Face it, we all use beauty products trying to recapture that youthful look. But, some of those same routines may have the opposite effect. Whether you overdo it or use the wrong product, you might end up looking even more aged than you are. Still, don't worry, as we've got you covered! Here's our top ten list of beauty mistakes that make you look older. Also, don't forget to check out the top 10 skincare misconceptions you should be aware of.

10. Not Cutting Your Hair

The most important thing you should care about when trying to stay young is maintaining that healthy glow. That also goes for your hair, as it's often a finishing touch to your look. In case you're a big fan of longer haircuts, we won't advise you against it, but remember to regularly shorten your ends.

However, we can tell you that adding a couple of layers here and there will prevent your hairdo from looking flat, which you should avoid. Many stylists say that stick-straight hairstyles can sag your facial features and actually age you. Instead of that, opt for volume and layers that will gently frame your face, giving you a youthful appearance.

9. Dark Lipstick

Now, you may all be for wearing dark and bold lipsticks, and if that's what you enjoy, go for it! But if you don't want to appear older, that might not be the smartest idea. As years go by, collagen in our skin decreases, and we lose that plumpness associated with young age.

So keep in mind that dark lipstick doesn't look good on thinner lips, as it shrinks them. Not only that, but it also makes the facial features look sharper, thus making you appear older. Instead, go for muted berry colors or soft rose shades, as they will be much more flattering on your lips and face.

8. Heavy or Shimmery Eye Makeup

Flashy eye makeup is great when you're in your twenties, and honestly, you shouldn't wear it afterward to prevent looking older than you are. Anything shimmery and glossy in that area will only draw attention to your fine lines and wrinkles, and that's the last thing you want. On the other hand, powdery shadows will sit within your aging signs and accentuate them even more.

I know what you're thinking; you just can't win at a certain age… But let's not give up makeup just yet, as there are options for ladies who've passed some years. In fact, you can choose light, matte shadows that will make your eyes look bigger and less droopy.

7. Wrong Application of Blush

You may have heard that a lovely blusher is excellent to rejuvenate your face, as it imitates the natural cheek redness that young, healthy people have. However, it really depends on how you do it and which product you chose. Otherwise, you're risking getting the opposite result, looking more aged than your usual self.

Mistake number one would be applying blush to the apples of your cheeks, and this one is done by many people. First of all, it's essential to acknowledge that the skin sags over time, and by putting makeup specifically at that place, you're only highlighting it. So what else can you do to continue using your favorite makeup product? Well, just apply it to your cheekbones, as this technique will immediately lift your face, and you'll look fresher. And another bonus advice, pick a cream blush that will add dewiness to your appearance.

6. Thin Brows

Have you been plucking your brows for years and years (despite what your mom said!), and now they're really sparse? Well, guess what, today's trend is the bigger, the better, and you can clearly see that as multiple makeup products and tricks specially designed to solve this issue are available.

In case your eyebrows are not naturally thin, and it's a result of excessive plucking at your young age, you have two options. First of all, you might try to cover it with quality makeup, whether it's a brow gel or a pencil that will fill those empty areas. However, if you'd like a more permanent solution, you could try microblading, basically tattooing your brows. Either way, you'd need to find some solution because thin and sparse eyebrows change the structure of your face, making it sharper and older.

5. Your Concealer is too Heavy

Do you look in the mirror and seem like you've suddenly aged after applying makeup? Then you must be doing something wrong, as decorative cosmetics are there to help us hide our imperfections, thus making us look better.

Actually, you just might be applying your concealer the wrong way or using the wrong formulation. The key to looking youthful and fresh is to have a lightweight product to avoid creasing and caking. And we all know how easily that occurs once you pass your twenties. In fact, too much concealer in your under-eye area highlights wrinkles and fine lines. So what's the solution? Well, use the one that's not heavy, don't overdo it, and make sure you hydrate that area before makeup application.

4. Wrong Foundation

This mistake just might be one of the most common that people make when putting their makeup on. Do you have a flashback yet? We thought it was cool to apply foundation a couple of shades darker than our skin tone to make us look tan in our teens.

Please, don't repeat this mistake ever again, as it really adds years to your face. Another pretty common beauty mistake is not blending your liquid powder enough. To solve this issue, we recommend using a beauty sponge. What you need to do is to wet it with water, then squeeze the excess liquid, dip it into a foundation, and bounce it around your face for a perfect complexion.

3. Mattifying Powders

In case you have an oily or combination skin type, you know how hard you have to try to keep your skin matte. Often enough, even the best full-proof powders don't hold your sebum under control. Frustrating, we know…

But, as the years go by, our skin produces less oil, and matte products just make us look flat. So advice to you would be to start using primers that will help you solve your issue. First of all, apply a moisturizer that will hydrate and nourish your skin. Wait a couple of minutes, and then put on a primer intended to keep oils under control. After that, you can regularly apply your foundation as you always do and don't put too much loose powder on top. Why? Because it will only highlight fine lines and instantly make you look older.

2. Tanning Beds and No SPF

Do you really want to know the secret of having minimal wrinkles at a certain age? It's all about avoiding the sun, as photodamage is the leading cause of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Of course, it's not possible to lock yourself in your house and stop going outside, so pick a sunscreen with an SPF 50, and reapply it during the day.

On the other hand, you can see many people using tanning beds based on a delusion that they're healthier than the sun. You need to stop with this practice right now, as just one session can increase the possibility of getting skin cancer.

1. You Don't Moisturize

As we've mentioned before, our skin produces less sebum as we get older and less collagen, which keeps it nice and plump. That's the reason you need to pay more attention to hydration, whether you use a moisturizer, a serum, or an oil.

In particular, dry skin is associated with older age, so don't allow your skin to be untreated. It will not look good and youthful, whether you go bare-faced or apply makeup. This is the reason why you should invest in a good skincare routine (start in the morning) and pick products suited to your skin type. Lastly, it's important to emphasize how skipping a moisturizer before putting foundation on your face will make your face dry, so never skip this step.

In the end, we'd like to tell you that beauty really does come from within yourself. If you feel good, eat healthy foods, and keep a positive mindset, you will appear younger, no matter your real age.

Tell us, what did you think of our top ten list of beauty mistakes that age you, and are you to blame for any of it? Write your impressions in the comments.

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney