Makeup Mistakes That Can Age You Without You Realising

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.