8 Outdated Makeup Trends That Make You Look Older
Celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach with dark hair and smoky eye makeup wearing a brown wrap, demonstrating classic beauty looks.
The 70s, 80s, and 90s gave us so much good stuff. But when it comes to beauty? Some of those looks are best left in the past. Clinging too closely to an old look can actually make you look older. Here are eight outdated makeup trends to leave behind — and what to do instead.
1. Heavy Matte Foundation
Thick, flat coverage settles into fine lines and accentuates them. It announces to the world you’re stuck in the 80s.
The update: Moisturize before applying makeup — hydrated skin is plumper and less crepe-y. Use concealer only on the inner halves of your under-eye area where there are fewer lines.
2. Too Much Bronzer
Overdoing bronzer looks unnatural and dated.
The update: Choose a powder just one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Using a big brush, swipe a “3” on both sides of your face — starting at the temples, curving toward the cheekbone, ending at the chin corners. — Christina Flach, CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup
3. Dark Lip Liner With a Lighter Lipstick
Lining your lips without filling them in became passé around Y2K.
The update: Stick to one color. Line the outside of your lips, fill them in completely from the corners inward, then apply matching lipstick over top.
4. Bright Eyeshadow Swept to the Brows
Baby blue or purple shadow all the way up to your brows is very 80s.
The update: Sweep a neutral beige shadow from lash line to crease. Line your eyes with black or brown, then trace over with a colored liner. Keeping the rest neutral makes the color pop.
5. Over-Plucked Eyebrows
Super-thin brows drain your face of definition and make you look older.
The update: Lay off the tweezers and let your brows grow in. Then get them professionally waxed into the right shape. Bold, natural brows frame your eyes beautifully. — Christina Flach
6. Heavy Contoured Blush
Extreme blush lines look harsh and unblended — what some call “bacon blush.”
The update: Use a cream blush applied to the cheekbones in a stippling motion, then blend with your fingers toward the temples for a soft, modern finish.
7. Colored Mascara
Blue or purple mascara is a dead giveaway that you’re stuck in another decade.
The update: Classic black mascara is timeless and polished. It works for every age, every look, every occasion.
8. Glittery Eyeshadow
Super-shimmery shadow can draw attention to droopy lids or dark circles, making you look older.
The update: Choose matte shades for grown-up definition. Save the sparkle for special occasions and use it sparingly.
Ready for a fresh, modern look?
Book celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach for a private makeup lesson or special event in the San Francisco Bay Area.