See Fashion and Makeup Mistakes That Age You You should Know

Your choice of clothing and cosmetics can highlight your sense of style, compliment your best features, and keep you looking fresh and full of life. But sometimes these decisions can backfire: an ill-fitting dress that stretches and sags in all the wrong places, or a shade of makeup that accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. Women don't always update their fashion and beauty routines as they get older, but they should; otherwise, the same products and pieces that once worked so well for them could suddenly give away their real age—or worse, make them look even older than they really are.

Here are common beauty blunders, and anti-aging advice from the pros on how to fix them. 

Dressing too trendy

Unless you're on an unlimited budget, steer clear of fashions that seem very in-the-moment, you won't be able to wear them for very long before they (and you) look dated and behind the times. Rather than invest in pieces that may be passé by next season, stick to classic, sophisticated items that will stand the test of time. That doesn't mean you can't infuse some edgier styles into your wardrobe, though. "Look to trends that are here to stay: leather, military, dark florals, plaid, and slimmer cuts such as tailored pants and pencil skirts."

Wearing your hair too long

Many women associate flowing locks with youth, and short styles—i.e. "mom haircuts"—with maturity. But as you get older and begin to lose fat in your face, really long, straight hair can actually make you look more drawn. Choosing a cut with face-framing layers and lots of body, on the other hand, can help your face appear rounder and more youthful.

Using heavy black eye liner

Dark, dramatic eyes can be tricky to pull off  and they tend to be less and less flattering on most women as they age. Our eyelashes thin out as we get older, and women sometimes try to overcompensate for that with lots of black makeup. All that does, though, is draw attention to the wrinkles around your eyes. Instead of a black liner, choose a dark brown or grey, and remember that less is more. Skip liquid liners, too, which can be too heavy, and opt for a soft, easy-to-apply pencil.

Ignoring your hands and chest

Of course, even if you're wearing sunscreen on your face every day, chances are you may be neglecting other parts of your body. Your hands, neck, and chest are also exposed to sun on a daily basis, and women tend to forget about protecting them the same way they do their face. But these are the areas we tend to see a lot of brown spots and wrinkles—they can be a dead giveaway, even if your face looks really youthful. Along with a regular SPF, a daily moisturizer can also keep skin looking and feeling smooth and baby soft.

Going too tight (or too loose)

Anything in the extreme whether it's too tight, too loose, too short, too long can draw negative attention especially if you're visibly uncomfortable or self-conscious while you're wearing it. If you're 80 years old and you're rocking a skin-tight leopard mini skirt and you feel great, then you'll look great too. But if you're wearing it because you think it will make you look younger and you're ignoring the fact that you're bulging out of it then that's all anyone else is going to see. But don't go too far in the other direction, either.

Using too much (or the wrong) foundation

The solution to fine lines isn't always to cover them with loads of makeup; in fact, if you use too much foundation you'll risk it settling into those creases, only making them more noticeable. The key is to spot correct only where you need it, with a liquid or cream foundation, concealer, or even just a tinted moisturizer. (Powder-based formulas can cake in creases,  and they can make dry skin—a common problem as you age—look flaky.) Also, be sure your foundation matches your skin tone, which can also change as you get older. A lot of women use the same color forever, but you should really reevaluate every few years to see if it's still the best fit.

Dressing too young

Wearing something that your daughter (or granddaughter) might pick out? Chances are, people will notice—but not the way you want them to. In our society, we expect to see certain trends from certain age groups, If you're a 50-year-old woman and you dress like a 9-year-old or a 19-year-old, it's not going to gel with our expectations. The incongruence can be pretty harsh, and it can accentuate your age rather than hide it.

Mismatching tops and bottoms

Wearing styles that don't work well together is unflattering for all ages, and can add years to an otherwise youthful appearance. A great rule of thumb is that if you're wearing a skinny silhouette on the bottom, choose a more forgiving, flowy piece on top. Or flip it: If wearing a tighter top, add a looser, flared skirt or a wide-leg pant to balance out the proportions. Not only does this strategy let you show off your best assets, but it can also hide the trouble spots you're not totally confident about.

Abusing your eyes

The skin around your eyes is very sensitive, but it's also the skin women tend to be harshest on. We apply all kinds of creams and cosmetics there, but you can do more harm than good if you're too aggressive. Too much rubbing, poking, and prodding can not only damage the skin,  but it can cause red, puffy eyes, as well—not a good look at any age. Always remove eye makeup at the end of the day (sleeping in it can cause irritation and infection), but use a gentle cleanser and a soft towel or cotton swab; avoid scrubbing too hard or using a rough washcloth.