Has anyone else found makeup 'ages' them as they get older?

[HepburnKNotA]

The obvious thing first: I have, and perhaps could even more, tweak my 'old' makeup. I have tried switching my old midnight-blue eyeliner and black mascara for browns. I've tried a different shade and format of blusher.

But these days when I put on makeup I feel I look older with it on, and not in a good way!

I'm 42 btw.

I have (and I'm not ashamed to say it, given the amount I've bloody spent on it in products and effort) really good skin for my age, very very few lines (apart from Number 11s) and since I gave up sugar (and started using Emma Hardie and Sunday Riley stuff) a couple of years ago my skin is smoother than it's ever been. I've never really needed any foundation, barely used tinted moisturiser and these days I don't wear any base at all, ever.

But I do like a bit of eye makeup (liner and mascara) on nights out etc and now I don't know what to try as whenever I put it on, I feel like I suddenly look haggard and over my real age instead of under it! And blusher used to 'freshen' me up, but now I don't know, it has the same ageing effect.

Still happy with my trusty nude lipsticks and glosses, tbf.

Should I just give up and at least enjoy the fact I have good skin (until inevitably that all falls off a cliff in a few years...)? Or should I keep trying different shades? Techniques? I spend all my 'beauty' money on bloody (admittedly amazing) Space NK products so don't have much left for experimenting with makeup if it's not going to work!

Does anyone else feel the same way and if so - did you give up on makeup and just go bare-faced? I feel it's not enough 'effort' for a night out! Though I've never been a big makeup person at all, really.

Kylie is very attractive, as always, but something went horribly wrong with the Botox above her right eye. It's left her with one very quizzical eyebrow.

I've found the same. I've got dark hair and dark eyes and was always able to carry off red lipstick. Until recently. I really look like a pantomime dame IMO if I try to wear it these days - 43 BTW!

Yes im the same. Look like a goth who needs a blood transfusion urgently with dark lipstick.
Pink brown or brown red mixed with nude works better on my face

Just goes to show how different we are. I’m 65 with silver hair and always wear red lipstick, it brightens my face. I look like a corpse in anything remotely brown.

Over 60 and looking fabulous in red lipstick, it depends on the person not their age.

No idea who this is but looking great.

Whoever she is, she’s bloody gorgeous.

Isn’t she just!

Yep they look gorgeous. I only discovered coral red with gold in my 50s and it really gives my face a lift. I'm very blond .

I think makeup and hair dye generally really age people. There's this awful beauty-industry perpetuated myth that really entrails women. Men generally embrace their silverness and laughter lines whereas women spend a fortune on chemicals.

I'd embrace your natural self and just use a bit of Vaseline/lip balm!!!

I have always worn eyeliner on my top lid only. I don't think it ages me, quite the opposite. In fact I got asked for ID the other day, I'm not far off 50.

You don’t look like you’ve just been dug up without makeup if you think a bit of Vaseline would cut it. I frighten small children without my slap.

Yes Grammarist Helen, Susan and mystery woman look positively ancient in those pictures, what were they thinking? Should have just stuck with the Vaseline........

I thought that about kylie, about the one eyebrow higher, but I think she had it 20 years ago, so I think it’s just her.

To be fair, there’s never been a needle anywhere near my face and my left eyebrow’s higher than the other.

From Lisa Eldridge’s Instagram. Red lips and eyeliner- looks awful 😉

37,727 people seem to disagree with you whiter 🤷‍♀️

My eyebrows are different shapes so I'm saying nothing about a raised eyebrow

I might have misinterpreted your post Whiter apologies if so.

Yes, I'm 42 and have definitely found this recently! I suddenly look ten years older with more than the slightest amount of makeup on, tbh I've given up entirely as I'm just not motivated enough to go out and try loads of new stuff/techniques these days.

I think Kylie has had her quizzical eyebrow for a long time, basically since she started with the Botox.

That mystery woman looks stunning. I think her red lipstick has a hint of gold maybe? Also she definitely has blusher on the apples of her cheeks which I thought was a no no in middle age.

I must be the only woman who really doesn't suit Ruby Woo. It's too flat. I need the one the mystery woman is wearing.

Ruby Woo doesn’t suit me either so you’re not alone.

You did Betty but no worries, I think she looks fab!

Phew, I thought it was just me who was the make up misfit. It might be because it's matte. Do Mac only do it in matte? I need a red with a bit of sheen I think.