If your goal is to look fresh, radiant, and youthful—but your makeup seems to be doing the opposite—you’re not alone. Professional makeup artist Jeannie Giannone recently shared in a viral YouTube video the five most common makeup mistakes that can unintentionally make you look older. The good news? Each one is easy to fix with a few pro-approved tweaks.
“I hate to break it to you, babe, but your makeup is aging you,” Giannone says. “The number one question I get asked all the time as a working pro makeup artist is how do I look younger?”
According to Giannone, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing less and paying attention to the small details that make a big difference. Here’s what she says you might be doing wrong—and how to correct it for that “youthful, delicious glow” we all want.
This Clean, Effective Powder Helps Support Muscle Growth, Endurance, And Recovery
1. You’re Using Too Much Foundation
One of the biggest culprits of aging makeup? Overapplying your base. Giannone explains that many modern foundations are already highly pigmented, so using too much can create a heavy, cakey look that exaggerates fine lines and texture.
“Many of the foundations on the market these days are incredibly pigmented, which is great because that means you can use less of it,” she says. Her tip: start with a small amount on the back of your hand, then lightly buff it into your skin using a clean brush. This technique gives coverage without masking your natural complexion.
“When we’re talking about makeup looking youthful, the skin should look like skin,” Giannone emphasizes.
2. Your Brows Are Too Dark
If your brows are overly bold, you could be adding years to your look. “Your brows are too dark, honey—they are way, way too dark,” Giannone says.
She recommends choosing a brow shade slightly lighter than your natural color for a softer effect. Overly sharp or skinny brows can also age you, while fuller, feathered brows lend a more youthful appearance. “A fat brow lends to a more youthful look because if you look at most children, 99% of them have glorious fat brows that have not been touched,” she adds.
3. Your Concealer Is Too Light
According to Giannone, a bright under-eye might seem like the goal—but going too light can actually make you look older. “Your concealer is too light. It is not making you look fresh. It is not making you look awake. It is too light and it’s making you look old,” she says.
Instead, go one shade deeper for a more natural, balanced effect. Using less product and applying in light layers also helps prevent creasing and accentuating fine lines.
4. Your Eyeliner Is Dragging Your Eyes Down
Eyeliner can either lift your eyes—or pull them down, depending on where it’s placed. Giannone warns that applying black liner to the lower waterline can make your eyes appear smaller and tired.
“When you place an eyeliner, particularly a black eyeliner, in your waterline and smudge it underneath, it’s going to make your eye look heavy and pull everything down,” she explains.
Her fix? Tightline the upper lash line instead. This defines your eyes while keeping them open and lifted. “It gives depth at the lash line but won’t be nearly as heavy,” she says.
5. Your Blush and Lipstick Placement Are Off
Blush placement can instantly change your face shape—and using too much on the apples of your cheeks can make your face look droopy. “A higher blush placement gives that lifted look,” Giannone advises. Apply blush toward the outer third of your cheeks and lightly across your nose for a natural flush.
As for lipstick, overly matte or undefined lips can also age your face. “You’re using matte products that are way too dry and you’re not lining your lips,” she explains. Her fix: line your lips for subtle definition and finish with a touch of gloss for a plumper, hydrated look.
The Bottom Line
Giannone’s expert advice boils down to this: less is more. The key to looking youthful isn’t piling on more products—it’s about using what you already have strategically. “You can make your makeup work for you,” she says.
“It’s all about light layers, balance, and letting your natural skin shine through.” By making a few simple swaps in your makeup routine, you can instantly lift, brighten, and soften your overall look—no filter required.
