11 Beauty Habits That Can Make You Look Older

Everyone decides their style based on what makes them feel more comfortable. However, sometimes you may choose clothes or makeup that actually makes you look older. In such cases, learning a few hacks to understand what makes you look older and what makes you look younger can be super helpful.

1. Tanning

Tanned skin makes many people look super attractive. On top of that, the vitamin D provided by the sun can make you feel great. However, too much sun exposure affects your skin negatively and can make you look older. For example, Victoria Beckham confessed that she now prefers her natural skin color because excessive tanning made her look aged.

On the other hand, a light tan with a proper skincare routine designed according to your skin type can even make you look slimmer. That’s why it’s advisable not to expose yourself to the sun without adequate protection and patience. You’ll be tanned soon enough. This way, you’ll avoid damaging the collagen and elastic fibers that give tone and firmness to your skin.

2. Black clothes

People who hesitate about what to wear often choose black clothes because it’s a common belief that they combine with everything and make you look stylish and elegant. Well, it happens that as time passes, skin tends to look a little paler. And the all-black outfits can make you look dull and even exhausted. It also highlights wrinkles.

To avoid this, you can add a colored garment to your outfit. Depending on your skin tone, you can opt for blue or red. This simple tip will brighten up your face. And when you get used to it, you can swap black for other dark colors that also can make you look thinner, such as gray or navy blue.

3. Dark make-up

Makeup is a great tool when it comes to hiding facial imperfections. It also highlights your best features. With this in mind, you may apply more makeup than needed or choose solid and heavy colors. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it could make you look older.

On the contrary, as you grow older, it’s easier to pull off radiant, moisturized skin that looks almost natural. If you don’t dare try the no-makeup trend, go for matte, soft, light tones. If what worries you is looking greasy, just apply powder around your eyes and forehead. It’s a simple hack to maintain a natural glow by preventing critical areas from creasing.

4. Garments with large floral prints

Although floral prints will always be trendy, certain types are best avoided if you don’t want to look older. According to an expert fashionista, “big, bulky, and bold floral prints make you look much older.”

To avoid this, choose delicate and small prints, which will make you look fresh. You can also opt for geometric or abstract patterns for a youthful style.

5. Mascara and black eyeliner

Makeup can make your eyes look brighter and bigger. But be careful not to overdo it because if you lose your balance and overdo it, you may accentuate parts of your face that you don’t want to highlight. To make your eyes look natural, avoid overdoing it with black eyeliner and thick mascara, which makes them look harsher and smaller.

Instead of black, try brown eyeliner. If you smudge it, you will get a youthful and fresh look. As for mascara, one or two coats is enough to highlight your lashes. Don’t forget to comb them with a clean brush right after to give them volume.

6. Loose-fitting or shapeless garments

It’s no secret that jackets or oversized garments are trendy. It is also true that they can make you look older if you don’t know how to combine them. Oversized clothes are obviously comfortable to wear. But at the same time, they may make you feel less confident.

Baggy clothes actually don’t style your silhouette. Instead, they enlarge it, making it sloppy because the garments hang and warp your shape. Choosing outfits of the right size is better. They gracefully adapt to your curves, and while it can be challenging to find the right clothes, you can create a balanced and pleasing style with a bit of practice.

7. Leggings

People often think of leggings as a wild card: they wear them all day, every day, regardless of whether they will sport or simply go for a coffee. It is understandable because it is a super comfortable garment that adapts to all body types and looks good at any age. However, you should avoid thinking of them as if they were regular pants. When well combined, they can highlight your legs and style your silhouette. But abusing them may make you look older.

Choosing the right size will already help a lot. High-waisted leggings will contain your abdomen and thus make your waist look stylized. Finally, the proper fabric and colors for each season are essential for a fresh look.

Leggings combine well with wide garments, such as shirts or blouses, cardigans or jackets in winter. In summer, combine them with tight dresses around the waist or tunics. A good pair of ballerina shoes will complete the outfit. However, boots and high heels are good options too.

8. Putting the whole outfit together

Matching all the items in an outfit is often mistaken as the single most fashionable advice. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. Matching a bag with heels, a jacket, and even makeup can quickly make you look older.

Choosing the right outfit can be overwhelming, but you take it one step at a time. Instead of wearing several trendy outfits combined, you can wear one or two, and they don’t necessarily have to be in the same color range as the rest of the outfit. Then, you will look natural and fresh, and more youthful.

9. Long nails

Long nails cause a lengthening effect on your fingers; consequently, they also lengthen your age. Long fake nails with assorted designs seem an excellent choice to highlight your hands, but they may make them look older.

On the other hand, short and well-cared-for nails favor the rest of your look, regardless of your style. Oval-shaped nails just a few millimeters beyond the fingertips can make your hands look younger.

10. Turtlenecks

As you grow older, the skin on your neck tends to sag. This is a normal process. It’s also fairly common for people to try and hide it with turtlenecks.

Unfortunately, this hack often backfires because what you’re actually doing is attracting attention to that area. Instead, go for discreet round or V-necklines. In winter, try to wrap your neck with scarves or shawls, which can also give a special touch to your whole outfit without making you look older.

11. Chunky or square-toed heels

It’s common to choose comfort over looks at some point. But it’s better to avoid thinking that you will look elegant as long as you wear those comfy low heels with square or rounded toes. The reality is that this type of footwear can make you look much older. If you want to look younger, you can try cute shoes that are still comfortable too. Just have to make sure they’re good quality shoes in the appropriate size.

You can ask for your feet to be measured at the shoe store to get the right size. Stilettos aren’t the only way to look elegant. Flat shoes, such as ballerinas, are an excellent option because they’re so versatile that they go well with different formal or casual styles. For example, canvas jute-soled footwear stylizes your silhouette and gives a natural and fresh look.

Do you prefer people to think you’re older or younger than you actually are? What beauty tips do you use to look older? And to look younger?