Want to appear more youthful? In this article we discuss the things that make us look older and what you can do about it.

16 THINGS THAT MAKE US LOOK OLDER

Perhaps you don’t want to look younger but most of us certainly don’t want to appear older. We’d like to think that most of us want to appear youthful and hip.

Let’s look at some examples of what can date us or make us appear older and how to fix it.

1. TOO MUCH OR THE WRONG COLOR MAKEUP

As we get older, our coloring softens and dark or bright colors that once worked for us may overwhelm us now. Know which colors suit your skin tone.

If you don’t know if you are warm or cool then go to a make-up counter and try on yellow and blue based lipstick and blush colors to see what suits you best.

You can view many of our make-up tips here.

Also, find out the best mascaras for women over 40.

HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER: CHANGE YOUR MAKE-UP ROUTINE

Consider what decade you learned to apply makeup. If you are still using those techniques and colors, it is time to up-date. Below are some changes to think about:

HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER NATURALLY: DON’T WEAR TOO MUCH EYELINER

Rather than a liquid eyeliner, try an eye pencil and smudge a bit after application to soften the line.

Or apply eye shadow with a small angled brush as the liner. For more info read how to apply eyeliner after 40.

Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Sparkling Waterproof Liner | 40plusstyle.com

Sisley Paris Phyto-Khol Star Sparkling Waterproof Liner

LOOK YOUNGER BY SAYING NO TO THICK FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION

Consider a tinted moisturizer or a lighter weight foundation and apply only to the center of the face and blend outwards. Also see: the best foundation for mature skin.

ARMANI beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation | 40plusstyle.com

ARMANI beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

Things that make us look older - Sandra shows why you should wear natural make-up | 40plusstyle.com

Sandra @lapecosapreciosa above looks beautiful in minimal make-up. She lets her natural skintone shine through.

DON’T MATCH YOUR EYE SHADOW COLOR TO YOUR OUTFIT

We’re not in the 1980’s anymore. Go for a softer, natural look and avoid shimmer as this will magnify any crepiness.

AVOID TOO DARK OR MATTE LIPSTICKS

Our lips thin with age and a dark or matte colour will make lips look even thinner.

Try a crème or pearl colour and rather than dark go for a brighter or lighter color. Check out some of Sylvia’s favorite lipsticks.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Modesty | 40plusstyle.com

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick (Creme In Your Coffee)

TOO MUCH BLUSH AND IN THE WRONG AREA

Don’t opt for anything too harsh and obvious when it comes to your blusher. Try using a natural colored blush on the apples of your cheeks to create a youthful glow.

Apply sparingly along the cheek bone and blend, blend, blend.

NARS Blush (Behave) | 40plusstyle.com

NARS Blush (Behave)

HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER AT 40 OR BEYOND: STAY AWAY FROM TOO DARK A LIP LINER

Lip liners should match the lipstick color. You don’t want an obvious line around your lips, but a lip liner can be a useful tool to prevent lipstick from bleeding into fine lines. If you want to stop your lipstick bleeding and be sure not to have an obvious line, then a clear liner is a great idea.

Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner | 40plusstyle.com

Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner

EMPHASIZING EYES AND LIPS

 As with clothes, choose one star and the rest as supporting players.

If you are wearing a dramatic lipstick, keep the blush and eye shadows softer.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick with Ceramides (Red Muse) | 40plusstyle.com

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick with Ceramides (Red Muse)

Things that make us look older - Claudia shows off a youthful red lipstick look | 40plusstyle.com

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) opts for a dramatic red lip

2. OVER PLUCKING YOUR EYEBROWS

Just like clothing trends, eyebrow trends change. While full brows were on trend in the 60s, by the time the 90s and 2000s came around, thinner brows were the way to go, meaning many of us overplucked our brows.

If you are still plucking your eyebrows to create a thin shape, you might want to let your natural brows grow as the current trend is definitely about bigger brows.

As most of us have found out, however, our eyebrows may not grow back. To compensate, use a powder or pencil to fill in the sparse areas. Also check: how to get the perfect eyebrows.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo | 40plusstyle.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo

This is a positive trend for women over 40 as a well-defined brow can definitely give a youthful appearance as well as creating definition for the rest of your face.

3. EYEGLASSES OR SUNGLASSES THAT ARE YEARS OLD OR NO LONGER FASHIONABLE.

Eyeglasses and sunglasses follow trends just as fashion does and should be considered just as necessary to update.

An easy and inexpensive way to modernize your style is to pick up a few pair of sunglasses. Perhaps a sportier and elegant pair for different outfits.

Consider your face shape, skin tone and personality when selecting glasses. Our face shape and coloring will change with age, so you may need to select a different frame shape and color now.

