Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, but some trends (and missteps) can make you look older instead of youthful. The last thing you want is to add years to your makeup choices accidentally, so let’s look at the trends and techniques aging you faster than you realize—and how to avoid them.
1. Heavy Matte Foundation
Matte foundation has its place, but layering on too much can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look dry and dull. Instead of giving you that flawless finish, it can highlight every imperfection. Opt for a lightweight, dewy foundation that gives your skin a healthy, youthful glow. A little luminosity can go a long way in helping you look fresh and radiant.
2. Dark, Harsh Lip Colors
While bold, dark lip colors can be stunning, they can also age you if you’re not careful. Deep reds, browns, and plums tend to make your lips look thinner and draw attention to fine lines around the mouth. Instead, try softer, more neutral shades that enhance your natural lip color. A touch of gloss or satin-finish lipstick can also add fullness and youthfulness.
3. Overdrawn Eyebrows
Thick, overdrawn eyebrows might seem trendy, but they can give your face a harsh, unnatural look, making you appear older. Brows that are too dark or too defined can overshadow the rest of your features. Instead, aim for a more natural, feathered brow. A light hand with a brow pencil or gel will give you a softer, more youthful frame for your face.
4. Heavy Contour
Overdoing contour can easily age you by creating harsh lines and angles on your face. Instead of that subtle, sculpted look, you can end up with a face that looks overly done and dated. Stick to soft bronzing techniques or subtle contouring that enhances your natural bone structure without looking too heavy. The goal is to add dimension, not create shadows that age you.
5. Too Much Powder
Powder can be your best friend for setting makeup, but going overboard can make your skin look cakey and dry. Powder often settles into fine lines and highlights texture, which is the opposite of what you want. Try using a setting spray or a light dusting of translucent powder to keep your makeup in place while maintaining a youthful glow.
6. Frosted or Metallic Eyeshadow
Frosted and metallic eyeshadows can be fun, but they also have a tendency to settle into fine lines, making your eyelids look crepey. Shimmery finishes draw attention to texture and can make your eyes look tired. Instead, opt for soft, matte, or satin shades that blend seamlessly and brighten your eyes without highlighting imperfections.
7. Thick, Heavy Eyeliner
While dramatic eyeliner can be a striking look, thick, heavy lines, especially on the lower lash line, can make your eyes look smaller and droopy. Instead of using a heavy hand, go for a softer, more blended eyeliner look. Tightlining your upper lash line and lightly smudging your lower line will define your eyes without making them look weighed down.
8. Using Too Much Blush
Blush is great for adding a healthy flush to your face, but too much can leave you looking clownish and older. Heavy blush, especially in bold, unnatural shades, can draw attention to your cheeks in the wrong way. Opt for a natural, rosy blush that mimics your natural flush and apply it with a light hand on the apples of your cheeks for a fresh, youthful glow.
9. Skipping Lip Liner
As we age, lips naturally lose volume and definition. Skipping lip liner can make your lipstick bleed into fine lines, which instantly adds years to your look. A good lip liner can enhance your lip shape and keep your lipstick in place. Choose a liner that matches your lip color and gently define your lips before applying lipstick for a youthful look.
10. Applying Too Much Concealer
Piling on concealer in an attempt to cover dark circles can backfire by emphasizing fine lines around the eyes. Heavy concealer tends to settle into creases, making your under-eye area look dry and tired. Instead, use a light, hydrating concealer and blend it well. A little bit goes a long way, and a brightening formula will keep your eyes looking fresh without aging you.
11. Ignoring Your Brows
On the flip side, neglecting your brows altogether can also make you look older. Sparse or unkempt brows can give your face a tired, unfinished look. Take a few minutes to groom and define your brows with a brow pencil or gel that matches your natural color. Well-groomed, natural brows frame your face and instantly make you look more put-together and youthful.
12. Using Bright, Glittery Highlighter
While a highlighter can give you that youthful glow, too much glitter or an overly bright highlight can age you by drawing attention to areas where your skin may have lost some of its natural elasticity. Opt for a subtle, dewy highlighter that adds a natural radiance to your cheekbones, brow bones, and nose bridge. Think glow, not sparkle.
13. Not Moisturizing Before Applying Makeup
Skipping proper skin prep is a major mistake. Applying makeup to dry, dehydrated skin makes your foundation sit unevenly, settling into fine lines and pores. Always hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer or primer before applying your makeup. Well-hydrated skin looks plump, smooth, and youthful, which in turn helps your makeup look more natural and fresh.
14. Over-Applying Setting Spray
Setting spray can be a lifesaver, but too much can leave your skin feeling tight and dry. A heavy application of setting spray can create a mask-like finish, which defeats the purpose of all your hard work. Instead, lightly mist your face with a hydrating or dewy setting spray that locks your makeup in place while keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing.