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If your makeup routine has you looking more “tired and aged” than glowing and fresh, you’re not alone. As a professional makeup artist, the #1 question I hear is: “How can I look younger with makeup?” The truth is that many of us are making small mistakes that add years to our faces. The good news? A few strategic changes can completely refresh your look. Here are the top makeup mistakes that are aging you—and how to fix each one for a youthful, radiant appearance.
1. Too Much Foundation = Too Much Aging
The Mistake
Caking on foundation in hopes of full coverage only accentuates fine lines, texture, and dryness. Modern foundations are highly pigmented—you don’t need a full face of it to get the job done.
The Fix
Use less product with more intention. Apply a small amount of full-coverage foundation (like One Size Turn Up The Base) to the back of your hand, and work it into a brush before gently tapping it into the skin. Focus coverage only where needed (usually the center of the face), and feather it out toward the edges. Let your skin breathe and allow natural texture and tone to peek through.
Pro Tip
Start with a nearly clean brush and layer the product slowly. This technique delivers better control and a skin-like finish.
2. Overdone Brows That Are Too Dark or Too Skinny
The Mistake
Super dark or ultra-thin brows create harshness and age the face. Harsh lines also take away from a soft, youthful aesthetic.
The Fix
Opt for a brow pencil or pen that’s one shade lighter than your natural brow hair (e.g., switch from espresso to ash brown). Light, feathery strokes and a gentle press of the finger to blur harsh lines help create a soft, full brow. Skip the super-skinny shape—fluffy, untamed-looking brows mimic youth.
Pro Tip
Use a brow glue like NYX Brow Glue to lift and shape brows upward—it opens the face instantly.
3. Concealer That’s Way Too Light
The Mistake
Using a concealer that’s multiple shades lighter than your skin in hopes of brightening the under-eye can backfire. It emphasizes fine lines and makes the eye area look flat and unnatural.
The Fix
Choose a concealer just one shade lighter than your foundation. For example, if you’re using NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in shade 2.75 (light) (Buy Here), try “Custard” (medium 1) instead. Apply a small amount on the back of your hand, work it into a clean brush, and dab gently around the eye for a natural lift.
Pro Tip
A well-placed, slightly warmer concealer gives lift without the chalky under-eye effect.
4. Harsh Eyeliner Placement
The Mistake
Applying black eyeliner directly to the lower lash line or waterline can make your eyes appear smaller, tired, and droopy.
The Fix
Instead of heavily lining the lower eye, tightly line the upper waterline using a soft black pencil. This adds definition to your lash line without weighing down your eyes. Gently pull the lid up and run the pencil between lashes—this gives subtle depth while keeping the eye lifted.
Pro Tip
Skip the bottom lash line entirely or use a soft taupe/brown eyeshadow to lightly define with a smudge brush if needed.
5. Blush Placement That Drags Your Face Down
The Mistake
Placing blush too close to the apples of your cheeks (or using too much) can crowd the center of your face and make it appear lower or fuller.
The Fix
Apply blush higher—toward the outer third of your cheekbone—and blend upward. Use a light hand and opt for buildable formulas like Tarte Blushing Bride. This placement gives the illusion of lifted cheekbones and a more defined structure.
Pro Tip
A soft sweep of blush across the bridge of the nose adds youthful warmth and mimics a natural flush.
6. Dry, Undefined Lips
The Mistake
Wearing matte lipstick without definition or gloss can make lips look flat, cracked, and smaller—instantly aging your smile.
The Fix
Always line your lips first with a soft pencil (like Tarte’s lip liner (Buy Here), slightly overdrawing the Cupid’s bow for fullness. Then fill in with your matte lipstick (Chanel Light Mauve (Buy Here) works beautifully). Finish with a gloss to add hydration, bounce, and the illusion of plumper lips.
Pro Tip
Asymmetrical lips? Use liner to balance them out—it brings harmony to the face and enhances that youthful appearance.
Final Thoughts
Makeup should enhance your natural beauty—not cover it up. With just a few subtle tweaks to technique, shade choices, and product application, you can create a look that’s fresh, modern, and youthful. Remember: less is more, the blend is best, and glow is everything.
