make your eyes appear larger and more awake.
Product on Amazon: PrimeEyes Glide Eyeliner for Mature Women – Water-Resistant, Long-Stay and Mess-Proof – Gel Cream Texture, Discreet Sharpener and Effective Smudger
Price: $28.00
Rating: 3.9 with 4,527 ratings
Brand: PRIME PROMETICS
Read more about: Permanent Eyeliner – A Closer Look at Beauty Benefits and Drawbacks
5. **Applying Concealer Incorrectly**: Applying concealer before foundation is a common mistake that can lead to a cakey, unnatural appearance. Instead, Poole suggests applying concealer after foundation to achieve a flawless finish. This allows you to use less product and blend more seamlessly, ensuring that the concealer works with your foundation to conceal imperfections without drawing attention to fine lines.
Each of these mistakes can subtly age your appearance, but with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can bring out your skin’s natural beauty and maintain a youthful glow.
Smart Makeup Choices for a Youthful Look can transform your beauty routine from adding years to subtracting them. Let’s dive into some essential tips to embrace a fresher, more vibrant appearance.
Product on Amazon: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer, 110, 1 Count
Price: $8.80
Rating: 4.4 with 220,843 ratings
Brand: Maybelline
6. **Embrace a Hydrating Foundation**: As we journey through the years, our skin naturally loses some of its oil and moisture, leading to a drier texture. This makes choosing a hydrating foundation crucial for a youthful look. Hydrating foundations are formulated to infuse moisture into the skin, providing a dewy finish that mimics the natural glow of youth. Say goodbye to heavy, matte formulas that can settle into fine lines and hello to lightweight, luminous foundations that blur imperfections and enhance your skin’s natural radiance.
A hydrating foundation not only covers imperfections but also acts as an ally against environmental factors that may dry out the skin further. When selecting a foundation, opt for one that is specifically tailored for mature skin. These products often contain beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps the skin and retains moisture, ensuring your skin remains supple and glowing throughout the day.
Product on Amazon: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint with Hyaluronic Acid, Lightweight Water Gel Formula, Moisturizing, Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic Liquid Foundation Makeup
Price: $13.75
Rating: 4.4 with 12,081 ratings
Brand: Neutrogena
Read more about: Spring 2025 Makeup Trends Embrace Color, Texture, and Shine
7. **Choose Cream Blush Over Powder**: Powder blushes can sometimes sit on top of the skin and emphasize dryness or fine lines, especially as our skin texture changes. Cream blushes, on the other hand, blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural flush that enhances your complexion. They can be particularly flattering as they mimic the natural, youthful flush of the cheeks.
When applying cream blush, use your fingertips for a warm, blended finish. Start with a small amount and build up gradually to avoid over-application. The warmth from your fingers will help the product melt into the skin, creating a radiant and healthy glow that powder blushes may struggle to achieve. This method ensures that the blush looks like a natural part of your complexion rather than sitting atop it.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick, Luxuriously Creamy & Blendable Color, For Eyes, Lips & Cheeks, Dazzling Peony
Price: $5.00
Rating: 4.3 with 73,637 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
8. **Experiment with Softer Eyeliner Shades**: While black eyeliner has its place in creating dramatic looks, it can often be too stark against mature skin. Softer shades like browns, grays, and even deep plums or navies can offer definition without the harshness of black. These colors can enhance your eye color and make your eyes appear larger and more awake, offering a gentle lift to the entire face.
Using a pencil liner instead of liquid can also create a softer look. Smudging the liner slightly with a brush or your fingertip can further soften the line and make it appear more flattering. This technique allows for a more natural appearance, framing the eyes without drawing unnecessary attention to any fine lines or wrinkles.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner, Creamy, Ultra-Pigmented & Waterproof, Creates Bold & Defined Lines, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Price: $5.00
Rating: 4.4 with 24,232 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
9. **Prioritize Lip Hydration**: Lips can often reveal more about our age than we would like, especially if they become dry or chapped. Keeping your lips hydrated is key to maintaining a youthful appearance. Begin with a lip balm rich in nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. These ingredients help to lock in moisture, making lips appear fuller and smoother.
