How to anti-age your makeup

Prep skin properly

As cell renewal slows down, skin gets drier and less luminous. Keep it hydrated, strong and protected from premature ageing with antioxidant-rich serums, oils and clever moisturisers. Primer is also great for softening fine lines before applying makeup.

Good products to try

Korres Face Primer, £19.50 - an antioxidant and vitamin E-rich silicone-free primer, ideal for older skins; wwwasos.com

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, £14.70 - a wonder oil for strengthening and healing mature or damaged skin; www.nealsyardremedies.com

NIA24 - a super-cream that boosts and repairs skin, great for sun-stressed faces; www.spacenk.co.uk

Darphin Stimulskin Plus Lift Renewal Series, £195 - potent active ingredients for supped-up cell renewal, to be used one or twice a year for 30 days; stockists 0870 034 2566 

Get the base right

Throw out old foundation with prehistoric technologies, and switch to moisture-rich, light reflecting varieties or liquid mineral foundations to add luminosity and light to the face. Remember, you probably need far less foundation than you think.

"Keep it light," says Lisa Eldridge, Creative Director at Boots No7. "You don't always need it all over the face - apply around the mouth, chin and either sides of the nose."

Good products to try

By Terry Instant Wrinkle-Filling Effect, £91 - miraculously, this is a one-colour-fits-all formula and full of anti-ageing, hydrating ingredients; www.spacenk.com

Shiseido Advanced Hydro-Liquid Compact, £41.50 - a silky-smooth compact for hydrating and moisturising skin; stockist 020 7313 4774

Blush it up

Cream blush is the perfect choice if you feel your skin is dry, as it gives a dewy glow rather than a powdery finish. Alternatively, for a satin-finish go for cream-to-powder. Bobbi Brown recommends choosing a shade that matches the colour of your cheeks when flushed or exercising - try peachy-rose rather than face-draining browns or orange. Apply to the apples of cheeks and blend up towards the tip of the cheekbone - this will lift and add fullness to the face.

Good products to try

Estée Lauder Signature Crème Blush in Berry Light, £22.00 - for a wash of sheer colour in a handy, twist-up stick; www.esteelauder.co.uk

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush, £22 - glides on perfectly and specially formulated with vitamins a, c and e; available nationwide from October 1; www.elizabetharden.co.uk

Avoid pastels

"Get rid of any pastel or frosted eye-shadow as their white pigment content will drain a more mature face," says Eldridge. Makeup expert Ariane Poole suggests trying purples, plums and lilacs as they bring out the whites of the eye. If this is too bold, she says go for charcoal or navy blues as they are softer than smoky black.

Good product to try

Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Quad, £8 - a range of super flattering shades at a great price; www.avonshop.co.uk

Bring definition back

Define eyes with a soft kohl pencil, drawing in the outer corners and smudging into the lash line - it gives the illusion of a thicker lash line and instantly takes years off. And don't forget mascara to bring attention to the eyes.

Good product to try

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara, £10.99 - full lashes at a great price; www.boots.com

Get lippy

Dewy, sheer lipsticks add depth and moisture - avoid matt finishes as they are drying and ageing. Lip-tone and lip-fullness fades as we age, so stick to rosy hues for vibrancy.

Ariane's tip to create the illusion of fuller lips (without the surgery!) is to brush a light reflective concealer around the outside of lips, dust a little powder on top and line lips with a nude lip colour pencil just slightly outside your own lip line. Using a nude colour means no "ugly clowns mouth" after lipstick has faded.

Good product to try

No7 Wild Volume Lipstick, £9.50 - a moisture-rich, glossy lipstick for a great pout; www.boots.com

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