Makeup should enhance your features and bring out your best, but the wrong techniques can actually do the opposite—making you look older than you are. According to professional makeup artist and beauty creator Smitha Deepak, who has worked in the industry for over two decades, small missteps can add years to your look.
At 47, Smitha knows the difference subtle changes can make. She demonstrated how correcting common mistakes on one side of her face instantly lifted and brightened her appearance—showing how makeup, when done right, can make you look up to ten years younger.
Here are the ten makeup mistakes Smitha says are most likely to age you, along with her pro-approved fixes.
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1. Skipping Skin Prep Creates a Dry, Uneven Canvas for Makeup
The most overlooked mistake is applying foundation without preparing your skin first. Without moisturizer, lip treatment, and primer, makeup clings to dry patches, settles into fine lines, and fades unevenly. Fix it: Hydrate with a moisturizer suited to your skin type, smooth lips with a balm, and finish with a primer to create the perfect canvas.
2. Relying on Overly Matte Foundations That Flatten the Face
Matte formulas can control shine, but heavy matte finishes flatten the complexion and emphasize texture. Fix it: Choose hydrating or radiant foundations with words like “luminous” or “dewy.” If you have oily skin, set only your T-zone with a light dusting of powder instead of mattifying your whole face.
3. Using Thick, Heavy Concealer That Settles Into Fine Lines
Thick concealer might hide dark circles, but it creases and accentuates fine lines. Fix it: Opt for lightweight, hydrating concealers and apply only where needed—typically the inner and outer corners of the eyes and around the mouth.
4. Overloading the Face with Powder Until It Looks Cakey
Powder helps control shine, but too much can leave skin looking dry, cakey, and older. Fix it: Apply finely milled powder only to oily areas using a fluffy brush for a softer finish.
5. Harsh Contour Lines That Add Shadows and Age the Face
Heavy contouring with cool-toned bronzers can hollow out the face, making it appear harsh or aged. Fix it: Use a warm-toned bronzer applied lightly to the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline for natural dimension and warmth.
6. Forgetting Blush and Leaving the Face Looking Flat
Without blush, the face can look flat and washed out. Fix it: Add a peach, rose, or mauve blush to the high points of your cheeks. This adds color, radiance, and even a lifted effect.
7. Harsh or Overdone Brows That Weigh Down the Eyes
Blocky, overly dark, or pencil-thin brows can harden the face and weigh down the eyes. Fix it: Go for soft, natural brows with light pencil strokes or brow powder. Finish with a tinted gel for dimension and hold.
8. Frosty Eyeshadows That Emphasize Texture and Fine Lines
Chunky glitter or frosty metallics can emphasize fine lines and texture on the eyelids. Fix it: Matte or satin shadows in warm tones smooth and brighten the eyes, creating a more youthful look.
9. Thick, Heavy Eyeliner That Shrinks and Drags Down the Eyes
Thick black liner can drag down the eyes and make them appear smaller. Fix it: Keep liner thin and close to the lashes. Tightline the upper waterline, and consider nude liner on the lower waterline to make eyes appear bigger and brighter.
10. Overlining Lips Too Dramatically with Dark Lip Liners
Dramatically overlined lips, especially with a dark liner, can look harsh and unnatural. Fix it: Subtly overline only the center of your lips and blend with lipstick or gloss in a close shade to keep the look seamless.
The bottom line
As Smitha Deepak explains, it’s not about following every trend—it’s about enhancing your natural features with techniques that flatter your face. Avoiding these ten mistakes can help keep your makeup modern, fresh, and youthful at any age.
