If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Hmm, this isn’t doing what I hoped,” you’re not alone! Been there.
Sometimes, you think you’ve nailed your makeup routine, only to realize it’s making you look older. Some makeup habits sneakily add years to your face, and it’s frustrating when you can’t figure out why.
Don’t worry though, I’m here to help you spot the makeup mistakes that age you and show you how easy it is to fix them.
In this article, we’ll cover 15 common makeup mistakes that secretly make you look older and offer simple solutions to help you achieve a youthful, radiant look.
Here are top Makeup Mistakes That Age You (And What You Can Do About Them)
#Foundation and Base Mistakes
- Ignoring Skincare in Makeup Routine
Okay, I’m guilty of this too. Sometimes I just skip skincare and go straight to the makeup. But guess what? If you don’t prep your skin, it’s gonna show. Your makeup will cling to dry patches, fine lines, and girl
Solution:
Take a few minutes to moisturize before slapping on any makeup. Your skin will thank you, and your makeup will look so much smoother and last way longer.
- Using the Wrong Foundation Shade
Using the wrong foundation shade is one of those makeup mistakes that age you without you even realizing it! When your foundation doesn’t match your skin tone, it creates this harsh contrast, making your skin look uneven and honestly, a little older.
Solution: The trick is to find a foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Test a few shades along your jawline (don’t just trust your wrist!) and pick the one that blends in seamlessly. If you’re stuck between two shades, go with the one that matches your undertones best!
- Over-Application of Foundation
I’ve been guilty of this one too—slapping on way too much foundation, thinking it’ll give me that flawless look. But, guess what? It actually does the opposite and makes you look older by settling into fine lines.
Solution: Trust me, less is more. Use a lightweight foundation or apply it in thin layers so it still lets your skin breathe. That way, you won’t end up looking like you’ve painted a mask on!
- Skipping Primer
You know how everyone says, “Just skip the primer, it’s not a big deal”? Well, skipping it is actually one of those makeup mistakes that’ll age you, because it can make your makeup settle into fine lines and uneven texture. Not cute, right?
Solution: If you want smooth, long-lasting makeup, get a good primer. If your skin is dry, go for something hydrating. If you have larger pores, pick one that minimizes them. It’ll give you a perfect canvas to work with, and your makeup will stay fresh all day
#Eye Makeup Mistakes
- Too Harsh Eyeliner
Let’s talk about eyeliner—ever noticed how overly defined eyeliner can actually make your eyes look smaller and more tired? It’s one of those sneaky makeup mistakes that age you, because it pulls attention away from your natural eye shape.
Solution: Go for a softer, smudged look or try tightlining (lining just the waterline). It’ll give your eyes a more open, awake appearance without making them look smaller.
- Overdrawn Brows
You know how the super sculpted, Instagram brow was all the rage? Well, that’s one trend that can make you look older. When your brows are too thick or too harshly drawn, they can create a pretty unnatural look that actually ages your face.
Solution: A softer, more natural shape can work wonders. Just follow your natural arch and fill them in lightly. They’ll look fuller but still soft and youthful.
- Wrong Mascara Application
When mascara gets clumpy, it can actually make your eyes look heavier, which isn’t exactly the vibe we’re going for, right?
Solution: Go for a lengthening mascara that separates your lashes. A few coats will do the trick without the clumps. Focus on the top lashes to lift and define them—no droopy eyes here besties!
- Too Much Eyeshadow
Dark or heavy eyeshadow, especially on the lower lid, can actually make your eyes look sunken, giving you that tired, older vibe. It’s easy to go a little heavy-handed with eyeshadow, but it’s one of those makeup mistakes that can make you appear older even without you realizing it.
Solution: Keep your eyeshadow lighter and more subtle. You can even stick to neutral shades and try a little eye contouring to open up your eyes, not close them down. This will give you a fresh, youthful look!
#Face and Contour Mistakes
- Wrong Blush Placement
If you’ve ever noticed your blush dragging your face down, it’s probably because it’s a little too low or too high.
Solution: Apply your blush right on the apples of your cheeks or up on your cheekbones. It’ll lift your face and give you that natural, youthful glow.
- Over-Contouring
We all love contouring, but too much of it can create harsh lines that actually emphasize aging. Instead of sculpting, it can make you look like you’ve tried too hard and end up accentuating shadows you didn’t want.
Solution: Go easy on the contouring. This beauty technique isn’t nearly as complicated as it may seem. A little subtle definition around your cheekbones and jawline is all you need to enhance your natural bone structure.
- Skipping Highlighter
Blinding highlighter may feel like a throwback to your 2016-era Instagram makeup, but natural radiance is always in. Without a little highlighter, your skin might look flat and lack that youthful, radiant glow.
Solution: The key to achieving natural-looking radiance is knowing how to use highlighter, including where to apply highlighter for the best results. A tiny dab of highlighter on the high points of your face—cheekbones, nose, and brow bone—will make your skin look fresh and glowing.
Lastly, girl, I know we’ve all skipped setting our makeup, thinking it’ll be fine. But, you know when your makeup starts to settle into those fine lines by lunchtime? It’s not a vibe!
Set that makeup sis! A translucent powder or setting spray will save you. Your makeup will stay in place all day, no creasing, no slipping!
And hey, if you’d rather not deal with the stress of doing it yourself, why not work with a pro? Check out our MUA directory to find talented makeup artists who can help you nail your look effortlessly
So, we’ve covered 11 makeup mistakes that can age you, but here’s a question I’ve been seeing a lot lately: “Will makeup ruin your skin?” If you’re curious about the real impact of makeup on your skin, be sure to check out this article.