Certain fashion and beauty habits can add unnecessary years to your appearance, but lifestyle choices play a big role, too. From social interactions to technology use, here are some ways your habits make you appear older and tips on maintaining your youthful energy, attitude, and look.
1. Piling on the Powder
Too much powder can settle into fine lines and make skin appear dry and dull, adding years to your look. Opt for a lightweight, dewy foundation or a light dusting of powder only in areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone. This will keep your skin looking fresh and radiant without the matte, flat effect that can age you.
2. Acting Like a Boomer with Technology
Avoiding new technology or sticking to outdated devices can make you seem out of touch. Whether social media, streaming platforms, or new apps, embracing technology keeps you connected and relevant. Learning the basics of today’s tech can help you stay engaged with younger generations, maintain independence, and add a vibrant energy to your interactions.
3. Overplucking Your Brows
Thin, over-plucked brows or brows that are too heavily drawn can make you look older. Fuller, well-groomed brows provide a lifted and youthful frame for the face. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas, focusing on a natural shape that enhances your features.
4. Wearing Old Fashioned Glasses
Glasses can be a fabulous accessory, but outdated or overly chunky frames can add years. Opt for modern, lightweight frames that complement your face shape and add a chic edge. Contemporary styles with subtle colors or unique shapes can refresh your look and keep your style current.
5. Rocking the Same Lipstick for Decades
While deep colors can be chic, dark lipsticks can make lips look thinner and draw attention to lines. Instead, try shades in rosy pinks, soft berries, or light reds, adding natural fullness and warmth to your face. Try a cream or gloss formula to keep your lips hydrated and youthful for a modern look.
6. Ignoring an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
No makeup look can hide a lack of skincare. Neglecting regular exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection can leave skin looking dull and tired. Invest in a skincare routine that prioritizes moisturizing and brightening, which provides a naturally fresh canvas for your makeup.
7. Being Set in Your Ways
Rigid routines or resistance to change can make you seem older than you are. Flexibility and a willingness to try new things—whether it’s exploring a new hobby, going to a different restaurant, or listening to a new genre of music—keep your mindset youthful and open. Showing curiosity and adaptability adds a refreshing and youthful spark to your personality.
8. Wearing Colors that Wash You Out
While black is slimming and timeless, an all-black outfit or soft, boring shades can dull the skin, especially if you have a lighter complexion. To avoid looking washed out, incorporate a pop of color or pair black with a softer tone near your face, like ivory or a delicate pastel, to add warmth and vibrancy to your look.
9. Not Keeping Up Your Hair Maintenance
Faded or grown-out hair color can make hair look dull and lifeless, which can age you. Whether you embrace gray or prefer color, keeping it vibrant and well-maintained will make a big difference. Regular touch-ups or refreshing glosses add shine, making hair look healthy and youthful.
10. Overdoing the Jewelry
Layering multiple bold pieces can feel heavy and distracting, giving an outdated look. Instead, choose a few elegant statement pieces or delicate, minimalist jewelry. A refined approach to accessorizing keeps your look fresh and lets your natural beauty take center stage.
11. Not Updating Your Hairstyle
Clinging to the same hairstyle for years can make you look older, even if it was once your signature look. Consult a stylist for a modern cut that suits your face shape and lifestyle. Subtle updates like adding layers, soft waves, or changing your part can make a huge difference.
12. Being a Negative Nancy
Constantly complaining or focusing on the negative can make you appear jaded and weary. This can affect not only your energy but also how others perceive you. Shifting your focus to gratitude and positivity in conversation brings a lighter, more vibrant presence to every interaction. Positivity is ageless, giving you a radiant and uplifting energy that people naturally gravitate toward.
12. Choosing Matte Foundation
A thick layer of matte foundation can look cakey and settle into fine lines, making skin appear older. Opt for a light or medium coverage foundation with a natural or dewy finish. A luminous foundation enhances your complexion, adding a youthful glow without masking your skin’s natural beauty.
13. Not Knowing How to Accessorize
While minimalist dressing can be chic, skipping accessories can leave your outfit feeling flat. Add a modern scarf, a statement belt, or a sleek handbag to elevate your look. Accessories add personality and interest to your style without overwhelming it.
14. Ignoring Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to stiffness, fatigue, and lower energy levels, making you appear older. Prioritizing regular physical activity, whether through yoga, daily walks, or dance classes, can boost your mood, increase energy, and improve posture. Moving your body regularly is a natural way to stay lively and gives you a youthful spring in your step.
15. Clinging to Boxy, Oversized Clothes
While oversized fashion is trendy, boxy silhouettes can swamp your figure and make you look older. Instead, try clothes with gentle tailoring that define your waist or highlight your shape. Structured, well-fitted pieces instantly elevate your look while keeping you comfortable and stylish.