A lot changes as we age, so it’s no surprise that our makeup techniques and even formulas have to adapt, too. And thanks to Kevyn Aucoin’s director of artistry and makeup Drita Paljevic, we have the inside scoop on the top makeup mistakes we make as we get older and how to avoid them.
The Expert: Drita Paljevic
From behind the counter to behind the scenes at NYFW, Drita Paljevic has been everywhere makeup matters. Since 2008, she’s been a member of Kevyn Aucoin’s iconic team of master makeup artists, and she brings her wealth of experience to every look she creates.
With more than 20 years in the industry, Paljevic has honed in on the top makeup mistakes women make as we get older. From old habits that die hard to the foundational differences in mature skin and what it needs, Paljevic knows exactly how to accommodate aging skin for the perfect finished look.
The Top Beauty Mistakes Older Women Make
You get the best finish from your makeup when your skin is properly moisturized. But that can get harder to achieve as we get older. “As we age, our skin needs more moisture,” Paljevic explains. “Before you begin applying any makeup, complete your go-to hydrating skin-care routine and don’t forget your sunscreen. Let your face lotions and eye creams completely absorb to prevent your makeup from pilling.”
Choosing The Wrong Foundation
“One of the top makeup mistakes older women make is that they are using the wrong shade or type of foundation that does not mesh with their skin texture,” Paljevic says. “Selecting the correct foundation shade is important. You want it to match it as close as possible to the shade of your neck. When applying foundation, you want it to look like you just woke up in the morning and have flawless skin. If you pick a foundation darker than your natural skin tone, it might oxidize as the day goes on and look even darker than expected.”
You also want to make sure your formula works for your skin. “Make sure to choose the right foundation type (liquid, cream, serum, stick, etc.) for your skin,” she explains. “First, figure out if you are normal, oily, dry, or have combination skin. This plays a big role in how your makeup will look on you.”
Not Blending Properly
Coming in second on her list of top beauty mistakes is forgetting to blend properly. “Using the proper tools is key,” Paljevic says. “Whether you’re applying eyeshadow, foundation, or powder, there is a brush for it. I recommend the Duet Brush line from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. Learning the art of blending makeup is a skill we should all learn, even for natural looks!”
If you’re still finding yourself plagued by harsh lines, Paljevic suggests an expert tip: your fingertips. “I always like to go over some areas of the face using my fingers because skin on skin melts and smooths products into the skin, especially on laugh lines or anywhere your skin creases.” she says. “If you’re using your hands, make sure they are clean and sanitized.”
And don’t forget that your face isn’t on an island. “Finally, your skin doesn’t stop at your jawline,” Paljevic says. “Be sure to bring down your foundation onto your neck to avoid any harsh foundation lines.”
Sticking With The Same Products
Old habits die hard, but we shouldn’t be doing our makeup the same when we’re 40 as we did when we were 20. That’s simply because our skin needs have evolved. “Be open to change,” Paljevic advises. “Change is good sometimes! Get out of your comfort zone, experiment with new products you’ve been wanting to try, and test them out for a few hours at home, running errands, or grabbing dinner. Testing out new makeup is fun, and the products or looks may grow on you!” This can also help keep you up-to-date with the best formulas for your skin.
Not Paying Attention to Formulas
“Our skin changes as we age, so we should be using more hydrating products,” Paljevic says. You may find yourself needing to moisturize more before applying makeup. And aging skin tends to show product more readily, falling into new creases and fine lines, so you may have to consider different types of formulas than what you usually choose. Powder eyeshadow, for instance, tends to go on more patchy on mature skin. Switching to cream-based formulas that focus on filling lines and avoiding creasing will help keep your makeup looking and feeling youthful.
Caking On The Makeup
No one wants to have cakey makeup, but it isn’t always so easy to figure out why it’s happening in the first place. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell why your makeup looks cakey,” Paljevic explains. “It could be the texture of your skin or pores from not prepping your skin before beginning your makeup routine, or from the techniques you’re using to apply the foundation.”
Top Beauty Mistakes Have Surprisingly Easy Fixes
Correcting these top beauty mistakes has a lot to do with what you do before ever applying your makeup. Avoiding cakey makeup, for example, is a battle that’s everything to do with preparation.
“You must prep your skin before applying foundation,” Paljevic says. “The Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Sensual Skin Primer ($48) is great for this, as it creates a barrier between your skin and your foundation. If your foundation looks cakey, there is unfortunately nothing you can do to fix it after you’ve applied it.”
