Beauty Looks That Age You

Remember when you wore it because you wanted to look older? It works the other way too. Turn back the clock with these pro tricks.

Choosing concealer suited for a mime

The only thing more aging than dark circles is spackling them with cover-up that's way too light. "It washes you out and can look ashy,"

The fix: Use an opaque liquid formula just a notch lighter than your skin. Pat it on from your eyes' inner corners to a third of the way out. Try Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, $24.

Putting liner all around your eyes

"It makes them seem smaller," Plus, any makeup along your bottom lashes can accentuate dark circles or puffiness.

The fix: For a wide-eyed and youthful look, apply liner only where your top lashes are--not even all the way to the inner corners--and thicken it toward the outer edges to create a subtle lift.

Using the wrong foundation

Medium- to full-coverage formulas have lots of pigment, which absorbs moisture. Combine that with the fact that skin gets drier in your late 30s or early 40s and suddenly you've got color that cakes and creeps into fine lines.

The fix: Try a foundation spiked with active ingredients like peptides, or vitamin C, "These provide great coverage, moisturize, and treat skin over time," (Try Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow, $39, or CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup, $12)

Wearing very dark lipstick

"Lips lose plumpness over time, and a deep lipstick makes them appear thinner,"

The fix: No need to swap your signature red for a neutral--just try a sheer or satin-finish formula, which looks less severe. Or go to plan B: "Top your fave lipstick with a sheer golden gloss to add dimension," We like Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Goldspun, $15.

Going too bright on the blush

As we age, our skin gets paler and duller. "Women often think a hot-pink blush will restore their glow, but it just looks harsh,"

The fix: The rule of cheek is to go with a warm, rosy color, such as L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Tender Rose, $10.95, for fair or medium skin, or a brownish-berry color, like L'Oréal's Sweet Ginger, on dark skin.