Beauty

Makeup Mistakes That Can Age You Without You Realising

Published

9 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

5 Morning Rituals to Boost Your Skin’s Metabolic Glow

Published

1 week ago

6 April 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Skin follows its own repair cycle overnight. Circulation slows while cell turnover continues. What you do in the morning can either support this process or work against it. These habits focus on how the body functions, not just what is applied to the skin. Small, consistent actions tend to have more impact than occasional intensive routines.

Start with Water Before Anything Else

Photo – Pinterest

Drink water before coffee or breakfast. Overnight dehydration often shows up as dullness or uneven texture. Rehydrating early helps maintain the conditions needed for normal circulation and skin function. If needed, add citrus or a pinch of salt for taste. Consistent hydration also supports overall balance in the body, which reflects gradually on the skin.

Cleanse Based on What Your Skin Needs

Photo – Pinterest

Not everyone needs a full cleanse in the morning. For dry or sensitive skin, rinsing with lukewarm water may be enough. Over-cleansing can strip natural oils and may increase oil production later in the day. If you cleanse, use a mild product and avoid hot water. The focus should be on removing sweat and overnight buildup without weakening the skin barrier or causing irritation.

Use Light Movement to Support Circulation

Photo – Pinterest

A short period of movement in the morning can support blood flow. This can be stretching, walking, or basic mobility exercises. Circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin, and even small increases can improve how the skin looks temporarily. Regular movement also supports overall wellbeing, which contributes to more stable skin over time.

Eat to Support Skin Function

Photo – Pinterest

If you eat in the morning, include protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich foods. This helps maintain stable blood sugar and supports skin repair processes. Large fluctuations in blood sugar over time can contribute to oil imbalance and breakouts. Keeping meals simple and consistent makes it easier to maintain this habit daily.

Focus on Protection in the Morning

Photo – Pinterest

Morning skincare should centre on protection. After cleansing, apply a suitable moisturiser, followed by sunscreen. Daily sun exposure affects collagen and pigmentation, even when it is cloudy. Avoid overloading the skin with multiple active products during the day, as this can increase sensitivity. Focus on supporting the skin barrier and reducing exposure to environmental stress.

Why These Habits Matter

These steps align with how the body functions in the morning: hydration, circulation, nutrition, and protection. Both internal habits and topical care influence skin condition. Over time, daily routines support clearer, more balanced skin and help maintain an even tone and texture.

Beauty

5 Things to Know About Plumping Lip Gloss

Published

2 weeks ago

4 April 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

Plumping lip gloss has quickly become one of the most talked about beauty products on social media. Promising a good-looking pout, it has captured the attention of beauty lovers searching for a quick confidence boost. These formulas combine skincare ingredients with cosmetic innovation to enhance appearance and create the illusion of added volume in seconds. Before trying this trending beauty product, here are five important things to know and why it continues to dominate conversations in the beauty world.

Plumping Lip Gloss Creates Temporary Fullness

Plumping gloss does not permanently increase lip size, it has a temporary effect that makes it appear fuller for a short time. When blood vessels expand, they swell slightly, creating a fuller appearance. Hydrating ingredients also smooth fine lines, which makes them look big. The result lasts only a few hours before fading.

The Tingling Sensation Is Science

Lip Plumper: Instagram

If you feel a cooling sensation after applying plumping gloss, it’s normal. Many products contain mild irritants such as menthol, peppermint, cinnamon and ginger. These ingredients trigger increased circulation in the lips, which causes slight swelling. The sensation does not mean the product is better. Experts explain that the feeling is an increase in blood flow.

Hydrating Ingredients Play a Big Role

Not all plumping glosses rely on irritation. Many modern formulas use hydration. When lips are well hydrated, they appear smoother. These hydration based plumpers are gentler and more suited for sensitive lips.

Results Are Visual

Lip Plumper: Instagram

Part of the plumping effect is an optical illusion. Experts note that gloss applied to the center of the lips enhances illusion. The combination of shine, hydration, and slight swelling gives it a fuller look.

They Are Safe

Dermatologists say plumping lip gloss is safe for most people when used properly. However, it’s important to consider the ingredients used. Products with spicy extracts can cause dryness and redness. Because lip skin is sensitive, frequent application weakens the skin barrier.

It offers an easy way to beautify the lips. The fuller appearance comes from hydration and increased blood flow.

Beauty

Thuso Mbedu Knows How to Rock Big Hair, These Two Images Say It All

Published

2 weeks ago

30 March 2026

Tega Ekeri

Thuso Mbedu - Instagram

At the South African Film and Television Awards 2026, Thuso Mbedu wore two distinct hairstyles on the red carpet, each shaping the overall look in a different way. Captured by RTC Studios, the images place a clear focus on how variation in hair design can influence proportion, balance and visual direction.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

The first hairstyle focuses on volume. A full, rounded afro extends outward, creating width around the face and shoulders. The density is consistent, with no visible gaps, creating a defined outline. This emphasises natural texture with a controlled finish, making the style appear intentional. The width of the afro creates a broad shape, which becomes the dominant visual element from the front and slightly softens the structure of the outfit beneath.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

The second hairstyle is more structured and directional. The hair is shaped upward into a defined loop, reducing width while adding height. Styled by Kevin Takudzwa, the look shifts the balance upward, drawing attention to the face and neckline. The shape is compact and controlled, maintaining form without stiffness. This approach changes how the overall look is read, with the emphasis placed more on height than spread.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

Make-up by Nonifemi Makeup remains consistent, keeping focus on the hairstyles. Skin is even-toned with a subtle glow.
Together, the two styles highlight contrast in approach. One relies on outward volume and width, while the other focuses on height and structure. With the emphasis on hair, these looks show how different treatments of natural texture can create clearly distinct results on the same red carpet, while also reflecting Mbedu’s ease with exploring varied styling directions.