Health & beauty

Beyond Wrinkles: 7 Beauty Mistakes That Make You Look Old

Sure, an aging complexion contributes to your overall appearance but looking older is about a lot more than just wrinkles

April 29, 2011 | by Audrey Fine | 86 COMMENTS

Blush worn on the apples of your cheeks Sure, little girls have rosy, taut, cutie pie cheeks that flaunt little circles of color that light up their entire faces. But, as your formerly firm cheeks begin to sag, it's not a great idea to highlight the situation -- which is precisely what happens when you apply circular blush strokes to the apples of your cheeks after a certain age.

Try this instead: A big shift in how you look can result from a simple blush application tweak. Seek out the highest point of your cheekbones and apply the blush there instead of on your apples. Be sure to employ a sweeping back and forth motion using a wide, fluffy brush so you don't end up with Grace Jones war paint-type stripes. It's also a good idea to glom on to a flattering hue. Leave the daisy pinks and lilac purples for the mall set and pick up a becoming peachy-pink shade like Nars Blush in Orgasm, $30, which flatters most skin tones.

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products mentioned

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

9.2

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus

8.6

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick

9.0

Fusion Beauty LipFusion

7.6

REMBRANDT® DEEPLY WHITE® 2 Hour Whitening Kit

5.9

Crest Weekly Clean Intensive Cleaning Paste -...

0.0

Arbonne Makeup Primer

9.6

Principal Secret Time Release Tinted Moisture Plus

10.0

NYX Cosmetics NYX Eyebrow Kit with Stencil

10.0

NARS Blush

9.1

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Good tips

by Mollysunshine Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 04:00AM Report as inappropriate

I hope these tips will help me look and feel younger. Thanks.

by Chica181 Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 01:08AM Report as inappropriate

This article is exactly what I've been looking for without knowing it. Great article for me. Thanks!

by bksc Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 12:21AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for the advice... but I do wear mascara on my lower lashes... lol -:)

by WeddingPlanner Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 12:02PM Report as inappropriate

unless i am wearing eyeliner on my bottom waterline, i never wear mascara on the bottom lashes because it looks all wrong in general.

by treehugger1997 Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 02:53PM Report as inappropriate

I never wore face makeup when I was younger, other than blush and mascara. I've been using powders for several years now, to give my face some color, but use a primer which smooths it out and keeps it from settling into wrinkles. I always thought it was best to play up my eyes with mascara, so now have to try not using it on my lower lashes to see if I think it works better for me at this age. Thank you!

by MyKinKStar Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 06:31AM Report as inappropriate

I especially appreciate the blush tip, we get used to certain makeup techniques and forget they need to change as we age!! thanks for the reminder

by sharon_siqueiros Monday, November 12, 2012 at 06:54PM Report as inappropriate

I never wear mascara on my bottom lashes, not because it makes me look old but because its a struggle to get off at the end of the day.

by kimihavens Friday, November 9, 2012 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

I would like to add that when I do a face mask, I always include my neck too. Maybe that is obvious to do that? IDK. Because I've had to deal with acne for decades, I've done tons of face masks. Now I am approaching 50 & when I compare my neck skin to other ladies my age, I can see a clear difference in the skin of the neck. Mine looks better & the main diff is probably the decades of face masks. As an aside, any time you want to know someone's true age, you can always tell by looking at their hands. Maybe the next article could be about the skin on the hand.

by Sonflower Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 02:52PM Report as inappropriate

I think it'll look a little odd not wearing any mascara on the lower lashes but I'm going to give it a try maybe one day this week to see what I think.

by EricaF123 Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

good info on the mascara

by sandyc Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 01:45PM Report as inappropriate

I liked all the tips but avoiding blueberry to teeth stain doesn't sound great

by Pinky5 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 05:04PM Report as inappropriate

Did not know that mascara on lower lashes did that! Crazy

by schien Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

Im pretty sure worrying about looking old makes you look old too.

by nicky22 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 08:42AM Report as inappropriate

Nothing new.

by Snowwhitessecret Monday, October 8, 2012 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

Mostly obvious. Too muck makeup ages you no matter what, or makes you look like you're trying too hard.

by robyne00 Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know

by IleanaPagan Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 04:18PM Report as inappropriate

Personally, I would have preferred to see the actual mistakes mentioned, instead of showing us pictures of perfect looking people that are all WAY too young to even stress about a wrinkle yet.

by JinXed_Pinup Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 10:41PM Report as inappropriate

These seemed fairly obvious. Although I wonder at what age and with what kind of look us ladies should stop with bottom lash mascara.

by HeathRene Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

These are great tips. I am going to check out the NYX eyebrow kit. I have great brows but have noticed they are thinning.

by Ydabney Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 09:13AM Report as inappropriate

I am probably guilty of a couple of these mistakes. Ive read that full eyebrows can help you look younger. I definitely will keep these tips in mind.

by flirtygirl214 Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:14AM Report as inappropriate

this was really useful, thanks! i'll keep the tips in mind

by LeSucre Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 09:26PM Report as inappropriate

ok, so bad makeup application makes you look older. good info

by AmandaAmanda Monday, May 7, 2012 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

this will come in handy...

