Makeup is supposed to be the finishing touch that gives us confidence. But here’s what many women don’t realize: The way you apply your makeup could be adding years to your appearance.

Here are the top 5 makeup mistakes that can make you look older… and what you can do to roll back the clock.

Makeup Mistake #1: Heavy foundation

Foundation is a great way to smooth out your skin tone and give you a flawless, airbrushed look… if you don’t overdo it.

Many women make the mistake of layering on their foundation, but thick layers can create a mask-like effect. Even worse, heavy foundation also has a way of settling into — and magnifying — every tiny line and crevice on your face. That can add years to your appearance.

Fast Fix: Try a mineral foundation instead. You can get luminous, breathable coverage without that heavy, caked-on look.

Makeup Mistake #2: Frosty eye shadow

Metallic and shimmery shades may look pretty in the container… but once you’re out of your teen years, it’s tough to pull them off.

It’s tricky because the eye area is a notorious trouble spot for dryness. Applying frosty shadows to dry eyelids creates an uneven, wrinkled look.

Fast Fix: Choose an eye shadow with a matte finish to avoid that crepe-like look.

Makeup Mistake #3: The wrong blush

Somewhere along the way we’ve been conditioned to stay away from certain colors of blush. When we were younger, this healthy fear probably kept us from looking like clowns with bright red cheeks.

But as we get a little older, dusty shades of blush can make us look washed out, leaving behind a dull, ashen appearance. Dark blush is also a surefire way to emphasize sunken cheeks.

Fast Fix: Try a light shade of pink or creamy peach to illuminate your face. Sweep it lightly in a circular motion over the apples of your cheeks up toward your temples. Blend with a makeup sponge for a natural glow.

Makeup Mistake #4: Dark lipstick

This is an age-accelerator for two reasons. First, dark lipstick creates sharp edges and stark contrast that can give you a harsh look. But that’s not all. The color can bleed down into the tiny vertical lines around your mouth and attach itself to your teeth as well.

On top of that, it makes your features appear smaller. Nobody wants a smaller pout!

Fast Fix: To keep your look youthful, go for a more natural shade of lipstick that complements your skin tone and hair color. A dab of gloss in the center of the bottom lip is a youthful touch.

Makeup Mistake #5: Forgetting to start with a clean canvas

To be agelessly beautiful, it’s important to start with clean, moisturized skin. I always follow an easy, three-step skincare routine every day, and the results have really paid off.

The first thing you want to do is clear out the pollutants and dirt that can clog pores. I use a purifying cleanser with rose hip seed oil. (It’s called Splash.) It has a special blend of essential oils and plant extracts to keep my skin youthful. Best of all, it has no parabens, mineral oil, petroleum or artificial fragrances.

After cleansing, you’ll want to apply a revitalizing toner. I know a lot of women are tempted to skip this step… but it takes just a few seconds and you can really see the difference. I use CoQ-Tone because it has CoQ10 and hyaluronic acid (HA). I love it for evening out my skin tone, making my pores appear smaller and helping my skin hold on to moisture.

The final quick step is moisturizer. I love Revive because it makes my skin feel really hydrated, and that fights wrinkles. I really feel it slows down and seems to actually reverse the signs of aging.

With a little TLC for your complexion and some smart makeup moves, you’ll be “Aging Backwards” in no time.

Have a Youthful Day,

Jackie Silver