5 Makeup Mistakes That Age You

It’s a classic case of ‘you always want what you can’t have’. When we’re young we want to look old enough to get into the pub and when we’re old we want to look young enough to be asked for ID at the bottle shop (or just the shock of a co-worker when they receive your 50th birthday invite would suffice). And the way both parties try to do that? Makeup of course!

It makes sense that as we get older some of the beauty tricks we learnt when we were young aren’t going to have the same effect. Products, techniques, colours, all of the things that were once your go-to instant fabulous beauty tricks could actually be adding years to your face. So to help you get one step closer to pulling out that drivers licence, here is a quick list of the common makeup mistakes that age you.

MISTAKE #1 Blusher on the apples of your cheeks

There’s nothing like a nice bronze glow or sweep of rosy pink colour to liven up a dull complexion. But applying colour to the apples of your cheeks is just going to highlight the sagging of your skin that generally happens around the cheekbones as you age. Instead, suck your cheeks in and sweep your blusher above the indent, up towards your temples. The angle of the blush will make your cheekbones appear more defined.

MISTAKE #2 Loose powder

Loose powder can be dangerous for both young and old. It’s so easy to apply too much and not so easy to reverse the damage. While the worst loose powder can do to youthful, smooth skin is make it look ‘caked on’, loose powder can make ageing skin appear more lined, which is the opposite to what you want make-up to do. So instead of a loose powder, try using a liquid foundation like Revlon Age Defying Firming + Lifting Makeup™ with SPF15 (which also has many anti-ageing benefits) or a pressed powder like Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder.

MISTAKE #3 Dark lipstick

It’s so hard not to be tempted by the amazing plum and merlot shades of lippy, but it’s best to steer clear once you notice your lips aren’t what they used to be. It’s natural for lips to become thinner and loose their youthful plumpness as you age and wearing a dark lipstick only makes them appear thinner and draws attention to the area. Instead of bold, dark colours choose more flattering shades such as MAC Lipstick in Pink Nouvea and Vegas Volt.

MISTAKE #4 Long, limp hair

It’s no secret that gravity becomes your worst enemy as you age. All of a sudden skin you didn’t even know you had seems to be drooping. Having a long, straight and limp hair cut will only drag you down even further. But don’t worry, you can still keep your long locks if you wish, just have your hairdresser layer it in a way that shapes your face and adds bounce instead of dragging it down. Or if you’re brave try a pixie cut or a flattering lob (long bob).

MISTAKE #5 Skipping the primer

We’ve all heard the famous Napoleon Perdis line ‘It’s a crime not to prime’ and for ageing skin this couldn’t be truer. Primer helps to smooth out lines and creates an even surface for makeup application. It also makes your makeup last longer; which means you can have a more youthful looking complexion without worrying about touch-ups.

What are your beauty tricks for looking younger? What’s your biggest concern when it comes to ageing?

390 Member Comments

Stephanie2494 11 Jun 2017 4:48 PM

I have always thought powder ages people. I have seen people who wear heavy face powder and when they say their age I am shocked because they look 10 years older.

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13words 10 May 2018 8:24 AM

I've thought this too!

jillian206 8 Jun 2017 10:26 PM

I agree whole heartedly that limp hair is making me look 10 years older!

Sootyhere 29 Jun 2018 9:57 AM

Yes have to do something about that.

rk8682 8 Jun 2017 5:30 PM

I did a makeup course a while ago (not a professional one, just one that was tailored to me, so I could do my own make up) and the key points that she raised:

Nobody over 25 should be wearing shimmery eyeshadow! Never wear black eyeliner. Never wear moisturiser under primer.

They were three things that I was guilty of every day! I've made the small changes and although I haven't dropped 10 years, I can see that I look better.

Sootyhere 29 Jun 2018 9:58 AM

Good to know thanks

13words 10 May 2018 8:25 AM

Wash your mouth out with soap! Shimmery eyeshadow for under 25's only? Most of my MAC ones are shimmery as! LOVE the shimmer!

ray_jay 26 May 2018 8:55 PM

No one over 25-should be wearing black eyeliner,? Wow that's a bit tough.

anakiee 8 Jun 2017 4:23 PM

I love this article. A lot of the things here are so true. I have started using the Napoleon Perdis primer for about 3 months now and it has made a real difference in the way my make up looks. The fine lines are not as prominent as they were which has made me feel a lot better about the way I look. It is definitely worth the effort. I am lucky that my lips haven't lost their shape yet so I can still wear darker shades of lipstick that I like.

missrini 7 Jun 2017 8:49 PM

I completely agree with powder ageing you! I just can't do powder anymore or powdery foundations. Lighter more natural lipsticks (or just do gloss) looks better on me. I need to be super moisturised all the time too

blackkittykat 7 Jun 2017 7:22 PM

I had a giggle at this! How fashion and make up trends change - blush on the apples of your cheeks used to be the only way to wear it!

jlsta 7 Jun 2017 2:32 PM

I'm afraid of visible wrinkles!

Beauty Obsession 7 Jun 2017 10:58 AM

Less is more! I still use a mineral powder but it kind of melts into the oils I use for a more dewy finish rather than chalky look. If I apply too much makeup, it does look very ageing. I like to even up my tone, tidy my brows, add s little mascara and gloss.

Gilded 6 Jun 2017 10:55 PM

I just have one of those faces that can't pull off heavy makeup.

RockieHazel 6 Jun 2017 5:46 PM

Moisturise and spf!! And less is definitely more

onlyoni 6 Jun 2017 4:42 PM

These are all great tips because we have to be so careful with our makeup as our skin matures.

Beautybabe140194 6 Jun 2017 2:59 PM

I did not know about the loose powder. I kind of use it religiously every day. Been making that mistake for a while then.

Karenelle 6 Jun 2017 12:10 PM

Moisture, moisture, moisture! As well as a good primer, I always add a drop or two of argan oil to my foundation, otherwise it dries my skin out terribly and adds years to my appearance. A little bit of loose powder, used sparingly on the mid face is fine. I think if you're too heavy handed with anything it can age you, no matter what age you actually are. I still whack on the eye make up, though. I think I'd die if I had to give that game up.

skincare junkie 6 Jun 2017 10:28 AM

There is no universal rules. Loose powder can be applied but use sparingly.

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Princess Perfume 6 Jun 2017 9:31 AM

I have to agree with these tips especially about using loose powder. I think it only serves to accentuate wrinkles. Stick foundations are best for mature skin

thestabbytaco 6 Jun 2017 7:05 AM

I try to stick with 'less is more' as I get older and have noticed my usual make - up products are making my skin dry. It's also settling into my lines...time to change it up.

olga692 6 Jun 2017 1:10 AM

Too much make up on anyone looks terrible. But the loose powder can be the worst. You don't have to be old to look bad with that stuff!

Snailor 5 Jun 2017 8:49 PM

I always look better when my hair is more volumous!

cosmoslyn 5 Jun 2017 8:32 PM

loose powder, haven't used it in ages! too hard

ray_jay 5 Jun 2017 8:30 PM

I sometimes feel this with a huge heavy look I'm like oh I look old... well older. I notice in some of my friends who start wearing heavy makeup when young they look suddenly old. I only wear makeup to even skin tone but I'm careful cause now I'm in my 30 s I feel I look younger with less on.

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5 makeup mistakes that age you