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

makeupcat 5 Jun 2017 8:19 PM

I agree with the dark lipstick. My grandma switches between dark and light lipstick, and I always tell her she looks wonderful when she wears a pretty light rose shade!

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Temporary Princess 5 Jun 2017 7:52 PM

There's a couple of things I haven't really thought about.

Yohanna 5 Jun 2017 7:45 PM

Biggest concern that comes with ageing I have noticed is that I do not notice it. So I wear and do whatever I like.

Yohanna 5 Jun 2017 7:39 PM

Number one and 2 definitely. And heavy base as well with all countouring , bronzing, eye stuff all over, black liner....all together really adds years to everyone.

maggieball 5 Jun 2017 7:36 PM

Long hair, dark plum lipstick, never use primer...I’m breaking nearly all the rules. But it does make me feel a bit younger to be a rule breaker!

CaitMay 5 Jun 2017 12:56 PM

I think my biggest problem is using the wrong shade of foundation. They are always slightly too pale, or slightly too dark and will never perfectly match my skin tone. Live and learn though. I am loving the bold lippies trend at the moment, and although I am not old myself, I know plenty of older ladies who really pull off the look without making them look older. So don't be scared to try new things ladies.

aliciaraul 5 Jun 2017 10:47 AM

Similar to loose powder I've found that some foundations that seep into and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles are very ageing. Especially the paler and less moisturising ones. BB cream seems to work better for me but I have to forgo the coverage of foundation.

josella432 19 May 2017 3:53 PM

I've seen lots of older ladies wearing darker lipstick and they looked lovely. Do whatever makes you happy!

onlyoni 4 May 2017 6:47 PM

I never wear loose powder or dark lipstick - I learned that lesson years ago. The most important part of the routine is to start with clean healthy skin. I use a BB cream every day because it is much lighter than foundation.

I think your hair has to suit the shape of your face and your lifestyle. Long hair does not suit me at all so I keep it short and healthy and have a good cut every 6-7 weeks to maintain the style.

caitypw 30 Apr 2017 2:07 PM

I don't think I could live without primer! Also, I think dark lipsticks are really in at the moment, and can be rocked quite well!

Petal 26 Apr 2017 10:43 PM

Not everyone's lips become thinner as they age. I'm in my early fifties and my lips still look good ... at least for now. And shock, horror, I wear dark lipstick.

jodieleigh 26 Apr 2017 3:32 PM

I agree with most of these, except for the dark lipstick one. Anyone can rock any colour of lipstick no matter how old they are, as long as they have the right makeup and clothes look to match!

AP1992 25 Apr 2017 6:13 PM

Great article. some good tips here

the_girl_who_loves_cosmetics 25 Apr 2017 3:09 PM

All I have to say is - please don't skip the primer.

emma_mcmuffin 23 Apr 2017 2:47 AM

"It's a crime not to prime" hahaha I love it! And so true!!

Kendall Jayne 22 Apr 2017 10:05 PM

I don't agree with the blush tip. Blush is to add colour to where you normally would blush, its quite youthful having a wash of colour on the cheeks and it also breaks the face up giving you a slender looking face. Instead of going for a harsh colour, maybe opt for a lighter pink or even a more nude/rose.

Sassy Cassy 17 Apr 2017 1:07 PM

I am definitely a victim of the powder enhancing fine lines. Even ones I didn't even know I had.

Shop A Everyday 5 Apr 2017 1:10 AM

Moisturising foundations are better than mattifying ones

AP1992 7 Mar 2017 3:35 PM

I try to avoid powder because i find it can cake in my creases, and I'm only 24!

Beauty Obsession 4 Feb 2017 7:54 PM

The wrong powder can be very ageing! I like to wear rosehip oil and moisturiser under my mineral makeup for a dewy finish. I can't wear dark lipsticks. Someone put a fuschia lippy on me once and I found it very ageing on me! Hair that's in poor condition is ageing with poor colour split ends. I saw an older women with long grey hair but it was in the most amazing condition and made her look so youthful and vibrant!

Dilettante 3 Feb 2017 7:45 PM

Just added the Rimmel powder to my list of things to try!

Amybb 3 Feb 2017 5:57 PM

This is a great post,definitely will be trying the post about bronzer.

Alicee 1 Feb 2017 1:55 PM

Totally agree with Mistake 4. I recently cut my hair to the off-shoulder length and everyone said I look so much younger like I'm in my 20s!

bebeautiful34 31 Jan 2017 9:30 PM

Brown toned lipstick definitely ages me. I hated the trend back in the 90s and hate it now

Petal 31 Jan 2017 4:08 PM

I've flagged spam by ammythomas634, dated 31 January.

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5 makeup mistakes that age you