Makeup mistakes that are ageing your face
Makeup is supposed to boost your confidence and bring out your best features. Funny thing is, the everyday habits you barely think about can sometimes do the opposite, leaving your skin looking tired or older than it really is.It’s not about piling on more products or blindly chasing every new trend on Instagram. Usually, it comes down to a few simple tweaks that can instantly freshen things up. If your makeup routine doesn’t feel quite right lately, you probably don’t need an overhaul, just a little adjustment.Samantha Kochharr, Managing Director of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies & Chief Hairdressing Expert, Hairdressing WorldSkills – BKCAD shares about some makeup habits that can add years and quick fixes you can try for a more youthful look.
Going Too Heavy with Foundation
When your skin feels off, full-coverage foundation is tempting. But thick, matte formulas tend to settle in fine lines, making your complexion look weighed down and kind of flat.
What helps: Pick a lighter, hydrating foundation, or just a tinted moisturiser. These really blend in rather than sit on top. A bit of dewiness gives your skin that healthy, fresh look. And moisturiser underneath? Absolutely don’t skip it; that’s how you get everything looking smooth.
Packing On the Powder
Powder keeps shine under control, but too much will suck the life right out of your face. It especially clings to creases around your eyes and mouth.What helps: Be light-handed. Just powder your T-zone or any other areas you tend to get shiny. That’s plenty. If you want longer wear, try a setting spray to hold things in place; your skin will still look glowy.
Overdoing (or Underdoing) Your Brows
Brows totally shape your face. Super sparse brows can age you, while ones that are way too dark or blocky look unnatural.What helps: Go soft and natural. Fill in gaps with light, feathery strokes, just following your brow’s own shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect – the point is to gently enhance what you already have.
Dark, Dry Lipsticks
Bold lipstick is fun, but really dark or super matte formulas can make lips look smaller and draw attention to fine lines.What helps: Switch to creamier shades, pinks, peaches, or warm nudes that flatter your skin. They wake up your whole face. A dab of gloss in the center adds fullness and gives you a fresh, youthful boost.
Skipping Blush or Putting It Too Low
A lot of people skip blush, but honestly, it brings your whole look to life. Leave it out – or put it too low on the cheeks, and your face can look flat or pulled downwards.What helps: Smile, then lightly sweep blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending up and out. Cream blushes look especially natural and melt right in for a healthy flush.
Heavy Eyeliner
Going thick and dark, especially under your eyes, can make your eyes look smaller and make you look more tired.
What helps: Keep lashes defined, but line softly. Use browns or softer blacks, blend them out gently, and lift the outer corners slightly. Your eyes will instantly look more awake.
Ignoring Skincare First
No makeup, no matter how high-end, can cover up dry or poorly prepped skin. That’s when things start to look dull and patchy.What helps: Spend a few minutes on your skin. Cleanse, moisturise, and layer on sunscreen. If your skin’s thirsty, add a hydrating serum or a bit of facial oil. Your makeup will glide on more smoothly and look more radiant every single time.Makeup shouldn’t hide you or feel like a costume. The goal is to let the real you shine, just a little more polished, a little more glowing. Most of the time, freshening up your routine just means using a lighter touch, picking the right textures, and remembering that youthful skin is about radiance, not camouflage. Don’t be afraid to let a bit of your own glow come through. That’s what really keeps things looking young.