Quay Australia Call the Shots 41mm Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses | 40plusstyle.com

Quay Australia Call the Shots 41mm Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Also see on how to find the right glasses for you.

If you have prescription glasses a good reminder to change is when you get a new prescription.

Givenchy GV0129 Eyeglasses | 40plusstyle.com

Givenchy GV0129 Eyeglasses

If you have changed your hair color or if you go grey, you may want to consider a lighter color or a silver frame.

Also take a look at the best glasses to buy after 40.

4. HAIRSTYLE OR HAIR COLOUR THAT HASN’T CHANGED IN YEARS.

How long is too long to keep the same hairstyle or color? The running joke is whether you’ve had the same style for so long that it’s popular again.

Seriously, if your hairstyle is from another decade, it’s time to change.

Our hair changes with age. It may get thinner, coarser, less curly or frizzier. Our face shape may also change, so a hairstyle that suited us in our 30s may not be the most flattering in our 50s.

Take a look at our article on The best hairstyles for women over 40

Things that make us look older - Suzette shows that long hair can work after 40 | 40plusstyle.com

Suzette @suzettepetrov opts for long, healthy-looking, glossy hair.

TIPS FOR HOW TO STAY LOOKING YOUNG – WITH YOUTHFUL HAIR

YOUTHFUL LOOKING HAIR HAS MOVEMENT

Stay away from too many styling products and too much hairspray as this will make hair look stiff and unnatural.

ONE OVERALL DARK COLOR IS AGING

A few highlights around the face and crown will add softness and create a more natural look.

Highlights, lowlights, ombre or balayage will add interest, definition and a modern look with any hair colour.

GREY HAIR CAN BE DRY, FRIZZY OR COARSE

If you’ve let your hair go naturally grey, you should use specialized products for grey hair to keep it moisturized and prevent yellowing.

If you’re wondering whether you should go gray or not, you may enjoy the discussion in our article: to grey or not to grey.

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Kit | 40plusstyle.com

L’Oreal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Kit

Check this article for more fabulous gray hairstyles.

TWEAK YOUR CLASSIC STYLE

Even if a classic haircut such as a bob is your style of choice, you can tweak it with more layers, fewer layers, angled or longer or shorter. Even subtle changes make a difference.

CONSIDER YOUR HAIR TEXTURE

If you have curly hair and fought with it all your life you may want to go with your natural curls now. 

You may like to check our article on how to manage curly hair.

TAKE THE ADVICE FROM YOUR HAIRDRESSER

When you get a new haircut, have your hairstylist show you how to style it. Styling techniques and products have changed over the years.

Things that make us look older - Alison shows why you should embrace your natural curls | 40plusstyle.com

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) has beautiful natural curls.

5. WEARING TOO MUCH BLACK

There’s no denying that black outfits can be effortlessly cool. They can also be slimming.

However wearing black close to your face can also have a draining effect, making wrinkles and dark circles appear more prominent.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up on black completely.

You can always wear a scarf or statement jewelry next to your face over your black to make your complexion look brighter and more youthful.

Or you could keep your black on your bottom half and wear a more flattering color on your top half.

Cindy & Wendy Large Silky Pashmina Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Cindy & Wendy Large Silky Pashmina Scarf

6. WEARING SHAPELESS OUTFITS CAN PREVENT YOU FROM LOOKING YOUNGER THAN YOUR AGE

Too often, as we age we end up trying to disguise parts of our body that we don’t like. And, that is, of course, fine up to a point.

But the idea is to play down the areas you aren’t so keen on, and emphasize the areas you like, rather than to hide your whole figure.

For ideas on what will flatter your, take a look at the guidelines on how to dress your body shape – whether you are an hourglass, a pear shape, rectangle, inverted triangle or apple.

To add shape to your silhouette you can add a belt.

MANGO Belted Long Sleeve Shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Belted Long Sleeve Shirtdress
(Website / Nordstrom)

Things that make us look older - Cathy wears a youthful shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) chooses a pale blue shirt dress with on-trend voluminous sleeves.

Check out these shirt dresses from Ginger & Smart, H&M, Polo Ralph Lauren and J.Crew, similar sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

7. WEARING THE WRONG SIZE BRA

There’s no doubt that gravity can have an effect when we get older. Sagging is just part of the natural aging process. After menopause, a natural drop in estrogen can make breast tissue less elastic.

If you’ve been wearing the same size bra for decades, it could be time to change.

Not only will you be more comfortable, but you will have a more youthful silhouette.

Chantelle Lingerie Basic Invisible Smooth Support T-Shirt Bra | 40plusstyle.com

Chantelle Lingerie Basic Invisible Smooth Support T-Shirt Bra

Plus, by making sure that there is a clear division between where your bust ends and the rest of your torso begins, you can ensure that you don’t look bigger than you really are.

Also take a look at the best bras for big busts.

