Beauty

Makeup Mistakes That Can Age You Without You Realising

Published

12 months ago

26 July 2025

You wake up early, fight off the winter chill, and sit down to do your face—foundation, brows, lipstick, the whole nine yards. But by the time you step into the office or get to brunch, someone asks if you’re tired. Worse, you look in the mirror and wonder why your skin feels heavier, older. The truth? Sometimes your makeup routine is doing you no favours.

Even with the best products, small missteps in technique or choice can add unnecessary years to your look. Here’s a breakdown of the most common makeup habits that might be making you look older than you feel—and how to fix them.

Using Too Much Foundation

There’s a difference between covering imperfections and hiding your whole face. Slathering on foundation to even out your skin tone can backfire—especially if the formula is too matte or thick. Heavy foundation tends to settle into lines and exaggerate dry patches, especially during Gauteng’s dry winter months.

Fix it: Choose a lightweight, buildable foundation and blend well. If your skin is dry, add a drop of moisturiser to your base before applying. Let your skin peek through. It looks fresher—and frankly, more expensive.

Skipping Primer or Using the Wrong Type

Primer might seem like a luxury step, but skipping it can ruin your finish. The wrong primer? Just as bad. A mattifying primer on dry or maturing skin can make your face look flat and drained.

Fix it: If your skin’s on the dry side, go for something hydrating with a soft glow. If you’re oily (especially in the Joburg heat), look for a balancing formula. The right primer makes all the difference.

Too Much Powder, Too Little Life

Powder has its place, but when overdone, it saps the life out of your skin. It can collect in laugh lines and under the eyes, making every tiny crease look like a canyon.

Fix it: Lightly dust powder only on areas that get shiny—usually the forehead, nose and chin. Avoid baking the under-eyes unless you’re walking a runway. A setting spray helps take down shine without drying you out.

Bright Under-Eyes Gone Wrong

Many people choose concealers that are way too light, hoping to brighten the under-eye area. The result? That odd ghostly glow in photos. Worse, thick concealer formulas often crease, drawing more attention to puffiness or fine lines.

Fix it: Go one shade lighter than your skin tone—not three. Warm up the area with a peachy or golden undertone if you have dark circles. And remember: less is more. Dab gently with your ring finger or a damp sponge.

Eyebrows That Are Too Harsh

Overdone brows can throw off your entire look. Dark, sharp lines can look severe—even intimidating. A common mistake is using black or dark brown on brows when your hair is lighter, or drawing them in like stamps.

Fix it: Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair—not your mascara. Go in with a light hand and build up slowly. Small, feathered strokes make your brows look more natural and flattering.

Blush Applied Too Low or Too Strong

Blush isn’t just about adding colour—it shapes your face. But placed too low or too close to your nose, it can pull your features down, making your face look longer and more tired.

Fix it: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards toward your temples. Soft coral or rosy tones work well on most skin tones. Think less “makeup” and more “healthy glow after a walk.”

Dry Lips + Matte Lipstick = Disaster

Matte lipsticks are beautiful, but they don’t play nice with dry or cracked lips. On unprepped lips, they settle into every crease and can make your mouth look smaller and older.

Fix it: Scrub your lips gently with a damp washcloth or lip scrub, then apply a balm. If you still want a matte finish, blot after applying instead of layering on too much. A dab of gloss in the centre adds a youthful, plumping effect.

Forgetting to Blend Neck and Jawline

One of the most obvious—and ageing—makeup mistakes is stopping foundation at your jawline. The harsh contrast between your face and neck screams “makeup,” no matter how flawless your base is.

Fix it: Take your foundation (or a bit of bronzer) down your neck and blend lightly into your hairline. Seamless is the goal.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh, Not Fussy

Makeup shouldn’t feel like a mask. It should feel like you—just more polished. The good news is you don’t need a new makeup bag. Often, it’s just a tweak here or there: a softer brow, a lighter touch with powder, or choosing a better base for your skin.

As you get older, makeup isn’t about piling on more—it’s about knowing what to leave out.

