Beauty Experts Agree: Top Makeup Mistakes to Avoid After 40 to Look Younger

Typically, the first signs of skin aging appear around the eyes due to reduced collagen and elastin production in this delicate area. Therefore, after turning 40, it’s essential to adjust your eye makeup approach to avoid looking a decade older. According to professional cosmetologists and makeup artists, there are four particular makeup blunders that can accentuate aging signs. Let’s explore what they are.

Avoid Heavy Eyeliner

Many people over 40 attempt to enhance their eyes with heavy eyeliner. However, at this age, improperly placed dark kohl can draw attention to dark circles and eye wrinkles, especially if it smudges during the day! To rejuvenate the eyes, cosmetologist Victoria DiPietro advises applying eyeliner only on the upper eyelid. “By using eyeliner correctly, you can create the illusion of an eye lift,” she explains. Another tip: keep your eyeliner line shorter for a more youthful cat-eye effect.

Skipping Eyeshadow Primer

Makeup artist Gargi Patel emphasizes the importance of using an eyeshadow primer for those over 40, even if it seems unnecessary, to ensure that eyeshadow and eyeliner stay put all day.

Choosing Overly Shimmery Eyeshadow

Makeup artist Destiny McGill advises against using sparkly eyeshadows once you hit your forties. While they might look attractive, these shadows will highlight every imperfection such as wrinkles and fine lines, as well as sagging skin.

Steering Clear of Red Eyeshadow

Last but not least, makeup artist Kerrin Jackson strongly advises against using red eyeshadow after the age of 40. Apart from making you look as if you’ve just been crying, this shade can “add years to your face by making your eyes appear tired or irritated,” she explains.