Be beautiful at every age

Foundation phobic?

Many women steer clear of foundation because they say it sits in lines or looks too heavy, so I gave a few foundation sceptics some new ones to try. They raved about Chanel Vitalumière Aqua, £31, for its light yet skin-perfecting texture and SPF15.
They were also impressed by Revlon PhotoReady Compact Makeup with SPF 20, £12.99, a cream that turns to liquid with a powder finish. It gives a full coverage that's perfect in every light and, being sheer, makes skin look youthful.

Fast solutions to fresh-faced skin

Combining the season's harsh light with pale winter skin shows up signs of ageing such as lines, open pores and redness. Face fixers I rate include Clarins Instant Smooth Shine Correcting Concentrate, £24, which fills in lines and smooths over pores so they virtually disappear with one sweep of the pen applicator. The effect lasts all day, and built-in peptides help repair skin at the same time.

Also brilliant: Clinique Redness Solutions Targeted Corrector, £15, which soothes inflamed skin and neutralises redness - the yellow-toned shade can be used on its own or under make-up.

Say goodbye to dry skin

Using cutting-edge gene science, Lancôme has come up with a solution for dry skin, which is a common problem as we get older. Having identified specific genes and proteins characteristic of dry skin, Lancome Genifique Nutrics Nourishing Youth Activating Cream, from £29, tackles the causes of dry skin as well as the symptoms, to give visible and lasting results.

Treat of the month

Update your look with a metallic-flecked eyeshadow such as Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Silk, £24.50 each. Available at Selfridges (020 7318 2486; www.selfridges.com).

Good Housekeeping top tip

Well-groomed brows always take years off your looks, so trim them (carefully!) if they are too long, dye them if they are grey and fill them in if they are sparse.