Common Makeup Mistakes as We Age

We all would love to know the secrets to perfecting our makeup as we age. I believe it’s such a beautiful part of life to get older. I also believe that doesn’t mean you have to look older than you feel! As life rolls on, our makeup routine needs to evolve to complement all the changes in our skin. What most women don’t realize is that there are specific makeup mistakes that will age you and make you look older than you actually are. Whether it’s the wrong foundation shade or heavy powder, we’ve all been there. Luckily, you found my blog and I am honored to help.

Very quickly, I’m going to walk you through the most common makeup blunders that make you look older, and more importantly, show you exactly how to fix them. So if you’re ready to stop making these mistakes and get back to feeling youthful and fresh, keep on reading!

 

1. Using the Wrong Foundation Shade (Or Formula)

One of the biggest culprits when it comes to looking older is the wrong foundation. I see a ton of women go with foundation shades that are way too dark, too light, or even go with products that no longer match the skin’s texture.

Fix: Go for a foundation that is your exact shade, and keep in mind our shade can change throughout the year with the seasons. Pay attention to your skin type and do not use anything that doesn’t work really well with your skin. Dewy & Hydrating foundation formulas work much better than matte formulas for those whose skin has noticeably aged. Matte formulas can make fine lines more noticeable and make the skin look flat. Ultimately a glowing finish enhances the natural radiance of your skin showing the world your youthful appearance!

Try using a shade that’s a tiny bit lighter than your usual tone in order to get the perfect match. But ensure it blends seamlessly into your neck, and don’t forget to check it in natural light!

Take my foundation quiz now and I will personally match you. No strings attached.

 

2. Overusing Powder (Especially Under Your Eyes)

Don’t overuse powder. Trust me on this one. It is without a doubt one of the biggest makeup mistakes that will age you. Because as we get older, too much powder can do the opposite of what we want it to appearance wise. Why? Because powder can settle into fine lines and make your skin appear drier, which is never a good look.

Fix: Set your makeup with a very light dusting of powder. Be sure to focus on the areas of your face that need it most such as your T zone. Use a Hydrating Setting Spray instead of caking powder on under your eyes. Another option is to use a translucent setting powder that’s light, finely milled to avoid that heavy, cakey look, and is infused with skincare. My go to is Bellame’s Flawless 4K Radiance Powder

Pro Tip: Be careful with powder blush or bronzer. Instead try cream formulas to achieve a more natural look that won’t sink into fine lines.

 

3. Applying Too Much Concealer Under the Eyes

Concealer is a lifesaver for covering dark circles and brightening the under-eye area. However, over applying will actually draw attention to the fine lines around your eyes – once again making you appear older than your actual age.

Fix: Use just a small amount and apply it in the shape of an upside-down triangle under your eyes. This brightens and lifts without weighing the skin down. Use a hydrating concealer that’s not too thick and don’t forget to blend.

Pro Tip: Use Bellame’s Flawless Radiance Concealer formulated for all skin types. Perfect for sensitive and mature skin, too. Say hello to a hydrated, brightened, flawless radiance!

 

4. Aging Makeup Mistakes: Harsh Eyeliner

Eyeliner can make your eyes pop, but as we age, using a thick, harsh line on the top or bottom can create the opposite effect. It will make your eyes look smaller and drag down the whole face.

Fix: Don’t use a harsh liner. Instead, go for a soft line along your upper lash line. and try to use a brown or softer shade instead of black. You can also smudge a little eyeliner along the lower lash line and blend it to create a more natural, softer look that lifts the eyes. For a lifted effect, add a little highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes.

I love Bellame’s Velvet Infinity Liner and recommend it to all my clients.

 

5. Skipping Blush or Over Applying

Blush is an essential part of a youthful, fresh look, but over-applying or skipping it altogether can give your face a washed-out look.

Fix: Choose a cream blush that blends well into your skin for a natural, flushed look. Apply to the high points of your cheeks and blend it slightly upward toward your temples for a lifted effect. Avoid using powder blush on mature skin because it will likely create the appearance of a lot of texture on your skin.

For a soft glow, a little bit of highlighter on the cheekbones can make your face look more lifted.

 

6. Aging Beauty Blunders: Over-Tweezing Eyebrows

If you’ve been over-tweezing or over-waxing your eyebrows, they can start to look sparse and thin, which can age you. We want to maintain a fuller, more natural-looking shape.

Fix: Go with a full shape. Instead of over-plucking, use a brow pencil to fill in areas that need it and create a more youthful, lifted appearance. A good brow gel will help keep them in place without looking too stiff. Our goal is to enhance the natural shape of our brows instead of reshaping them entirely.

 

7. Too Much Highlighter

Too much highlighter will actually highlight texture and wrinkles on more mature skin. It’s absolutely one of the most common makeup mistakes that will instantly age you. We want to use just the right amount to get that glowy, fresh look and feel.

Fix: Avoid applying it everywhere and instead focus on the high points. Which are your brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones. Avoid using shimmer or glitter-based highlighters on textured areas. Instead, use a cream highlighter or a lightly pearlescent powder for a more natural finish.

 

8. Applying Lip Liner Too Dark or Harsh

Lip liner can define and shape your lips, but too much of a line can make your lips look smaller and older. Same goes for too dark of a line.

Fix: Choose a lip liner that’s similar to your natural lip shade. When applying, make sure the liner is soft and blended, not harsh and defined. For fuller lips, apply a little lip gloss in the center of your lips. Shop the Hydraskilk Lip Liner collection by Bellame

 

Flawless, Youthful Makeup Starts with Proper Technique

You don’t need a whole new makeup bag to look younger — just a few tweaks to your current routine and to avoid all those makeup mistakes that age you. The goal is to embrace your natural beauty while still achieving the desired results. Always remember: less is more when it comes to makeup, especially as we get older.

So, next time you’re getting ready, keep these tips in mind and see how they enhance your makeup routine. It’s all about feeling confident, comfortable, and looking your best—no matter your age.

Love this read? Check out all my beauty and makeup resources or take a quick second to learn about the best makeup for mature skin.