As we age, our makeup techniques need to evolve to complement the natural changes in our skin and facial structure. For women over 40, contouring can be a powerful tool to enhance bone structure and restore a youthful glow—but only if done correctly. Certain contour mistakes, like placing product too low or using overly harsh lines, can actually drag the face down, making it look tired or aged. The good news? With just a few simple adjustments, contouring can lift, define, and subtly rejuvenate your look—giving your features a more sculpted, lifted appearance without heavy makeup.
Makeup expert @makeupbyasta recently shared in a TikTok the worst contour mistakes women over 40 need to avoid because it drags your face down, along with what to do for a more ‘lifted finish.’ Read on to get all her expert tips.
@makeupbyasta Bronzer placement for lifted finish Using @POCO Beauty sculpt stick Pecan ib and voice the amazing @Erica Taylor #bronzer #makeupdosanddonts #makeuptips #contour #makeup101 original sound – Asta
Don’t: Contour Under The Cheekbone
Asta says to avoid doing contour or even bronzer right under the cheekbone because it “looks like a marionette puppet.”
Contouring or bronzing too far below the cheekbone can actually drag your face down by visually lowering the focal point of your features. Instead of enhancing your natural bone structure, placing contour too low creates the illusion of a longer, heavier face and can accentuate sagging—especially as skin loses firmness with age.
Do: Instead, she recommends making a peace sign with your fingers—placing your index finger just beneath your eye and your middle finger under the hollow of your cheekbone. This creates a natural V shape to guide your contour placement. Use a small brush to apply product within that V, then blend upward to lift and sculpt the face.
The bottom line
The product you use is also important. For mature skin, the best contour or bronzer is one that is creamy, blendable, and lightweight. Look for cream formulas, warm natural shades, and play with stick or balm formulas since they’re user-friendly.
This simple step that makeup artists often recommend, which is to try applying contour or bronzer slightly higher than you think, will give the face a soft, sculpted, and more youthful effect.
