sun hat cover face

FASHION MISTAKES THAT MAKE PEOPLE LOOK SO MUCH OLDER THAN THEY ARE

“Age is just a number,” they say. While that’s true in spirit, certain fashion choices can inadvertently age us beyond our years. From ill-fitting clothes to outdated trends, our wardrobes can play a surprising role in how we perceive ourselves and how others see us. This article will explore some common fashion mistakes that can make people appear older than they actually are, offering insights into how to avoid them and embrace a more youthful and vibrant style.

DON’T: ONLY WEAR BLACK CLOTHES

We know this might go against everything you’ve been told—after all, “black is slimming” and “black is chic.” It sounds like the perfect choice as we get older, right? Not exactly. While every wardrobe should have some black pieces, it’s best not to overdo it. Wearing all-black outfits too often can make you look pale, feel a bit dull, and, most importantly, can seem lifeless. Too much black can also create a shapeless silhouette. Instead, try balancing it with other colors or textures for a more vibrant and flattering look.

Don’t worry if you can’t bear to throw away that black turtle neck you love, though. Simply mix and match, and pair one black item with something bolder, brighter, and more colorful.

DON’T: FOLLOW POPULAR FASHION TRENDS

While staying current with fashion trends is great, relying on them as a strict guide can make you appear older than you are. Trends aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and who wants to blend in with the crowd? Instead of following every trend to the letter, use them as inspiration. The key is to develop your own style and seamlessly incorporate elements of these new trends in a way that feels uniquely you.

DON’T: FOCUS ON HAVING TO “DRESS YOUR AGE”

At some point, everyone starts to question their wardrobe—whether it flatters them and if it’s appropriate for their age. This often leads to a lot of Google searching, only to find a mix of contradictory advice. That’s because fashion isn’t ruled by a single, universal rule. The possibilities are endless, so why stress about “dressing your age?” It’s far more exciting to break the rules and embrace your own style.

DON’T: ADD A STATEMENT NECKLACE TO YOUR OUTFIT

Accessorizing always adds flair and personality to an outfit, but it’s important to choose your accessories wisely. This is especially true for statement necklaces, as large and bold pieces can easily overwhelm your look and make you appear older. While they were trendy in the ’80s and ’90s, it’s time to embrace more modern styles that complement your outfit without taking over.

DON’T: WEAR OVERSIZED FORMAL WEAR

If you’re someone who has to wear smart formal wear to work, you might have (unsuccessfully) tried to mix things up over the years. We don’t blame you, though. Wearing the same suit every week can get pretty boring, but it’s important to steer clear of casual trends when you predominantly wear formal clothing. This is especially true when it comes to the oversized trend, as oversized formal wear just makes you look older.

DO: TRY AND VARY YOUR SILHOUETTE

If you love the comfort and style of baggy clothes, we’d never tell you to give them up. However, baggy clothes can sometimes make you appear older and may not always be the most flattering. Why not strike a balance? By mixing up your silhouette within the same outfit, you can add dimension and style, helping you achieve a youthful, more flattering look. The easiest way to do this is to choose one baggy item and pair it with a more fitted item. For example, why not try baggy wide-legged pants with a figure-hugging top?

DO: OPT FOR A KNEE-LENGTH SKIRT

Many people think they should avoid skirts and dresses as they age, filling their wardrobes with pants and covering their legs for good. But what if we told you that’s not necessary? While ultra-short mini skirts are often associated with teens and supermodels, there’s no reason to shy away from knee-length, midi, or maxi skirts. These styles can be flattering at any age and offer a refreshing, elegant alternative to pants.

DO: ADD MATTE EYESHADOW TO YOUR LOOK

What you wear on your body isn’t the only thing that can make you look older. Your makeup can also add years and sometimes decades to your appearance, which is why it’s important to figure out what makeup works for you. And in most cases, that’s going to be matte eyeshadow. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wearing glittery eyeshadow on a girly night out, but did you know that glitter actually accentuates your wrinkles? 

DO: CHOOSE FITTED CLOTHES OVER BAGGY CLOTHES

Let’s face it, baggy clothes are incredibly comfortable. And when you’re older, juggling a packed schedule, and just want to feel at ease, they’re an easy choice. However, baggy clothes can often be unflattering, hiding your shape and making you look older than you are. Instead, consider incorporating more fitted pieces into your wardrobe for a look that’s both comfortable and flattering.

DO: THROW ON SOME SUNGLASSES

While wearing sunglasses at the office during snowy, winter months might raise a few eyebrows, they can be the perfect finishing touch to your outfit when the sun is shining. Sure, sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from the sun, but they’re also a stylish accessory that many overlook. A great pair of sunglasses can elevate your look and add a youthful, trendy element to your ensemble.

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

  • Basic HA Gel Recipe:
    • 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
    • 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
      Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

  • Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
    • 100 ml distilled water
      Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

  • How to Use:
    Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

  • 30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
  • Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
  • Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
    Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

  • Oily or Combination Skin:
    Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
  • Normal Skin:
    Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
  • Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
    Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
  • Dry Skin:
    Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
  • Mature Skin:
    Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!