by charlize_adrienne Monday, April 23, 2012 at 05:14AM Report as inappropriate

Does any one really put blush on *only* the apples of their cheeks?

by pynkNymphette Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 12:50AM Report as inappropriate

Nice tips, I'm sure I'll be remembering these in some years when I start needing them!

by tallredamanda Sunday, April 8, 2012 at 01:59PM Report as inappropriate

glad im still young so i can do all these things like wear mascara on my lower lashes!

by olkrav319 Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 04:05PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips!

by CCochran Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 11:35AM Report as inappropriate

I just tried Clinique's bottom lash mascara a few days ago and it looked awesome. I usually don't use it because of fear of smearing, but this worked great. I think I am still young enough to get away with it haha

by beautybody Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:06PM Report as inappropriate

Well I agree with about half of these. As far as the mascara goes, I have worn mascara on my lower lashes for 20 years and only recently stopped doing it, but not for the reason you listed. First of all, for me, I always hated that every mascara I have used has always traveled down under my eyes because they are long too. I was thrilled to find out that this year, NOT putting mascara on your lower lashes is the natural look. I no longer put it on the bottom because my eyes look my more open without it. It boils down to personal preference and what looks best on each person. As for the hair, I somewhat agree with this. I wore my hair parted down the middle, all one length, and straight during my 90's hippie years. I realized as I hit my early 30's, that my hair was dragging my face down. I make sure to get face framing layers or change to a side part, and it makes a huge difference in how look. I would say this has more to do with your hair weighing down your face than age. Again, whatever looks best on you, should be how you go!

by powerwoman033 Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:09AM Report as inappropriate

I taught that mascara was used to enhance the eye lashes and the lower lashes are fewer than the upper lashes,I think a great concelar would help instead of depriving the lower lash.

by gillianr Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 09:14AM Report as inappropriate

Dear heartMash I believe that's a given. I agree with you - if you don't do that, you're a disaster. Biggest problem IS youth obsessed older women. We've been there and done that. Nothing is new under the sun, especially when it comes to fashion AND make-up. Do it gracefully! Know what you can and cannot carry. I can wear something today and not be able to carry the same style tomorrow..Well, the men have come in so later, girls.

by eli Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 02:30PM Report as inappropriate

Not entirely correct. All depends on your style,character ,faceshape and such.

by heartMashimaro Monday, March 5, 2012 at 03:04AM Report as inappropriate

Really??? 1st- No one should have long hair after high school? Over 18 we should automatically cut bangs? Terrible advice. Changing it up every few years keeps you from looking dated, and finding styles that suit individual features makes sense, but a generalized "mom" haircut is your suggestion? 2nd- And then you say mascara on lower lashes is aging? I feel terrible for the blond woman who takes your advice and walks around with black lashes on top and white on bottom... Why not suggest lash tinting or a way to apply a smudge free mascara lightly? 3rd- Are you honestly suggesting avoiding the most youthful and natural place for blush and advising women to apply it in a back and forth streak where we would never actually blush? The NARS color Orgas* is a great suggestion, but the top of the apple to the beginning of the cheekbone will always be the most healthy & youthful look in my book. I believe under blending is the biggest aging factor in blush.

by Maggie_MM Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 07:22AM Report as inappropriate

I am guilty of a lot of these mistakes! Time for a makeover...

by poisonberry Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 12:42PM Report as inappropriate

Lord...

by queenphoto Friday, February 10, 2012 at 03:26PM Report as inappropriate

I REALLY DID learn some veryhelpful tips! some I already knew, some completely new! Thank-you very much!

by amandabelieves Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 08:47AM Report as inappropriate

I'm not over 40 and mascara on my lower lashes still looks awful

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 08:03PM Report as inappropriate

About "Beyond Wrinkles" why are all the pic's of younger women? Shouldn't you use older women to demonstrate the beauty mistakes that make you look older? Things like this really bother me.

by bcript Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 02:52PM Report as inappropriate

I recently tried cliques mascara for lower lashes and it worked amazing, but to be honest I thought it was too much. I like the upper lashes to have all the attention :)

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 01:03PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tips

by Only1KimmieD Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

helpful tips!

by jenstar313 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

Fine advice if you have naturally dark lashes. But if yiu're a blond or redhead like me with pale lashes, you look naked w/o a little mascara on bottom and top.

by purduette Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:13AM Report as inappropriate

Will try my best to not make these mistakes of making myself look younger!

by MissXu Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 09:26PM Report as inappropriate

I was thinking of wearing mascara on the bottom lashes and after reading this story I am rethinking it. I am 36 and I can't find a mascara that doesn't flake. Guess I don't wan't to bring notice to my under eye wrinkles...lolo

by nedgar Friday, November 11, 2011 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

Love it when middle-aged women rock 80's or 90's hair.

by m.rose Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

Going to use this for myself and tell my mother

by Flicky_95 Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

Try Lancome tinted eyebrow definer the one with the brush. It comes in taupe and two other colors about $18.00. It's so easy !!

