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Beauty

8 Sneaky Makeup Mistakes That Make You Look Older Than You Are: Shimmery Blush, Heavy Foundation, More

April 20, 2025 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Beauty
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How you apply your makeup and the makeup products that you choose can truly make all of the difference, especially as you age. If you’re trying to achieve a glowy makeup look that appears more lifted and youthful, but always feel like your makeup drags down your features or gets captured in the pores of your skin, it’s time to make a few simple makeup swaps.

According to one professional makeup artist, these are the eight makeup mistakes that are making you look older. From heavy foundations that cover your skin issues, but at the expense of highlighting fine lines and wrinkles, to lip liner mistakes that visually pull the lip downward, here are the biggest makeup mistakes to avoid.

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liquid-foundation

1. Wearing Heavy Foundation

 


Heavy foundation formulas sit on your skin and can not only clog your pores, but an emphasize every pore and line on your face. A better bet for mature skin is liquid foundation that’s lightweight and can be layered. Start with a little and build up coverage as needed.

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2. Too Much Under-Eye Concealer

 


Too much under-eye concealer has the opposite effect you are going for — it can accentuate all of the fine lines that are so common and normal on this thin area of skin. A better approach is to add concealer in just a few key spots and blend it upward.

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3. Baking

 


Baking was a huge makeup trend not long ago that involved using a lot of powder — but there’s no need for all of that makeup, which can settling in fine lines. Gently setting a minimal amount of translucent powder is all that’s really needed to set your makeup.

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4. Using Bronzing Powder

 


A cream bronzer can give you a nice sun-kissed glow, but overdoing it with bronzing powder can appear muddy and make the face actually look a little dirty — not the look you’re after.

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5. Shimmery Blush

 


Shimmer in makeup like blush accentuates pores and textures, but blush is always a good idea to give you a healthy glow. Use a cream formula instead.

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6. Styling Your Brows Downward

 


Pushing your brows downward can give your eyes a downturned look. Using a spoolie or brow gel, brush your brows up instead.

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7. Lining Your Entire Eye With Eyeliner

 


Lining your upper lash line with liner is a great idea for widening and brightening the eyes, but you need only apply it from the center of the top lid outwards. Lining your entire lid can make eyes look more closed.

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8. Overlined Lips

 


Overlining your lips doesn’t call attention to them in the best way — it can make your lips appear as if they are turned downward. For a more lifted look, only line the bottom center lip and the cupid’s bow. Fill your lips in with liner and a gloss.

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

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