Opt for lipsticks with moisturizing properties or add a dab of lip gloss over your lipstick for added shine and hydration. Avoid matte finishes that can dry out the lips, instead choosing creamy textures that keep your lips looking plump and youthful. Pairing a neutral lipstick with a touch of gloss can provide a youthful, fresh appearance without emphasizing fine lines.
Product on Amazon: Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Lip Protectant, Moisturizing Lip Balm Multipack
Price: $8.36
Rating: 4.6 with 26,315 ratings
Brand: Aquaphor
10. **Highlight Strategically**: Highlighter can be a wonderful tool to bring attention to the high points of the face and add a youthful glow. When applied correctly, it can mimic the natural radiance of healthy skin, drawing eyes away from areas you’d prefer to keep subtle. Focus on areas such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
Choose a highlighter with a subtle sheen rather than large flecks of glitter, which can appear artificial and highlight imperfections. A gentle, pearlescent glow is ideal for enhancing your natural beauty and creating the illusion of lifted, luminous skin.
Product on Amazon: L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion, Natural Glow Enhancer, Illuminator Highlighter, Bronzing Drops For a Sun-Kissed Glow
Price: $13.98
Rating: 4.6 with 42,791 ratings
Brand: L’Oreal
11. **Incorporate Lightweight Setting Powders**: The right setting powder can lock in your makeup while maintaining a soft, natural finish. Opt for lightweight, finely milled powders that are less likely to settle into fine lines or emphasize texture. These powders help to control shine without leaving a cakey residue, ensuring that your skin looks fresh and radiant all day.
Apply setting powder sparingly, focusing on areas prone to excess oil, like the T-zone. Use a small brush for precision and a light hand to avoid over-application. This technique will help keep your makeup in place and ensure a flawless finish.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Halo Glow Soft Focus Setting Powder, Silky Setting Powder For Creating Soft Glow Without Shine, Smooths Pores & Lines, Light
Price: $8.00
Rating: 4.5 with 13,818 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
12. **Adopt a Consistent Skincare Routine**: Makeup can only do so much; healthy skin is the true foundation of a youthful look. Establishing a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can dramatically improve your skin’s appearance and texture over time.
Invest in products that cater to your skin’s specific needs, focusing on hydration and anti-aging benefits. Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can promote cell turnover and collagen production, keeping your skin firm and vibrant. Remember, the better your skin condition, the less makeup you’ll need to achieve a youthful glow.
Product on Amazon: eos Shea Better Body Lotion- Vanilla Cashmere, 24-Hour Moisture Skin Care, Lightweight & Non-Greasy, Made with Natural Shea, Vegan
Price: $8.98
Rating: 4.7 with 31,219 ratings
Brand: eos
13. **Select Flattering Lip Colors**: The right lip color can brighten your entire face and complement your complexion beautifully. As we age, our skin tone may change, prompting a reevaluation of the shades we once loved. Opt for lip colors that enhance your natural lip tone and complement your skin’s undertone.
Pink and peach tones are universally flattering, adding a fresh pop of color to the face. Avoid overly dark shades that can make lips appear smaller and accentuate fine lines. A well-chosen lip color can instantly lift your look and add a youthful vibrancy, making you feel confident and beautiful.
Makeup is a powerful tool that can enhance your natural beauty and keep you looking youthful at any age. By making thoughtful choices and adapting your routine to suit your evolving needs, you can ensure that your makeup enhances rather than detracts from your appearance. Embrace the journey of aging gracefully and beautifully, knowing that each stage of life brings its own unique charm and elegance. Remember, beauty is not about masking your age but celebrating it with confidence and grace.
Related posts:
The ‘Drying’ Lipstick Mistakes To Avoid Because They Make Your Lips Look ‘Much Smaller,’ Plus Tips That ‘Won’t Age’ You: You ‘Appear Older’
How to look younger as expert warns about makeup error that ‘adds years’
5 Makeup Mistakes That’ll Age You, According To Makeup Artists Over 60