by therethere Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

This is it, bangs are a defiante for me this winter.

by Only1KimmieD Friday, October 14, 2011 at 10:00AM Report as inappropriate

Good tips...I need to try the NYX eyebrow kit

by odie Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 07:54PM Report as inappropriate

i totally agree with this one!

by Mssaralee18 Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 02:12PM Report as inappropriate

Great tips- even most tinted moisturizers are too heavy for me now.

by skinpro Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

No one has ever agreed with me about not wearing mascara on the bottom until now! I love this article!

by bonjournikkie Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 04:59PM Report as inappropriate

I'm doing it in reverse. For my senior year in high school, I cut my hair short. Now it's long, straight and parted in the middle. But I like not having to futz with it. Wash, blow dry and go. I do keep it well trimmed and neat.

by haillos Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 01:38PM Report as inappropriate

I picked up some good ideas. At almost 70 I can use them all!!

by jeriA Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 01:34PM Report as inappropriate

I don't like that all women over a certain age have short hair, I would want mine long when I get older, I look awful with short hair...

by Bon_Bon Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 07:39PM Report as inappropriate

Some people can pull off long hair at any age - I'm actually growing mine out after years of short hair (late 20s) but my hair is naturally wavy. Lots of other good advice though, I've been self conscious of my teeth for a while, seems paying for whitening would definitely be worth it!

by dark_beauty Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 07:39AM Report as inappropriate

Yeah,I agree with everything with just one exception. Long straight hair can be a bad thing,not many women can pull it off but some women can!

by selma Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 01:34AM Report as inappropriate

I love my long hair and there's very few older women who have really long hair, I'm holding onto it lol

by RoleModel Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 12:34AM Report as inappropriate

Yellow teeth and too thin brows are definitely aging! Fortunately, they're inexpensive to fix, with Crest Whitestrips and some brow powder.

by LipglossandSpandex Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 07:33PM Report as inappropriate

I don't put any mascara to my lower lashes either. I have dark circles and by adding mascara to them it creates a shadow making my dark circles even more noticable.

by gaej19 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 02:00PM Report as inappropriate

great tips

by aguifra14 Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 01:12PM Report as inappropriate

I like the hair tip about the bangs. I've been wanting to try it.

by mary_ann_estes Monday, June 20, 2011 at 04:12PM Report as inappropriate

too much make up doesn't look good. But a little or as much as needed won't hurt.

by ebbsandtides Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 06:40AM Report as inappropriate

long straight hair and hair from graduation would be scary when you get older

by modinosaur Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 12:10AM Report as inappropriate

Sunscreen is the best defense against premature aging!!!

by LittleBunny Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate

I am sorry, but I'm still laughing about the long straight hair hint. Does someone need to tell Demi Moore that she looks older? I don't think so!

by alictasia Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate

Don't forget sunscreen!!

by attagirl Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 03:56PM Report as inappropriate

Ok, good info except I HAVE to put mascara on my lower lashes and I ALWAYS get compliments on my eye makeup (I'm 37).

by BellezzaBeauty Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

I was hoping to see some eyebrow before and after photos, I did know most of this but it's always good to get a reminder.

by kim3108 Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

Wow! Really good advice. I'm off to get a primer now!

by karen_parker Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 05:25AM Report as inappropriate

Primer is a must and I have also started using blush on the highest point and noticed it makes my face look more defined.

by ladyboarder9669 Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 12:40PM Report as inappropriate

All good info!

by elena62 Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 06:55PM Report as inappropriate

Many of the tips are good but all the photos are of young women - of course they don't look "older". It would make more sense to use older models to show off the tips.

by lilinah Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

I love mascara on my lower lashes but I'm only on my twenties

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 07:36PM Report as inappropriate

Great article :) I'm guilty of wearing too much foundation (which is something I've learned to put under control.

by msbrown822 Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 07:34PM Report as inappropriate

These are GREAT tips! Too thin brows and yellow teeth are definitely aging, but fortunately, they're pretty easy to fix.

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 06:01PM Report as inappropriate

Loved the article. Very true!

by eatinglipstick Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:45AM Report as inappropriate

Helpful...and funny!!

by tiffanyevelyn Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:27AM Report as inappropriate

These are all so true! You can definitely see people that have gotten stuck on what they wore during their high school years. I never liked wearing mascara on my lowerlashes anyway, it takes away from your eyes popping

by howlATthemoon Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:22PM Report as inappropriate

nice tips

by kiofairy Monday, May 2, 2011 at 08:46PM Report as inappropriate

very good tips for the future!

by LittleBunny Monday, May 2, 2011 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

OK, I'm trying the blush idea in the morning. Brows next, and no dark lips this fall. Thanks!

by alictasia Monday, May 2, 2011 at 07:11PM Report as inappropriate

Useful information, thanks!

by volta Monday, May 2, 2011 at 02:47PM Report as inappropriate

Truly thinner looking brows are clearly a no go for old age.

by ebbsandtides Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips! Especially not applying mascara to lower lashes. I tend to do that to make eyes look brighter. I guess I was just making myself look older.

by Elysse131 Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:19AM Report as inappropriate

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