Makeup is an incredible tool for enhancing your natural beauty, but when applied incorrectly, it can inadvertently start “aging you” and add years to your appearance.
In a recent video, Jeannie Giannone, a top makeup artist, shared six common mistakes that many mature women make, which can cause them to look older and dull their youthful glow. From overusing foundation to making eyebrow blunders, these missteps are also pretty easy to correct—and can help you achieve a radiant, fresh look.
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1. Using Too Much Foundation
“When it comes to foundation, less is definitely more,” says the Giannone. Overloading your face with foundation can create a heavy, cakey appearance that hides your skin’s natural radiance. The secret? Use a minimal amount and apply it in light layers.
The artist demonstrates this technique: "I always start by applying the foundation to the back of my hand as a palette. This allows me to control the product and avoid piling too much on my brush. Then, I lightly tap it onto the skin." By using just a small amount, you can build coverage gradually, which ensures a more natural, dewy finish that still evens out skin tone without looking too made-up. “The skin should still look like skin,” Giannone emphasizes. This is a key tip for keeping your complexion youthful and glowing.
2. Dark Brows That Don't Match Your Hair Color
Many people make the mistake of using a brow pencil that’s too dark for their natural color. Giannone shares a personal experience: "I’ve been there myself—back in 2016, I caught a glimpse of my brows and thought I was looking great, but they were nearly black, which made me look older."
The solution? Go for a softer, more natural brow shade. "Even if you have dark hair, it’s better to opt for a very deep brown, rather than black," Giannone advises. A lighter, well-groomed brow not only complements your face better but also lends a more youthful look. "Brows should be full and fluffy," Giannone continues. "Think about the full brows children naturally have—those are youthful and untamed, and that’s the look we want."
3. Using Concealer That’s Too Light
While brightening concealer can work wonders, using a shade that's too light for your skin can have the opposite effect—making you look tired and older. "A concealer that's too light accentuates the fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, especially if you have mature skin," explains Giannone
The key is to choose a shade that matches your skin tone or is only one shade lighter. “I love the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, but I often use a medium shade, like Custard, to avoid making the under-eye area look too stark,” Giannone advises. "The goal is to create a bright, fresh look that doesn’t draw attention to creases or lines."
4. Eyeliner That Drags Your Eyes Down
Eyeliner can define the eyes and make them look bigger, but placement is everything. "Placing black eyeliner on the waterline and smudging it under the eyes can drag everything down and make you look older," warns Giannone. Instead, they suggest using a more subtle technique: "I recommend tightlining—applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, right at the base of the lashes. It gives depth to the eyes without the heaviness."
This method not only makes the eyes appear larger but also lifts the entire eye. "It defines the lashes without closing the eyes in, creating a more youthful and awake look," Giannone adds.
5. Blush Placement That Doesn’t Lift the Face
Blush can be a beautiful way to add a youthful flush, but where you place it matters. “Blush placement is key,” says Giannone. “Applying blush too low on the cheeks can pull the face down and make you look older. Instead, place it higher up on the cheekbones.”
The artist recommends using a soft, upward motion when applying blush, focusing on the outer third of the cheek. "I also love adding a bit across the nose to give a natural, sun-kissed look," Giannone adds. This technique gives a lifted, youthful appearance, making the face look fresh and glowing.
6. Matte Lipsticks That Age Your Lips
The final makeup mistake that can age you is using matte lipsticks that are too dry. "As we get older, lips can lose some of their fullness and natural moisture," Giannone explains. "Matte lipsticks, especially when they're too dry, can make lips look flat and accentuate fine lines."
The fix? Line your lips first to create definition, then opt for a creamy lipstick instead of a matte one. "I love using a lip liner to define the shape of the lips, then filling in with a softer lipstick," says Giannone. "To keep things youthful, I always finish with a glossy topcoat to add dimension and shine."
The bottom line
These simple but effective makeup tips can help you avoid common mistakes that age you, while giving you that youthful, fresh glow everyone deserves. "The goal is to enhance what you have, not cover it up," Giannone concludes. By applying makeup thoughtfully and with intention, you can look and feel your best at any age.
