15 Beauty Mistakes That Are Making You Look Older Than Your Age

The whole point of dusting on powder is to decrease shine — but is the product you're using highlighting your flaws? Look for an HD formula: the microfine particles won't settle into (and draw attention to) fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

Just like wearing the wrong powder formula can age you, so can skipping out on primer. The whole point of primer is to give you a perfect canvas upon which you can apply your foundation. Silicone-based primers are especially effective at smoothing out your complexion and filling in wrinkles and pores, so when you apply foundation on top, you'll look flawless — and your makeup will last much longer.

That raven-black dye job was cute in high school, but now that you’re a little more mature, it looks way too severe. Visit a colorist and ask them about adding dimension to your color. Brighter face-framing layers will warm up your complexion and make you look more youthful.

Exfoliating is essential for all ages. Not only does it prevent bacteria from building up in pores and turning into acne, but shedding those old, dead layers triggers cellular turnover. That means your skin will work harder to create fresh new cells. You should be exfoliating your face and body at least twice a week. Bonus: a chemical exfoliant (like a peel) will reduce wrinkles with consistent use.

Hydrated skin is firm, radiant, and healthy. While regularly moisturizing (every day!) goes a long way, you can give your skin a major boost by helping it glow from the inside out. Drink up! Click here to learn how to figure out how much water you should be drinking daily.

You may have rocked the raccoon look in your youth, but now it’s time to put away the liquid liner and forgo the aggressive waterlining. That harsh hue is drawing attention to your crows' feet! If you can't give up lower liner, consider a softer shade like charcoal or chocolate.

Now that you've nailed wearing sunscreen on the daily, bring it on down to your chest and hands. After your face, your hands are the body parts that get the most sun exposure — thus aging you — so protect them. Don't you want to keep your décolletage taut, smooth, and wrinkle free?

Due to years of overplucking or just general aging, your brows probably channel Clara Bow more than they do Brooke Shields. Look more youthful by faking fuller arches with one of these products.

Don't restrict them to beach vacations — proudly wear a chic pair of sunglasses all year long! By not squinting at sunlight, you'll be staving off crows' feet.

Frosty, glittery shadow formulas draw attention to sagging eyelids, fine lines, dark circles . . . the list goes on. Stick to satin or silky (not chalky!) matte shades instead.