7 make-up mistakes that make you look older

Anti-ageing beauty isn’t a billion-dollar industry for nothing – a certain side of 25, we all want to look younger, fresher and, well, 25 again. But using those same make-up techniques you relied on in your early ‘20s isn’t the way to go about it.

“Getting stuck in your old ways can often make the skin look aged and even dehydrated,” says make-up maestro Napoleon Perdis. Instead, it’s all about being smart about your product choices and choosing colours, formulas and finishes that deliver a glow so convincing you’ll start getting asked for ID again.

1. Skipping primer

Ask any make-up artist and they’ll tell you: it’s all about that base. After you’ve applied your skincare, use a hydrating primer over your entire face to lock in moisture and provide a smooth canvas for make-up. Perdis suggests mixing a luminous primer with foundation for an extra-dewy finish. “They are the perfect choice to add a hint of sheen, hydration and an all-round gorgeous glow,” he says.

2. Using the wrong foundation

Matte foundations can age the skin, so unless you’re particularly oily, opt for a dewy finish instead. “Hydrated skin always appears more youthful,” Perdis says. “Choose a foundation that helps to enhance the skin and disguise any concerns – a liquid foundation with a dewy fresh finish will help you look younger.”

Resist the temptation to load up on thick, high-coverage foundation and instead look to radiant BB creams or tinted moisturisers that let your natural skin tone shine through. Apply a creamy (not cakey) concealer on any problem spots, and set lightly with translucent powder. Which brings us to…

3. Too much powder

Even the most finely milled powders can gather in fine lines. Keep powder to a minimum by applying sparingly to the T-zone only, and avoiding the eye area altogether.

Boost skin’s luminosity with cream blush and highlighter instead of powder versions.

4. Neglecting your brows

“Brows play a big part in looking more youthful,” says Perdis. “Think natural and full.” He recommends filling in gaps with a brow pencil to add shape and volume, or look to tinted brow gels to thicken and tame.

5. Overdoing the eyes

Step away from the black eyeliner – often it can look too harsh on the face, making you look older. Instead, try a softer version of the smoky eye with warm brown or taupe shades. “They’re easy to blend, work with all eye colours and can also be used as an eyeliner or even brow colour,” says Perdis. He also cautions against pearlescent pastel shades, which “can emphasise fine lines and look a little dated.”

6. Matte lips

Forget everything Kylie Jenner has taught you – a nude matte lip is not the way. “Anything too matte or nude can end up making the lips look non-existent and flat,” says Perdis. It’s not a problem for Kylie’s pumped-up pout, but for everyone else, look to bright, bold colours to fake fullness without fillers. A creamy formula with added hydration will help to prevent bleeding and won’t dry the lips out.

Looking for more anti-ageing tips? Here's a definitive list of the anti-ageing ingredients that *actually* work.

What are some of your makeup tricks for looking younger? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: Getty

This article originally appeared on Marie Claire.