MomSkoop
As we age, our skin changes, and so should our makeup routine. Many women over 60 continue using the same makeup techniques they’ve used for decades, not realizing these methods might now be adding years instead of enhancing their natural beauty. Small adjustments to your makeup routine can make a significant difference in creating a fresh, youthful appearance without trying too hard. Let’s explore five common makeup missteps that might be aging you prematurely—and the simple solutions to correct them.
1. Heavy Foundation Creates a Mask-Like Appearance
That full-coverage foundation that worked wonders in your 40s might be working against you now. As skin matures, it becomes drier and develops fine lines that thick foundation can settle into, creating a cakey appearance that adds years instantly.
Switch to lightweight, hydrating formulas like tinted moisturizers or serum foundations. These products provide enough coverage to even out your skin tone while allowing your natural skin to shine through. Apply with a damp makeup sponge, pressing gently into skin rather than dragging across it.
Remember: Less is more! Start with a small amount and build coverage only where needed, typically around the nose and chin where redness often appears.
2. Piling on Under-Eye Concealer Highlights Wrinkles
Trying to hide dark circles with layers of thick concealer? Unfortunately, this approach often backfires. Excess product settles into fine lines and creases, drawing more attention to the very area you’re trying to camouflage.
Prep is crucial for this delicate area. Apply a hydrating eye cream first and allow it to absorb fully. Choose a lightweight, hydrating concealer with light-reflecting properties rather than a thick, matte formula. Pat the product gently with your ring finger rather than rubbing or tugging.
A genius trick: Apply concealer only to the inner corners and darkest parts of under-eye circles rather than sweeping it across the entire area.
3. Dark Eyeliner Creates a Harsh, Dated Look
That black eyeliner you’ve worn faithfully since your twenties might now be creating a severe look that ages your face. Harsh lines, especially on the lower lash line, can make eyes appear smaller and emphasize droopiness.
Soften your approach with smudged, smoky lines using brown, navy, or plum pencils instead of stark black. Apply liner primarily to the top lash line, extending just slightly past the outer corner for a subtle lift. For the lower lash line, use a soft eyeshadow applied with a small brush instead of a pencil liner.
For special occasions, try “tight-lining” by applying liner between your upper lashes rather than above them for definition without heaviness.
4. Neglected Eyebrows Frame an Aging Face
Many women who meticulously apply the rest of their makeup completely overlook their eyebrows. As we age, brows naturally become sparser and lighter, which can leave the face looking undefined and washed out when ignored.
Well-shaped brows create a natural frame that lifts the entire face. Choose a brow pencil or powder one shade lighter than your hair color (unless you’re blonde—then go one shade darker). Use short, feathery strokes that mimic natural hairs rather than drawing solid lines.
Focus on filling sparse areas and defining the arch slightly. Avoid severe, drawn-on looks—the goal is subtle definition that looks natural even up close.
5. Outdated Lipstick Choices Drain Your Complexion
Those deep burgundy or brown matte lipsticks popular decades ago can now make your lips look thinner and emphasize fine lines around the mouth. Very dark or flat matte colors tend to drain the natural warmth from aging faces.
Embrace the power of moisture and light! Creamy, satin-finish lipsticks in rose, peach, or soft berry tones instantly brighten your complexion and make lips appear fuller. A touch of gloss in the center of your bottom lip creates dimension without looking teenage-inappropriate.
Lip liner is your friend, but choose one that matches your natural lip color rather than your lipstick. Outline just slightly outside your natural lip line to restore definition that may have faded with age.