1. Wearing Black Eyeliner
While black eyeliner is a makeup must-have for many young women thanks to the added definition and depth it can bring, as we get older, it actually plays against us.With age, our skin tone, and even our lips, naturally become more pale. And so can the hair - from black/brown to gray/white. Even our eyebrows thin and gray. The result? We lose some of the natural contrast of coloring on and around our face. When that happens, high contrast makeup (really dark and bold colors), starts to appear too harsh and unnatural, and becomes the most prominent/noticeable part of the face.
How It Can Age You:
The stark contrast of black eyeliner becomes the focus, drawing attention to any fine lines or crow’s feet. It immediately makes eyes look smaller and more sunken in. When applied to the lower lash line, it causes eyes to look droopy, rather than giving a lifted look.
The Fix:
If you’ve been a black eyeliner lover for a long time, it’s going to be difficult to make the change, but oh so worth it. Consider swapping your black for softer, more natural shades like brown, charcoal or a smokey plum that creates dimension and definition without too much contrast. On the top lashes, keep liner to the outer half or third. If you have hooded eyes with barely visible eyelids, makeup artists suggest that you apply liner on or under the upper lash line, as a thick line above your lashline will make lids look even smaller. Avoid lining the bottom lash line directly - if you want the definition, draw a circle of liner on the back of your hand and tap a small angled brush into the color, then smudge it on to the outer third of the bottom lashes.
2. Wearing Lipstick That’s Too Dark
Lipstick has always been one of the most fun and easy ways to change our look and create the illusion of defined lips. Many women even have a signature lip color that they always use. However, as we age, some lip colors and products can begin to overpower the face - just as black eyeliner can.
Why it Can Age You:
It’s a fact - dark lipstick makes lips appear smaller on everyone. However, with age comes thinning of the lips, and dark lipstick exacerbates the thin-lip look even more. It is also more likely to bleed into lines that form around the lips with age, magnifying the appearance of wrinkles. And to top it off, dark shades tend to be the worst for accentuating texture and dryness on the lips - a real problem as we lose natural hydration and struggle to keep lips looking smooth.
The Fix:
Choose softer, more natural shades that boost your natural lip color and the appearance of warmth and fullness. Nudes, peachy and rosy shades will go further in making lips look naturally full, as they will add more of a “blurred” definition, which gives the appearance of more voluminous lips.
For a sure-fire way to add the most natural coloring and fullness, Fièra’s Fulluptuous™ Lip Plumper & Hydrator is an ideal choice. It’s pH-adaptive, meaning it adjusts to your unique lip color, enhancing your natural tone for a natural, youthful look. Not only does it provide a flattering hue, but its main purpose is to instantly increase volume in the lips. It does this in two ways - by boosting blood flow in the lips and attracting and expanding moisture to plump lips from within.
3. While We’re at It… Wearing Matte Lipstick
Matte lipsticks have certainly had their moment in the spotlight; they can look chic and sophisticated. However, matte formulas are not the most forgiving lipstick choice for more mature lips.Why It Can Age You:
Matte lipsticks lack the moisture that aging lips need, which can contribute to dryness, fine lines, and cracks. They tend to be the worst for accentuating texture and dryness on the lips - a real problem as we lose natural hydration and struggle to keep lips looking smooth and youthful.
The Fix:
Avoid jumping on the matte lips bandwagon, even when they’re heavily trending. Instead, stick with hydrating formulas with a natural sheen or satin, silky finish. The Fulluptuous™ Lip Plumper & Hydrator is an excellent choice here again, with its buttery formula that makes lips look like they’re glowing from the inside out. And unlike other lip plumpers that are notorious for stinging and drying, this nourishes and hydrates, helping to avoid that dreaded scaly-lip effect.
4. Skipping Morning Skincare
Chances are if you’re over 40, you didn’t grow up with a 10-step morning skincare routine like the teens and 20-somethings are doing today. And you certainly don’t NEED 10 products, but there are a few key skincare steps you should always be incorporating into your morning routine to prep for makeup and keep your skin looking younger, longer. Why It Can Age You:
Skipping essential steps in your morning routine leaves mature skin vulnerable to daily aggressors like pollution and UV rays, which are the biggest contributors to premature aging - wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dull, dry skin. Without a properly laid base of skincare, your makeup can settle into fine lines, crease, cling to dry patches, and generally give the appearance of a dull, uneven complexion. Who wants to highlight the things that make you look older?
The Fix:
Implement a simple, effective morning skincare routine. Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove any oil or impurities without stripping skin of moisture (see the best cleansers for mature skin here). A daily Vitamin C serum is a must, to protect against environmental damage and help to brighten skin’s appearance. Bonus points if it also works to deeply hydrate and help to rejuvenate skin like Fièra’s Citrus Stem Cell Serum. Moisturizer is crucial to look in hydration from the serum and create a smooth base for makeup. And of course, always put on your SPF - even if it’s not hot or sunny and even if you won’t be outside long! These four simple steps will go a long way in ensuring your makeup applies smoothly and lasts throughout the day.
5. Using Makeup That’s Too Light
Choosing the right foundation and concealer shade is one of the trickiest parts of shopping for makeup. The biggest mistake you can make on mature skin is using products that are too light. As we age, skin tends to get more pale and gray. Choosing shades that are too light and too cool for the skin tone can make skin look even more gray and lifeless.Why It Can Age You:
Base products like foundations and concealers that are too light can give the skin an ashy, washed-out appearance - unflattering for anyone but ESPECIALLY on mature skin that’s losing natural definition and color. Rather than brightening, too-light shades can make the skin appear flat and dull, and exaggerate shadows under the eyes. Additionally, lighter makeup can make fine lines more visible, as it lacks the ability to create dimension and warmth.
The Fix:
When choosing a concealer or foundation shade, look for a shade that matches the darkest part of your skin tone as closely as possible. Neutral or warm undertones can give the appearance of a healthy glow; so if your undertone is naturally cool, it still makes sense to lean neutral to avoid the “gray” look - you’ll just want to be sure to carry and blend the shade down your neck.
For concealer, it’s okay to go a shade or half-shade lighter under the eyes only, to brighten the under-eye area. However, too light and it can result in a reverse-panda look, and put the spotlight on any fine lines and wrinkles.
And don’t forget that the formula is JUST as important as the shade. Opt for creamy formulas that give you coverage AND hydration, and avoid products that are too matte. Fièra’s full coverage concealer was designed specifically for mature skin to prevent caking and creasing - in shades developed for mature skin - and can be easily blended together for the perfect shade in every season.
Summary
Achieving a youthful look through makeup doesn’t require a complete change in your routine, but simple and thoughtful adjustments to suit your skin’s evolving needs. Make sure when choosing your makeup and skincare products that you’re keeping your mature skin in mind rather than leaning into brands and trends geared for teens and 20-somethings. Prioritize hydration and natural, effortless looks for a confident and youthful appearance.And don’t forget to jump on the waitlist for Fièra’s Fulluptuous™ Lip Plumper & Hydrator - only a limited quantity will be available upon launch and you will not want to miss this!