If you're over 40 and still "doing your face" the same way you did 20 years ago, chances are you're making yourself look older. Here's how to turn around some common makeup mistakes and show the world what you've lost in youth you've gained in wisdom.
Concealing Everything
When you have more to hide, you need a thicker concealer and foundation, right? WRONG! The heavier the foundation, the more likely it will be to settle into lines and wrinkles, highlighting the flaws you want to hide. Stick with a lighter formula that helps even out your skin tone. Several cosmetics companies offer formulas designed for mature skin that help hydrate and stop makeup from settling.
Over-Plucking Brows
Super-skinny brows - or worse, drawn-on ones - are a sure sign of someone trying to hide their age. Unless you cannot grow natural brows, you should simply keep your brows well-shaped and groomed. Fuller brows can actually make you look younger.
Applying Lipstick That Runs Amuck
As we age, our lips become drier and less defined. A lip liner can help keep lipstick from bleeding, while a moisturizing lipstick or gloss can keep away cracks. Softer, more natural tones work better on older skin since bright lips can draw attention to wrinkles around the mouth. The Estee Lauder website recommends using a liner color that's close to your natural lip color and apply a wrinkle filler around the lips to help keep lips looking youthful.
Layering on Powder
Too much powder can make skin look grey and dull. Unless your skin is very oily (rare in older skin) and you need to soak up shine, powder doesn't do much for you past your 30s. Women in their 60s and older can also develop some downy hair on their faces, which covering in powder will only highlight.
Sticking to Same Old Thing - Or Following Trends too Closely
Unless you wear very natural make-up, the style should be updated every few years. However, you should also take care not to jump on the hottest trend, particularly if it's a bold statement. The old adage - you should only follow each trend once in your lifetime — applies to makeup, too. You may have rocked that fluorescent eye shadow in your 20s, but it won't look the same on your 50-year-old face.
The best approach to makeup for older skin is to lighten up and tone it down. Turn your attention to your skin instead of makeup, keeping it fresh and healthy with regular cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing, and sun protection.
