As we gracefully age, our makeup routine needs a little revamp too! What worked in our 20s might not be doing us any favors in our 40s and beyond. I’ve spent years as a makeup artist helping women of all ages look their best, and I’ve noticed certain trends that can actually add years rather than create that fresh, vibrant look we’re all after.
1. Heavy Foundation That Settles Into Lines
Thick, cakey foundation is the quickest way to highlight every fine line you never knew you had! Instead, opt for lightweight, hydrating formulas that melt into skin rather than sitting on top like fondant on a dry cake. Your mature skin deserves better than that mask-like finish.
2. Glitter Eyeshadow Overload
Though sparkles might seem fun, they’re actually magnifying glass for textured eyelids! Glitter particles lodge into every crease, creating a disco ball effect that’s less Studio 54 and more spotlight on fine lines. Subtle shimmer, however, can still be your friend.
3. Matte Lipsticks That Shrivel Your Lips
Whoever invented ultra-matte liquid lipsticks clearly never tried them on mature lips! These formulas literally suck moisture away, leaving your lips looking like a dried apricot with color flaking off. Hydrating cream formulas are your aging pout’s best friend.
4. Skipping Primer
If you’re bypassing primer, you’re essentially building a house without a foundation! For mature skin, primer isn’t optional – it’s the difference between makeup that disappears by noon and makeup that stays put without creasing. Think of it as shapewear for your face.
5. Harsh Black Eyeliner All Around
Remember when we rimmed our entire eyes with black kohl? Well, that harsh 360-degree liner now makes eyes look smaller and more tired than ever before. Harsh lines create a severity that ages rather than enhances. Softer colors and strategic application are game-changers.
6. Powder Overload
Attacking shine with layers of powder is like trying to iron a wrinkle – you just make it more noticeable! Excessive powder settles into fine lines, creating a textured, parched appearance that adds years instantly. Strategic powdering is an art form worth mastering.
7. Neglecting Your Brows
Honey, those pencil-thin brows from the 90s aren’t doing your face any favors! As we age, brows naturally thin out, and failing to define them properly creates a washed-out, unframed face. Full, well-shaped brows instantly lift your entire appearance.
8. Too-Dark Contour
While the 20-somethings are carving cheekbones out of nowhere, that muddy contour on mature skin creates hollow, gaunt shadows that age you instantly. Mature faces naturally lose volume – why would we emphasize that? Gentle sculpting with warmer tones works wonders instead.
9. Under-Eye Concealer Catastrophes
Slapping thick concealer under your eyes isn’t hiding those dark circles – it’s highlighting every fine line! That cakey triangle of light technique works for 22-year-old influencers, not for skin with natural movement and texture. Less product, strategic placement makes all the difference.
10. Skipping Blush
Nothing ages you faster than a flat, one-dimensional complexion! As we mature, our natural flush fades, and skipping blush leaves you looking tired and washed out. A touch of the right shade on the apples of your cheeks brings back that youthful vitality instantly.
11. Frosted Eyeshadows
Those blue frosted shadows from the 80s should stay there! Frosted finishes emphasize crepey eyelids like nothing else, creating a crinkled appearance that’s more crepe paper than chic. Satin finishes give dimension without highlighting texture.
12. Ignoring Changing Lip Lines
With age, our lip borders become less defined, yet many women still apply lipstick like they did decades ago! Feathering color outside faded lip lines creates a messy, undefined look that ages you instantly. A good lip liner is your secret weapon here.
13. Too-Light Concealer
That highlighting triangle under your eyes? It’s creating a reverse raccoon effect that’s aging you! Super-light concealer creates an unnatural brightness that draws attention to under-eye texture rather than camouflaging it. Match your skin tone for natural-looking coverage.
14. Skipping Lip Prep
Applying lipstick to dry, flaky lips is like painting a cracked wall – it emphasizes every imperfection! Mature lips need proper exfoliation and hydration before any color goes on. Your lipstick is only as good as the canvas it’s applied to.
15. Powder Eyeshadows Without Primer
Applying powder shadows directly to mature lids is asking for trouble! Without primer, those beautiful colors disappear into creases faster than dessert at a family dinner. Eyeshadow primer isn’t optional—it’s essential for creating a smooth canvas that color can adhere to.
16. Spider Lashes
Clumpy, spider-leg lashes might be trendy for the young crowd, but on mature eyes, they create a harsh, aging effect! Heavy mascara weighs down already drooping lids and draws attention to fine lines. Defined, separated lashes open up the eyes beautifully.
17. Ignoring Changing Undertones
That foundation shade you’ve used for decades? Your skin tone has likely shifted! Many mature women develop cooler undertones with age, yet continue using warm-toned products that create an orange, unnatural effect. Reassess your shade regularly for the most flattering match.