I know, it sounds very negative to write about the 10 biggest mistakes, as opposed to writing about the best makeup tips!

But for me, the key to the best makeup at any age, is to follow the “Less is More” rule. This is especially true once we are over 50.

So, I offer my personal ideas, in the interests of hopefully saving some girls the heartache of realising they are not looking their best.

Here are a few tips for changing all that, and for abandoning makeup that actually makes you look older than you are!

Wearing Too Much Foundation

It clogs your skin and settles in the lines and creases. Buy anything creamy that will help with dryness, if your skin is dry. Try foundations that use light-diffusing pigments, such as Chanel’s Vitalumiere.

If your skin is very dry, make sure you exfoliate 2-3 times a week and find yourself a great moisturiser. I have found we women of a certain age are sometimes better using a night cream as a day cream. They are stronger.

Also, buy a water spray for your face. I recommend the Nu Skin NaPCA Moisture Mist. I have actually seen it plump up dried apricots so imagine what it does for your skin!

Applying Too Much Concealer Under Your Eyes

It’s usually thick and heavy and accentuates the crêpe look. The skin under your eyes is fine and delicate so use a concealer with some illuminating particles; my personal favourite is always going to be Touche Éclat by YSL.

Choosing a Lip Color That Is Too Dark

Dark colours create an illusion of small, so dark colour on your lips makes your mouth look pinched. Steer clear of burgundies, wines, or browns, and in some cases, even red. Use bright colours such as peaches, pinks, and even neutrals. Use a lip pencil the same colour as your lipstick, or try something neutral and fabulous just with a touch of gloss.

Rule of thumb… accentuate your eyes or your mouth… not both!

Finishing with Powder

It becomes clogged in lines and wrinkles! If you cannot live without powder, use one that is sheer and translucent, or just blot you face with tissues.

Using Black Eyeliner

It’s too harsh and magnifies the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, bags and dark under-eye. Use something more gentle such as grey or a blue. Make sure it’s a Kohl pencil rather than actual liquid liner.

Applying Lip Liner Badly

If you cannot use lip liner properly, use a neutral colour. Try Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner from ModelCo. It’s brilliant!

Never try and create a larger looking lip by using a lip liner outside your natural lip. If your lips are really too small, consider some injectable. They do work, and if you choose the right product and the right technician, your plumped pout will last up to 15 years and will not be embarrassing! Do NOT go to a cowboy who will give a Trout Pout.

Putting Mascara and Eye Liner on Your Lower Lids and Lashes

No, no, no! The mascara looks like little spider legs and the liner is just too harsh. If you must have a line on your lower lids, start it at the outside corner and let it run to the quarter-way mark. Just a suggestion rather than a statement.

Forgetting the Blush

The older you get, the more colour you lose. Use blush and change the colour every year, because your colour changes every year. Not wearing blush, even if it’s a bronzer just on your cheeks, is very aging. You need to create the blush of youth! And always add blush to the apples of your cheeks and not in a line across your cheek bone.

Using Lipstick Without a Lipstick Brush

If you use lipstick straight from the tube, it tends to clog and seep. Using a brush spreads the lipstick smoothly and evenly and prevents it from sinking into the cracks!

Using an Eyebrow Pencil That Is Too Dark

Nix the black and use dark brown. A Dark Gold works for almost everyone unless you have very dark skin and hair. Even then, don’t use black! It’s too harsh.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you guilty of making any of these makeup mistakes? I would love to know what makeup you use and what you use that really brightens the way you feel. Tell us your makeup over 50 secret tips and tricks! Please join the conversation.