What makeup mistakes should I avoid after 60? It’s a question I wish I’d asked myself a little bit sooner. There was a time when I could throw on a little foundation, swipe on some mascara, and dab on a hint of pink on my cheeks, and it just worked. No special brushes, no blending tricks, and certainly no YouTube tutorials. Even with minimal effort, everything came together.
Now? Not so much.
These days, the same routine often leaves me looking more tired than I feel. Products settle where I don’t want them to, the finish feels off, and what once felt easy now takes a little more thought.
Small Makeup Habits That May Be Aging You
Wearing Foundation That’s Too Heavy
Full-coverage foundation might seem like the obvious choice for uneven skin tone, but heavier formulas can actually draw attention to fine lines and dry patches. Instead of smoothing things out, they can sit on top of the skin and make it look dull or cakey.
A better option is a lightweight foundation, a tinted spf, or a skin tint (my favorite is the Ilia one!) You can find all of my favorites in this post: Best Foundations for Women Over 60. These even things out without masking your skin. Look for formulas with a natural or radiant finish to give your skin some life. You can always build up coverage in areas where you need it, but less is often more.
Overdoing Concealer Under the Eyes
We all want to cover dark circles, but too much concealer can settle into lines and actually make the under-eye area look more tired. It’s tempting to keep adding more when you see darkness, but that usually backfires.
Use a lightweight concealer and apply only where you really need it. A tiny amount can go a long way. And make sure you prep the area with a bit of eye cream first so the concealer has something to glide over.
Using Too Much Powder
Powder can help set your makeup, but as we age, it’s easy to overdo it. It can cling to dry spots and highlight texture. I try to avoid powdering my whole face and instead, just target areas that look too shiny from my sunscreen, like my T-zone.
If you do use powder, choose a finely milled translucent one and apply it sparingly with a fluffy brush. I like this Bye Bye Pores in a compact.
If your skin is very dry, you may prefer using a setting spray instead to keep everything in place without looking dull.
Wearing Harsh Eyeliner
Heavy black eyeliner can look harsh on mature eyes. It can make your eyes appear smaller and draw attention to crow’s feet or sagging lids. If you’ve always worn a strong line along the top and bottom, consider softening it.
BLACK IS HARSH, THIS IS A PALE, SOFT GRAY.
Try a deep brown, slate, or plum liner instead. Apply it just along the upper lash line and blend it out slightly for a softer look. You can also use a bit of shadow to smudge the line. It gives a definition without looking too severe.
Skipping Blush
Blush is one of the easiest ways to add life back to your face. As we get older, our skin can start to look a little dull or washed out. Skipping blush can leave you looking tired or flat, especially if you’re wearing foundation.
A cream blush works beautifully on mature skin. It blends in seamlessly and gives a natural flush. If you’re unsure about where to place blush or how to blend it so it looks natural, I wrote a post all about applying cream blush on aging skin. You can read it here.
Choosing The Wrong Lip Color
Dark, matte lipsticks can make lips look thinner and drier. They also tend to settle into fine lines. While bold lips can be beautiful, certain formulas and shades can age the face without meaning to. I’ve been going through my collection lately to weed out the deeper ones that are starting to look harsh..which makes my lips look thinner too.
Consider switching to a hydrating formula in a softer shade. Mid-tone pinks, corals, or rose tones are often more flattering. Adding a touch of gloss or using a creamy finish can make your lips look fuller and fresher. You may also enjoy reading about a few of my favorite lipsticks for women over 50.
Skipping Lip Liner or Using Too Much
A well-placed liner gives your lips soft structure, but too much looks dated. Lip liner can help define the shape of your lips and keep lipstick from feathering, but a harsh outline (especially in a shade darker than your lipstick) tends to feel heavy and outdated.
Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or your natural lip color. Use it to softly define your lips and prevent feathering. You can also fill in your lips entirely with the liner for a longer-lasting base.
Why This Matters
Most of us learned how to wear makeup in our teens or twenties and just kept doing it. But the face we have at 60 isn’t the same one we had at 30. When our makeup doesn’t evolve with us, it can quietly work against us, even when we think we’re doing everything “right.”
Lately, I’ve noticed the skin around my eyes looks drier than it used to, and eyeshadow doesn’t blend the way it once did. So I’ve started using less and am experimenting with creamier formulas.
These aren’t big changes, but they can make a meaningful difference. It’s not about looking younger—it’s about feeling more aligned with the face we see in the mirror.
Applying This to Your Routine
You don’t need to toss everything in your makeup drawer and start over. Just notice what’s no longer working and try one small change at a time. Maybe it’s softening your eyeliner. Or switching to cream blush. Or skipping powder altogether.
Makeup can still be fun and feel like a little part of your morning that’s just for you. And when it starts working with your face instead of against it, the whole process gets a lot more enjoyable.
Have you made any changes to your makeup lately that felt like a win? Or is there a product you’ve used forever that still earns its place every day? I’d love to know what’s working for you now.