As a makeup artist with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen beauty trends come and go faster than last season’s lipstick colors. While some techniques stand the test of time, others can actually age you rather than enhance your natural beauty. For women over 40, avoiding these outdated makeup practices can make all the difference between looking refreshed and looking stuck in the past.
1. Heavy Foundation That Settles Into Lines
Thick, cakey foundation is your wrinkle’s best friend – and your worst enemy! Instead of hiding imperfections, it magnifies them by collecting in fine lines.
I recommend switching to lightweight, hydrating formulas that give a natural finish. Your skin will thank you, and those pesky lines won’t get the spotlight.
2. Matte Everything Approach
Remember when we feared any hint of shine? Those days are gone! Matte products can drain the life from mature skin, making it appear flat and dull.
Embrace strategic luminosity instead. A touch of glow on the high points of your face instantly revitalizes your complexion without looking like a disco ball.
3. Harsh, Drawn-On Eyebrows
Whoever started the pencil-thin, sharply outlined brow trend did us no favors! Sharp, overly defined brows create a harsh, unnatural frame for your face.
Softer, feathered strokes that mimic natural hair create youthful definition. Think gentle enhancement rather than complete redrawing.
4. Raccoon-Style Dark Eyeliner
Though I loved the 90s grunge look as much as anyone, that heavy black liner circling your entire eye is aging you terribly! It shrinks your eyes and emphasizes any droopiness.
Try softer, smudged liner just on the upper lashline instead. This opens the eye while still giving definition that flatters mature faces.
5. Frosted Blue Eyeshadow
While the 80s were fabulous for many things, frosted blue eyeshadow isn’t one of them! This dated look emphasizes crepey eyelids and can make eyes appear tired or irritated.
Warm neutrals and soft mauves are your friends now. They enhance your natural eye color without the retro costume party vibe.
6. Skipping Primer and Setting Products
Though it might seem like an unnecessary step, skipping primer is a rookie mistake at any age! Without proper prep, makeup slides into lines and disappears by lunchtime.
Invest in quality primers targeted to your concerns. They create the perfect canvas for makeup that stays put without settling into fine lines.
7. Powder Overload
Heavily powdered faces were once the gold standard, but now they’re aging you faster than a tanning bed! Excessive powder emphasizes texture and dryness that mature skin doesn’t need.
Instead, strategically powder only your T-zone if needed. Let your natural skin texture shine through elsewhere for a more youthful appearance.
8. Dark Lipstick Without Liner
Whoever told you to skip lip liner with dark lipstick was not your friend! As we age, our lip borders become less defined, causing dark colors to bleed and feather.
A matching liner creates a barrier that keeps color in place. Plus, slightly overlining faded borders restores youthful definition without looking obvious.
9. Glitter and Chunky Shimmer
Much as I adore sparkle, chunky glitters and heavy shimmers are not doing mature skin any favors! They settle into fine lines and draw attention to textured areas.
Opt for refined, finely-milled illuminators instead. They give that gorgeous glow without emphasizing texture or looking like you raided your teenager’s makeup stash.
10. Skipping Blush Altogether
When did we decide that mature women should have colorless cheeks? Skipping blush entirely creates a flat, one-dimensional face that lacks youthful vitality.
A touch of cream blush on the apples of your cheeks instantly brings life back to your complexion. It’s like an instant mini-facelift without any needles!
11. Concealer That’s Too Light
Using super-light concealer under your eyes creates that dreaded reverse-raccoon effect! It draws attention to the area rather than camouflaging it.
Choose a shade that’s only one tone lighter than your foundation. This brightens without that stark contrast that screams ‘I’m trying to hide something here!’
12. Neglecting Brow Maintenance
Though pencil-thin brows are out, completely untamed brows aren’t doing you any favors either! Ungroomed brows can make even the most polished face look unkempt.
Regular shaping maintains a natural arch that lifts the entire face. Think of brows as the frame for your eyes – they deserve some attention!
13. One-Color Eyeshadow Application
Slapping a single shade across your entire lid is the fastest way to date your makeup routine! This flat application lacks dimension and can make eyes appear smaller.
Try the rule of three instead: light shade on lid, medium in crease, darker shade as liner. This creates depth that opens the eye and looks instantly more modern.
14. Foundation Stopping at the Jawline
That telltale foundation line at the jaw is like wearing a mask! It creates an obvious demarcation that ages you instantly.
Blend foundation down onto your neck for a seamless transition. No one should be able to tell where your makeup ends and your natural skin begins.
15. Ignoring Changing Lip Shape
Using the same lip techniques you did at 25 ignores how our lips naturally thin and lose definition over time. Outdated application can emphasize these changes rather than flatter them.
Soft overlining and focusing color on the center creates the illusion of fullness. It’s about strategic placement, not overdrawn Instagram lips!