Beauty Mistakes That Are Making You Look Older Than You Are

Wearing the wrong powder.

The whole point of dusting on powder is to decrease shine — but is the product you're using highlighting your flaws? Look for an HD formula: the microfine particles won't settle into (and draw attention to) fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

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Passing up primer.

Skipping the primer can age you. The whole point of primer is to give you a perfect canvas upon which you can apply your foundation. Silicone-based primers are especially effective at smoothing out your complexion and filling in wrinkles and pores, so when you apply foundation on top, you'll look flawless — and your makeup will last much longer.

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Dyeing hair all one color.

That raven-black dye job was cute in high school, but now that you’re a little more mature, it looks way too severe. Visit a colourist and ask them about adding dimension to your hue. Brighter face-framing layers will warm up your complexion and make you look more youthful.

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Not exfoliating regularly.

Exfoliating is essential for all ages. Not only does it prevent bacteria from building up in pores and turning into acne, but shedding those old, dead layers triggers cellular turnover. That means your skin will work harder to create fresh new cells. You should be exfoliating your face and body at least twice a week. 

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Not drinking water.

Hydrated skin is firm, radiant, and healthy. While regularly moisturising (every day!) goes a long way, you can give your skin a major boost by helping it glow from the inside out. Drink up!

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Rarely wearing sunscreen.

This should seem obvious but it's worth repeating. You should wear sunscreen every single day. Even if it's not sunny outside, even if it's Winter, and even if the only times you'll be outdoors is walking from your car to your office and vice versa. So put it on. Sun damage happens instantly, and its the top cause of maturation on the skin.

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Not using conditioner.

Don't give up conditioner forever. As you age, your hair gets drier and duller (and often coarser!) because the shaft gets weaker. Nourish it by applying conditioner several times a week. 

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Wearing too much black eyeliner.

It's time to put away the liquid liner and forgo the aggressive waterlining. The harsh hue draws attention to your crows' feet!

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Forgetting SPF on chest and hands.

You've nailed wearing sunscreen but remember to bring it down to your chest and hands. After your face, your hands are the body parts that get the most sun exposure — thus ageing you — so protect them. 

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Failing to fill in your brows.

Look more youthful by faking fuller arches by using products.

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Still wearing the same blunt haircut.

Get some layers at your next salon visit. Stark, choppy strands look harsh. Lighter layers feel more of-the-moment without being too trendy. 

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Leaving your sunglasses at home.

Your sunnies don't just have to be for when you're at the beach. Rock them all year long! By not squinting at sunlight, you'll be staving off crows' feet.

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Wearing glittery eye shadow.

Frosty, glittery shadow formulas draw attention to sagging eyelids, fine lines, dark circles . . . the list goes on. Stick to satin or silky (not chalky!) matte shades instead.

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Wearing mascara on your lower lashes.

It's suggested you should pass on using mascara on your lower lashes. Just like wearing too much liner, bold lower lashes can draw attention to your fine lines, under eye bags, and dark circles — all those fun things (ugh!) that pop up when you hit 30.

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Skipping out on lip liner.

Yeah you're amazing at applying red lipstick without a mirror but it's time you incorporated liner into that routine. As you get older, fine lines form around your mouth and colour can migrate into those lines. The firm formula of the pencil will prevent creamy product smears.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / THEM TOO