Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid Over 50

As we age, our skin and facial features change, necessitating adjustments in our makeup routines to ensure we highlight our best features while minimizing any areas of concern.


Eye makeup, in particular, can be tricky, and common mistakes can inadvertently add years to our appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to avoid makeup mistakes over 50, and offer an eye makeup tutorial for older women.


Understanding the distinction between proper and improper application techniques is crucial for achieving a youthful look.


Let’s take a closer look at how these differences manifest on the face. Imagine two sides of the face, one with correctly applied makeup and the other with deliberate mistakes (as I've created below!)


The side with mistakes tends to accentuate fine lines, wrinkles, and can give a more aged appearance.

Makeup mistakes vs carefully applied makeup

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The products I'm using today are from the Look Fabulous Forever range, made specifically for mature skin. However, you can achieve the same results with any brand of product.

Tools and materials: 

  • Makeup brushes
  • Makeup sponge 
  • Eyelash curler
  • Tweezers
  • Q-tips
  • Makeup remover pads
  • Magnifying mirror
  • Eye primer
  • Matte eyeshadows
  • Lid color
  • Soft eyeliner pencil
  • Mascara
  • Moisturizer
  • Tissue (for corrections)

1. The importance of eye primer for mature skin

One of the foundational steps in eye makeup for older women is using a primer. Primers are essential because they provide a smooth base for your eyeshadow, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. Without a primer, eyeshadow can settle into fine lines, making them more noticeable.


To apply primer, use a tiny amount — about a pinprick size — for both eyes. Tap it gently onto the eyelids and let it settle. This creates a flawless surface for the eyeshadow and helps it last longer.

Where to apply eye primer

2. Matte brow bone highlight vs. shiny highlighter on mature skin

Choosing the right highlighter is critical. For mature skin, matte shades are preferable over shimmery ones. Shiny highlighters can settle into fine lines, emphasizing wrinkles. In contrast, matte shades provide a soft highlight that looks natural and flattering.


Using the Look Fabulous Forever Smooth Out Eye Prime as a base, apply a matte cream shadow to the brow bone. This technique avoids the disco-ball effect that shiny highlighters can produce in photographs, especially with flash.

Brow highlight

3. Where to apply eyeshadow for older women

Selecting the right shades and applying them correctly can significantly enhance your eyes. Using the Look Fabulous Forever No Shimmer Eyeshadow Trios, you can achieve a polished look.


On one eye, blend a combination of cream and rose shades in the corner, and sweep taupe from the start of your lashes to the end. This technique lifts the eye and adds dimension.

Eyeshadow application on mature eyes

Avoid covering the entire lid with a single shade and overloading the eye with too much product. This can make the eyes look smaller and more closed. Always blend your shadows well to avoid harsh lines and achieve a seamless look.

Eyeshadow application on mature eyes

4. When and where to use shimmer on mature eyes

While matte shadows are generally recommended, a touch of shimmer can be beneficial if used correctly. Apply a small amount of Look Fabulous Forever Sheer Brilliance Lid Colour to the center of the eyelid.


This technique adds a subtle highlight, making the eyes appear fuller and more vibrant without settling into fine lines.

Shimmer on mature eyes

5. How to fix heavy eyeshadow for older women

If you’ve applied too much eyeshadow, blending is your best friend. Use a clean brush or a moistened tissue to soften the look.


Avoid dark shadows in the corners of the eyes as they can close them up. Instead, lighten the corners with a bit of cream shadow to keep the eyes looking open and bright.

Blending eyeshadow out

6. How and where to apply soft eyeliner to make mature eyes look bigger

Eyeliner application can dramatically impact your eye shape. For a softer, more open look, line your upper lash line from the start of your iris to the end, and the lower lash line from just before the corner to the center.


Avoid lining the inner rim or connecting the lines at the corners, as this can create a harsh, closed effect.

Eyeliner application

7. How to apply mascara to mature eyes

Mascara should enhance your lashes without clumping. Apply a single coat, let it dry, and then add a second coat if needed.


Avoid overloading the lashes, particularly the lower ones, as this can look harsh and aging.

Applying mascara

Makeup mistakes to avoid over 50

Avoiding common makeup mistakes can make a significant difference in achieving a youthful, vibrant look.


Remember, the key is to use products and techniques that enhance your features without emphasizing fine lines or wrinkles. With the right approach, eye makeup for older women can be both beautiful and timeless.

Makeup mistakes to avoid over 50

If you have any tips or questions about eye makeup application, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments down below.


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  • Irmz Irmz on Aug 12, 2024
    Also avoid putting mascara on your lower lashes, it only emphasizes your dark circles or bags. Brown and gray eyeliner is way more flattering on lower lashes on mature women imo- black is a little too harsh.
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