The 'Harsh' Makeup Mistakes Women Over 40 Should 'Ditch'—Dark Square Eyebrows, More

There are times when the makeup techniques you’ve always used and loved don’t feel like they make sense anymore. It can suddenly seem as if the eye makeup that made you look and feel your best suddenly creates darkness around your eyes or pulls your eyes and facial features downward. Your facial makeup like foundation no longer covers well, but instead accentuates every fine line. And your blush doesn’t make your cheeks look more sculpted, but seems to drag them down.

So, what’s going on with your makeup? Absolutely nothing — the problem isn’t your technique, it’s that your technique needs refining to catch up to the current needs of your skin and features.

Keep your makeup current by avoiding these eight “harsh” makeup mistakes experts say you may be making that you should “ditch” because they won’t work as well for mature skin and features.

1. Applying Eyeliner on Your Bottom Waterline

Applying dark eyeliner to your bottom waterline may define your eyes, but it also closes them and makes them look smaller. It can even have the effect of pulling your facial features downward. A better approach is to concentrate eyeliner on your top lid only. If you want to define your bottom lashes, a little brown shadow is all it takes.

2. Dark Square Eyebrows

Defined eyebrows will make you look more polished. But the trendy heavy, dark, and square brows that were all the rage on Instagram a decade ago have been replaced with softer, groomed, and lightly filled-in brows. These are more flattering on mature faces because they look less severe.

3. Applying Powder All Over Your Face

A little transparent powder over makeup to set it is a smart move. But applying powder all over your face can “magnify texture and fine lines,” according to pro makeup artists. Keep powder to a minimum.

4. Matte Lips

As we age we lose volume in the lips. A dark and matte lip only accentuate volume loss and doesn’t look youthful or fresh. Swap matte formulas for semi sheer and glosses for a fuller pout.

5. Shimmery Highlighter

All-over shimmery highlighter is another bygone trend that stops looking flattering at a certain point. The job of highlighter is to highlight, so using it strategically is key. Try a dab of highlighter in the inner corner of the eye or along the top of the cheekbone, but avoid applying it all over.

6. Thick Fake Lashes

A little lash is great for opening the eye. But overly long, thick fake lashes can actually weigh heavily on the eye as we age and create more shadows.

7. Matte Foundation

Back in the day the goal was for your skin to be completely matte. But matte foundation can look drying on mature skin and will highlight texture like lines and pores. A dewy foundation or one with a natural finish is a better bet to keep your skin looking radiant.

8. All Matte Eyeshadow

You may have been advised to stay away from shimmery eyeshadow because it can highlight creases on the eyelid. But wearing only matte shadow can make the eyes look flat and dull. A simple pop of shimmer in the inner corner or middle crease can make your eyes come alive.