Common makeup mistakes that make you look older - Tips from expert

Skipping skin prep before makeup

Makeup artist Nikki DeRoest explained that when skin is dehydrated or overtired, makeup can make the complexion look dull and fatigued.

She recommends cleansing the skin first so it feels balanced rather than tight. Then apply a hydrating serum and moisturizer to help makeup sit better on the skin.

It’s also important not to skip the eye area, as proper hydration helps prevent creasing caused by concealer.

Using the wrong foundation shade

A mismatch in skin undertone is one of the main reasons makeup can make you look older. If a foundation is too yellow, pink, or gray for your skin, it can make the face appear tired and add years visually.

One way to determine your undertone is to look at the veins on your wrist: blue or purple veins indicate cool undertones, while greenish veins suggest warm undertones.

You can also observe how your skin reacts to the sun. People with cooler undertones tend to burn more easily, while those with warmer undertones usually tan more easily and develop a golden hue.

When testing foundation, apply a few shades along the jawline in natural light. The right shade should blend seamlessly without changing the color of your face or neck.

Applying concealer incorrectly

One of the most common mistakes is over-concealing under the eyes. Using too much product can make the face look dull and emphasize signs of fatigue.

Instead, apply concealer only where darkness is most visible, usually at the inner and outer corners of the eyes, to brighten and lift the area.

Concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation.

Inner corner of the eye

This area naturally falls into shadow, which can make the eyes look smaller and more tired, even when you’re well-rested. A small amount of brightening concealer can instantly make the eyes look more awake.

Choose a shade one to two tones lighter than the under-eye area. The key is a thin, creamy formula with a radiant or satin finish, rather than matte.

Earlier, we shared 4 main signs your skin shows you’re not drinking enough water.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.