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?
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390 Member Comments
Great article
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Loving this article. I think the only one I'm guilty of is not using a primer. I'm not expecting to look half my age, just hoping to age gracefully.
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Yes too much loose powder is thick and does not look good
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As I'm not yet having lip thinning I'm going to embrace dark lipstick before it's too late! Thanks BH.
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I've never worn dark lipstick - soft pinks for me, no matter what fashion says.
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Never is a big word - I had a flat mate who wore the same makeup for years - it can be very dated ultimately. Like anything change and keeping an open mind is youthful.
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It's also incredibly important to feel comfortable with your own look. Understand what makes you feel good and look good and you're halfway there.
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Aw but I love loose powder..
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I will never cut my hair! It actually makes me look younger (~15 years apparently!!!)
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Thankyou. I need a good primer.
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great tips, but I do love a nice plum lippy :)
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great tips and rather helpful I have found as I age my make up needs have changed and the type I used to use when younger just does not work any more, also a good beauty routine is a must !
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Oh I love primers, so many wonderful ones to try
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I'm scared of sun damage!! Not so much on my face as I wear makeup/moisturiser with SPF, but on my arms and décolleté!! Especially the driving arm! Does anyone know of a moisturising, hydrating body moisturiser with SPF 20+?
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I'm scared of sun damage!! Not so much on my face as I wear makeup/moisturiser with SPF, but on my arms and décolleté!! Especially the driving arm! Does anyone know of a moisturising, hydrating body moisturiser with SPF 20+?
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I prefer using loose powder to liquid foundation as i find it can be cakey and powder gives me a light soft look.
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great article
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I never thought I would need a primer for my face.
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GUILTY AS CHARGED
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I love the tips. Yet i still don't use primer. Can anyone recommend a good one!?
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I don't use loose powder, and thankfully do use a primer...but love a dark lipstick :(
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Yes, must remember the Primer!
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