8. Wearing frumpy shoes

As you age, you may find that you need shoes that are more comfortable, or you are simply no longer prepared to suffer for fashion anymore.

However, there’s no need to wear typical “old lady” shoes. There are now plenty of shoes that are both on-trend and comfortable. Add a twist with shoe-boots, or play with the color of your shoes. Silver goes with everything!

Vionic Sonoma Valencia Ankle Bootie | 40plusstyle.com

Vionic Sonoma Valencia Ankle Booties
(Nordstrom / Zappos / Amazon)

Stuart Weitzman Emilia Mary Jane Flat | 40plusstyle.com

Stuart Weitzman Emilia Mary Jane Flat
(Nordstrom / Zappos / Amazon)

Take a look at the best arch support shoes to choose.

Things that make us look older - Kim shows why you should mix formal and casual | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) shows how mixing formal and casual items in your outfit is a powerful way to look hip.

Get her look with this similar tee, blazer (other options here and here), jeans (another option here), booties, bag and earrings.

9. Wearing floral prints

It can be tricky to wear florals as they can have something of an “old lady” reputation. However, if you choose the right florals and add modern touches, you can definitely still look youthful. Look for graphic prints rather than traditional flowers.

Misook Watercolor-Print Shirtdress | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Watercolor-Print Shirtdress
(Nordstrom / Saks Fifth Avenue)

Isabel Marant Étoile Maria Print Cotton Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Isabel Marant Étoile Maria Print Cotton Shirt

10. Wearing the “wrong” skirt length

Midi skirts are definitely back on trend. But, they can be tricky to wear. The key is to choose a length that ends at the slimmest part of your legs. Adding asymmetry is also a great tip to add interest and flattering draping to your outfit.

All in Favor Satin Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

All in Favor Satin Midi Skirt

11. Wearing nude tights

While nude hose may be the preserve of the British royal family, they can be hard to wear without looking old-fashioned. Instead, choose opaque tights to stay warm and stylish in cooler months.

Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Top Tights | 40plusstyle.com

Commando Ultimate Opaque Matte Tights

Things that make us look older - Patricia wears a youthful midi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) opts for classic low-denier opaques with her midi dress.

Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), tights, pumps, handbag, earrings, belt and sunglasses.

12. Wearing all the trends…

While we always think it’s important to at least be aware of the latest trends so you can decide whether or not they will work with your style, if you wear every trend of the season together in one outfit, it can look as if you’re trying too hard to be current.

Wearing all of the latest trends that you might expect to see on teenagers or women much younger can draw attention to your age rather than making you look youthful.

But, particularly if you have a trendy style personality you’ll definitely want to add at least one new trend to your look.

AllSaints Ezra Metallic Leather Crossbody Bag | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Ezra Metallic Leather Crossbody Bag

13. Or, wearing none of the trends

You may find you get stuck in a style rut and only wear what you think are “age appropriate” clothes. But, there’s really no such thing.

Even if you love a classic, timeless style, you can still play around with your looks in subtle ways to add modernity.

Larroudé Ricky Block Heel Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Larroudé Ricky Block Heel Boots

14. Wearing the same outfits you have for years

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and wear the same clothes in the same ways for years and years. You get used to choosing a certain top to go with a certain skirt, for example. But, you don’t necessarily need to go shopping to change up your looks.

Check out our tips for organizing your closet and think about how you could wear your existing outfits in different, unexpected combinations.

15. NOT TAKING CARE OF YOUR HANDS

While you may have an established skincare routine for your face, how about for your hands?

Hands are often one of the first places that we start to show our age. Making sure that you protect your hands from the sun, and that you give them the nourishment they need can ensure that your hands don’t age prematurely.

Aveda hand relief™ Hand Cream | 40plusstyke.com

Aveda hand relief Hand Cream

16. Not looking after your teeth

Aging can lead to thinning tooth enamel which can naturally make your teeth look yellow. However, yellowing teeth could also be down to a build up of stains.

A toothpaste designed to remove stains may help to give your teeth, and therefore your smile, a more youthful appearance.

REMBRANDT Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste With Fluoride | 40plusstyle.com

REMBRANDT Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste With Fluoride

CHANGE IS GOOD!

Remember change is good and think of all the possibilities and fun you’ll have making those changes.

For more tips on staying youthful after 40, check out our tips on how to dress after 40 and still look hip.

Things that make us look older - Sylvia looking youthful and hip in a yellow coat | 40plusstyle.com

How do you keep yourself modern and hip and what do you think will date us and make us look older?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Look Hip And Beautiful With The Right Glasses
  2. How To Apply Eyeliner After 40 & The Best Ones To Use!
  3. How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?

LIKE THIS ARTICLE ON THE THINGS THAT DATE US OR MAKE US LOOK OLDER? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

16 things that date us or make us look older | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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