Up Next

What’s Causing Your Uneven Skin Texture? Experts Break it Down

Don't Miss

Skincare Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Click to comment

Beauty

The Hidden Risks of Adult Skincare Products for Young Skin

Published

1 week ago

10 July 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Interest in skincare among children and teenagers has grown rapidly in recent years. Social media, influencer recommendations and colourful packaging have encouraged many young people to treat skincare as a trend instead of focusing on healthy skin. As a result, many are using products developed for adults without understanding how they affect younger skin.

Dermatologists have raised concerns about this growing habit. While basic skincare can benefit young people, many adult products contain active ingredients that are unnecessary and may irritate developing skin.

Young Skin Needs a Different Approach

Photo – Pinterest

Children’s and teenagers’ skin has different needs from adult skin. Its protective barrier is still developing, making it more vulnerable to irritation and moisture loss. Hormonal changes during adolescence can also make skin more prone to excess oil and breakouts.

Using strong active ingredients too early or too often can leave the skin dry, red and sensitive instead of improving it.

Ingredients to Watch

Photo – Pinterest

One of the biggest concerns is the growing use of anti-ageing products by children and young teenagers.

Retinol and other retinoids are designed to treat signs of ageing but can cause peeling, dryness and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Unless prescribed by a dermatologist for acne, they are generally unnecessary for young skin.

Chemical exfoliants, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), can weaken the skin barrier when overused, leading to irritation and peeling.

Highly concentrated vitamin C products may also irritate sensitive skin, particularly when combined with other active ingredients. Fragrances and essential oils can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation in some children and teenagers.

When Trends Replace Good Advice

Photo – Pinterest

Many viral skincare routines feature six or more products layered together. Young viewers often copy these routines without understanding whether the ingredients are suitable for their age or skin type.

More products do not automatically mean healthier skin. In fact, overloading the skin with active ingredients can damage its protective barrier and make existing problems worse.

Keep It Simple

Photo – Pinterest

For most children, a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturiser and daily sunscreen are enough to maintain healthy skin. Teenagers with acne or persistent skin concerns should seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist instead of relying on social media recommendations.

Warning signs that a routine is too harsh include persistent redness, burning, peeling, itching, increased sensitivity or worsening breakouts. If these symptoms develop, stop using the products and seek professional advice.

The Bottom Line

Photo – Pinterest

Skincare trends change quickly, but young skin does not need powerful anti-ageing products or lengthy routines. Products made for adults are designed to address concerns that children simply do not have, and using them too early can do more harm than good.

A simple routine centred on gentle cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection is usually the safest choice. Building healthy skincare habits early is far more valuable than following the latest beauty trend.

Beauty

5 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

Published

3 weeks ago

27 June 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

Winter can be tough on the skin. While people use several skincare products to keep their skin in good condition, it doesn’t always work. Many people make small skincare mistakes during this season which worsen the problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some adjustments are needed to keep the skin barrier healthy during colder months. Here are five common skincare mistakes to avoid this winter.

Using Hot Water

When you use hot water on your skin it can remove the skin’s natural oils. These oils protect the skin from damage. When these oils are no longer available, dryness comes. Experts recommend using lukewarm water during colder months. Just cleansing your skin twice daily is ideal.

Not Using Moisturizer

Photo: Getty Images

Avoiding moisturizer can cause severe skin damage during winter. Cold weather reduces the skin’s ability to hold moisture, which leads to flaking. The Mayo Clinic explains that moisturizers protect the skin barrier. Applying moisturizer immediately after washing helps keep your skin hydrated. Thicker creams have a better effectiveness than light lotions during winter period.

Ignoring Sunscreen

Even in winter, UV rays can still damage the skin. Many people stop using sunscreen, because they believe the sun is not too hot. The Cleveland Clinic notes that UV exposure causes premature aging. A broad spectrum SPF 30 should be used for the face and hands.

