Makeup can make you feel more confident in your skin as long as your beauty routine evolves with you.
This doesn’t mean revamping your look entirely; makeup artist Laura Kay revealed it is more about recognising common beauty mistakes that could be ageing you – and knowing what to do instead.
The beauty expert and founder of semi-permanent makeup parlour Laura Kay London told the Daily Mail that people across generations make the same errors daily – and celebrities aren’t immune to them either.
From overlining your lips in your 20s to using powder products in your 50s, Laura has decoded these rules for beauty enthusiasts of all ages to follow.
‘Makeup is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can make you look more radiant at any age,’ she explained.
‘Many people unknowingly repeat the same mistakes or habits and don’t evolve their makeup over time,’ Laura added.
‘But there are certain unspoken rules and tips for makeup application that will transform and enhance your features.’
Laura has also revealed which A-listers have perfected their makeup routines – and which ones still have some work to do.
In your 20s
Your 20s is the perfect time to lay the foundation for a lifelong beauty routine but for stars like Kylie Jenner, they may have already started out on the wrong foot with heavy contour
Skin in your 20s should look fresh and natural whilst lips are best with a soft definition like Sydney Sweeney
Your 20s are the perfect time to lay the foundation for a lifelong beauty routine, but one of the most common mistakes at this age is applying makeup too heavily across the entire face.
Heavy contour, full glam makeup, overfilled or heavily overlined lips, thick false lashes, and brows that are too dark – or too sharp – can overpower youthful features and instantly age you.
Skin in your 20s should look fresh and natural, whilst lips are best with a soft definition. Brows should be defined to enhance your natural beauty, with Laura explaining fuller means more youthful.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Kylie Jenner
Celebrity getting it right: Sydney Sweeney
In your 30s
Matte, full coverage foundation and over contoured cheeks can flatten the complexion, highlight texture and can look caked on if too heavy like Kendall Jenner’s look
A light reflecting base creates a fresher, more youthful look, while cream blush placed higher on the cheekbones lifts the face naturally as shown on Margot Robbie
The first signs of ageing begin to appear in your 30s, so it can be easy to over-compensate in the makeup department, Laura explained.
For instance, makeup that looks too matte or overly set can start to sit on the skin rather than blend into it, making you look older than you are.
Matte, full coverage foundation and over-contoured cheeks flatten the complexion, highlight texture, and can look cakey.
A light reflecting base creates a fresher, more youthful look, while cream blush placed higher on the cheekbones helps lift the face naturally.
Brows should appear slightly fuller and bolder in your 30s, rather than drawn on, and eye makeup is most flattering when heavy eyeliner is swapped for a softer, more blended eyeshadow.
Finally, lips look best when they have a glossy finish to them and aren’t overly defined.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Kendall Jenner
Celebrity getting it right: Margot Robbie
In your 40s
Women in their 40s should avoid heavy makeup which can settle into fine lines and make the face look tired
A lighter base with a natural glow instantly refreshes the complexion, while eye definition should be kept softer, perfectly shown on Amal Clooney
By your 40s, heavy makeup can settle into fine lines and make the face look tired.
A luminous, natural appearance is the goal in your 40s.
A lighter base with a natural glow instantly refreshes the complexion, while eye definition should be kept softer and focused mainly on the upper lash line – your eyes will look smaller if you opt for eyeliner on your lower lash.
A definite no-no is applying eyeliner all the way around your eyes. Brows play a key role at this stage – think full and fluffy is best.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Kim Kardashian
Celebrity getting it right: Amal Clooney
In your 50s
Ms Kay revealed that too much powder, heavy bronzer and strong contouring, favoured by Jennifer Lopez, can now often make the skin look dry or dull and in turn older
Nicole Kidman ensures she looks youthful in her 50s by avoiding heavy makeup and – as Ms Kay suggests – products like creamy blush can achieve a dewy look
In your 50s, skin becomes thinner and less plump as you lose elasticity, meaning heavy makeup can quickly age the face – the goal is to enhance, not mask.
Ms Kay revealed that too much powder, heavy bronzer and strong contouring can now make the skin look dry or dull, while very dark makeup shades can appear too strong.
While too much contouring can age you, a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones and down the nose can lift the face.
Hydrating foundations can smooth and plump the skin, and a light concealer can get rid of dark circles or problem spots, which is a winner. Cream-based products are great – such as a creamy blush for a dewy youthful look.
Sparse brows can be subtly filled in and defined to match changes in hair and skin tone as you age.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Jennifer Lopez
Celebrity getting it right: Nicole Kidman
In your 60s
Rather than keeping her makeup light, Madonna has opted for thickly layered product as well as a heavy red lip which Ms Kay advises avoiding
Courteney Cox has ensured she looks youthful by using satin-based lipsticks and glosses in soft pinky coral, avoiding thick products which settle in to any fine lines and wrinkles
In your 60s, heavy or trend-led makeup can overpower your natural features. Strong eye looks often dominate the face, while thick base products can settle into lines easily, ageing you instantly.
Instead, Laura suggests a lighter base to help even out the skin tone without masking it, and more natural eye makeup that enhances the eyes without looking overdone.
Stronger, satin-based lipsticks or glosses can brighten your overall look. Neutral tones with a hint of colour, like soft pink or coral, are flattering. Avoid overly matte finishes, which can emphasise lines.
Brows should frame the face beautifully without looking drawn on or looking too prominent; at this age it can be easy to over-fill or get the shade wrong.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Madonna
Celebrity getting it right: Courteney Cox
In your 70s and beyond
In your 70s, Ms Kay says the focus should be on simplicity and elegance – unless you’re Kris Jenner, who prefers to layer her product and go for a full-coverage look
In contrast, actress Jane Seymour has opted for more natural makeup including a light coat of mascara and a moisturising base
In your 70s, focus should be on simplicity and elegance, and the aim should be a natural look that highlights your best features.
Laura says it’s wrong to assume you need to wear more makeup. Instead, focus on one feature and highlight it.
Heavy powders, which can settle into wrinkles should be avoided. Tinted moisturisers or CC creams are great options, but avoid any products that simply highlight skin texture, particularly powders or bronzers with a shimmery appearance.
Brows should be naturally enhanced to frame beautifully, and a light coat of mascara does wonders for opening up the eyes subtly.
Hydration is key in your 70s; use moisturising lipsticks in flattering shades such as rose or berry.
A glossy or satin finish can create the appearance of fuller, smoother lips. Lip liner can help define edges subtly, but you should definitely avoid drawing overly sharp lines.
Celebrity getting it wrong: Kris Jenner
Celebrity getting it right: Jane Seymour
