10 Makeup Mistakes That Make You Look Older (And How to Fix Them)

Have you ever finished your makeup routine only to feel like you look more tired than when you started? Common makeup mistakes that age you can add years to your appearance without you realising it. From heavy foundation settling into fine lines to harsh lip liner, small errors make a big difference. Simple adjustments to your technique can help you look fresher and more radiant at any age.

Why Certain Makeup Techniques Add Years

Makeup can work for or against you depending on how you apply it. A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Psychology by Russell et al. found that makeup made women in their 40s and 50s appear significantly younger by enhancing skin evenness and facial contrast. However, heavy or improperly applied makeup had the opposite effect. Technique matters far more than the amount of product you use, and these age-appropriate makeup tips will help you get it right.

Heavy Foundation and Over-Powdering

Full-coverage foundation might seem like the answer for uneven skin tone, but thick formulas settle into wrinkles and fine lines, creating a cakey finish. This is one of the most common aging makeup mistakes. Switch to a lightweight, hydrating foundation with buildable coverage and apply with a damp beauty sponge. Focus heavier coverage only where you need it, like around the nose or on dark spots.

Too much powder creates the same problem. It sits in creases around your eyes and mouth, making lines look deeper. Use a light dusting on your T-zone only, skip powder on dry areas, and reach for blotting papers instead. Check out our bestselling products for lightweight formulas that sit beautifully on skin.

Harsh Brows and Frosted Eyeshadow

Overly dark, heavily drawn eyebrows look severe and add years, especially when the colour does not match your natural hair tone. Choose a brow product one shade lighter than your hair and use light, feathery strokes to mimic individual hairs. Finish with a clear or tinted brow gel for a natural shape.

Shimmery and frosted eyeshadows highlight every crease in your eyelid. Glitter settles into fine lines and draws attention to texture. Opt for matte or satin-finish shadows in neutral tones instead. If you love shimmer, apply it only to the centre of your lid or inner corner. Browse our eye makeup range for flattering everyday shades.

Dark Lower Liner and Skipping Primer

Heavy liner under your eyes pulls your face down and makes your eyes appear smaller. Skip the lower lash line entirely, or use a soft brown pencil on the outer third only. A nude pencil on your lower waterline opens eyes up instantly. Focus darker liner on your upper lash line for definition.

Skipping primer is another aging makeup mistake that catches up with you by midday. Without a smooth base, foundation settles into pores and fine lines, becoming makeup that makes you look older as hours pass. Apply a silicone-based primer after moisturiser to fill in texture and hold your base in place.

Wrong Concealer and Overdone Lip Liner

A concealer that is too light or too dry bunches up in under-eye creases, highlighting wrinkles instead of hiding them. Choose a shade one step lighter than your foundation with a creamy texture. Apply in a triangle shape under your eye and set with minimal powder, or let it settle naturally for a crease-free finish.

Dark lip liner that contrasts with your lipstick creates a dated look. Use a liner that matches your natural lip colour or lipstick shade exactly, drawing just inside your natural lip line. For fuller-looking lips, choose cream or satin finishes over matte. Find flattering options in our lip collection designed for comfortable, all-day wear.

Low Blush Placement and Forgetting Your Neck

Placing blush on the apples of your cheeks or too low drags features downward. Smile naturally and apply blush on the highest point of your cheekbone, blending upward toward your temples. Cream or liquid formulas blend more seamlessly than powder. Stick to warm peachy or rosy tones rather than cool-toned pinks.

Stopping foundation at your jawline creates a visible line that makes your face look like a mask. Blend foundation down your neck using leftover product on your sponge. If you worry about transfer, set with a light dusting of translucent powder. Browse our latest launches for products that blend effortlessly from face to neck.

Typsy Beauty: Makeup That Celebrates You at Every Age

At Typsy Beauty, we believe makeup should enhance your confidence, not mask who you are. Our approach focuses on age-appropriate makeup tips that work with your skin, not against it. We are here to help you find products and techniques that bring out the best version of yourself at any age.

FAQs

What is the biggest makeup mistake that ages you?

Using heavy, full-coverage foundation is one of the most aging mistakes you can make. Thick formulas settle into fine lines and wrinkles, creating a cakey look that emphasises every crease. Lightweight, hydrating formulas with buildable coverage look far more natural.

What makeup makes you look older?

• Frosted or glittery eyeshadows that highlight creases and fine lines
• Heavy powder that settles into wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
• Dark lower lash liner that makes eyes appear smaller and tired
• Overly matte lip products that dry out lips and emphasise lip lines

Should you wear less makeup as you age?

You do not need to wear less makeup as you age, but you should adjust your technique and product choices. Cream-based products, strategic application, and proper blending matter more than the amount of makeup you use.

What colour lipstick is best for aging lips?

Soft neutral shades in rosy pinks, warm berries, and peachy nudes work beautifully. Choose hydrating, cream-based formulas over matte lipsticks, as matte products can emphasise lip lines and make your mouth appear smaller.

How do you prevent concealer from settling into wrinkles?

• Choose a hydrating, creamy concealer one shade lighter than your foundation
• Apply sparingly in a triangle shape under your eye, rather than just the inner corner
• Set with minimal translucent powder, or let it settle naturally without powder
• Always start with well-moisturised skin for the smoothest application