Overexfoliating the skin

Photo: Getty Images

Exfoliating too often can weaken the skin barrier. This is true especially in winter when the skin is dry. When this happens, it causes irritation. The National Health Service advises exfoliation should be done minimally during colder months. Twice a week with a gentle product is usually enough.

Not adjusting your skincare Routine

It is advised to always make changes to skincare routines. Winter conditions need people to keep their body hydrated. Dermatologists state that alcohol based toners are bad during this period. Their harsh ingredients cause redness to the skin. You will know when these changes are needed when you pay proper attention to your skin condition.

Beauty

How to Reduce Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles Naturally

Published

2 months ago

27 May 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Puffy eyes and dark circles are often linked to a combination of sleep patterns, genetics and lifestyle factors. While lack of sleep plays a role, allergies, dehydration, stress, excess salt, sun exposure and frequent eye rubbing can also affect the appearance of the under-eye area.

Dermatologists are increasingly focusing on practical daily habits and long-term skincare routines instead of temporary beauty trends when addressing under-eye concerns.

Improve Your Sleep Position

Photo – Pinterest

Getting enough sleep matters, but sleeping position can also affect puffiness. When fluid collects around the eyes overnight, the under-eye area may appear swollen in the morning.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated using an extra pillow can help reduce fluid retention. Many dermatologists recommend this alongside a regular skincare routine.

Poor sleep quality can also make blood vessels beneath the thin under-eye skin more visible, which may deepen dark circles.

Use Cold Compresses

Photo – Pinterest

Cold temperatures can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling temporarily.

A chilled spoon wrapped in a soft cloth, refrigerated cucumber slices or a cold face cloth can help reduce morning puffiness. Apply for around 10 minutes.

Cold green tea or black tea bags may also help because caffeine can tighten blood vessels and reduce swelling.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Photo – Pinterest

Frequent eye rubbing can worsen dark circles. It irritates the delicate skin under the eyes and may cause tiny blood vessels to become more visible over time.

This is especially common in people with allergies or irritated eyes. If your eyes itch often, focus on treating the irritation instead of touching the area repeatedly.

Skincare application should also be gentle. Pat products lightly into the skin instead of dragging the under-eye area.

Cut Back on Salt and Alcohol

Photo – Pinterest

A salty meal can cause puffiness around the eyes the following morning. Excess sodium encourages the body to retain water, especially in thinner areas of skin.

Alcohol may also contribute by dehydrating the skin and affecting sleep quality.

Reducing processed snacks, late-night salty foods and excessive alcohol intake may help reduce puffiness over time.

Stay Hydrated

Photo – Pinterest

Dehydrated skin can make the under-eye area appear less healthy. When the body lacks water, the skin under the eyes may look sunken or darker.

Regular water intake will not remove dark circles overnight, but consistent hydration supports better skin health.

Foods with high water content, including cucumber, watermelon and oranges, may also help maintain skin hydration.

Protect the Under-Eye Area From Sun Exposure

Photo – Pinterest

Sun damage can increase pigmentation around the eyes, especially in deeper skin tones.

Many people apply sunscreen to the cheeks and forehead but ignore the under-eye area. A lightweight sunscreen and sunglasses can help prevent further darkening caused by UV exposure.

This is particularly important if dark circles appear more brown than blue or purple.

Use Ingredients That Target Puffiness and Dark Circles

Natural remedies may help, but some skincare ingredients have stronger evidence behind them.

Dermatologists commonly recommend:

Caffeine for puffiness

Vitamin C for brightening

Hyaluronic acid for hydration

Niacinamide for supporting the skin barrier

Retinol for improving skin texture over time

Keeping eye creams in the refrigerator may also improve their cooling effect.

Understand the Role of Genetics

Photo – Pinterest

Not all dark circles can be fully removed naturally. In some cases, genetics, facial structure or naturally thin skin make the under-eye area appear darker regardless of sleep or skincare habits.

Lifestyle changes may still reduce their appearance, even if they do not remove them completely.

Treating the under-eye area as part of an overall skincare and wellness routine is usually more effective than relying on quick fixes or viral skincare trends.