Roll back the years

A RECENT survey suggests that when applied well make-up can help you drop a decade but if you get the technique wrong cosmetics can pile on the years.

Stop the signs of ageing with these top tips Stop the signs of ageing with these top tips []

An addiction to heavy eyeliner for example can look out of date and ageing. It's easy to treat your make-up routine like a trusty pair of slippers, never changing colours or techniques.

However the products you've always used are unlikely to work for you as you get older. Similarly you may believe the older you get the more make-up you need but less is definitely more youthful.

Follow my simple tricks and tips to knock years off your face.


As we age eyes look smaller and become more lined so avoid dark eye-shadows which can close up the eyes, along with metallic shadows that will only emphasise lines.

Ditch heavy black eyeliner and choose instead the softer option of greys, browns and navy shades. Always soften lines with a cotton bud.

As the years go by skin becomes thinner and dryer and eventually loses its glow

Don't over-conceal under-eye shadows as this will draw attention to "creped" skin and fine lines underneath the eyes.

Avoid mascara on lower lashes as this can make eyes look droopy. Fill in missing brow hairs with a light pencil stroke and use highlighter on your brow bone to give an eye lift.


• Plump up your lashes with a lash-building mascara. Try Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara, £18.50, which provides the effect of false lashes (0800 123 400).

• Define brows with Benefit Instant Brow Pencil, £14, which transforms into a powder (0800 279 4793).

Prepare lids with an eye primer to disguise broken veins and help eye-shadow stay put. Try Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, £15 (0800 054 6072).

• Use Origins Plantscription Anti-Ageing Concealer, £16, to cover dark circles and minimise fine lines (0800 731 4039).


Lips become thinner and more lined as we become older so matte lipsticks can actually make them look worse.

Never outline lips with a dark pencil as this will date your look and make your pout look pursed.

Avoid dark colours as they will make lips look smaller.


• Use a pencil to stop lipstick bleeding into lines. Try 17 Lip Liner in Buff, £2.59 (Boots). Max Factor's Colour Elixir Lipstick, £7.99, contains avocado oil and keeps them plump by providing a moisture boost (Superdrug).


As the years go by skin becomes thinner and dryer and eventually loses its glow. Avoid powdery products, which will prevent light reflection and magnify wrinkles.

A foundation that is too thick will settle into fine lines and emphasise them.

When choosing a base avoid the words matte, velvet and long-wearing and instead look for descriptions such as sheer and light-reflecting.

Skipping blusher will make cheeks look flat while a rosy flush can bring an instant glow to your cheeks and add a lift.


• A primer or BB cream can help blur the appearance of fine lines. I like Rimmel BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting cream, £6.99 (

• Use a light-reflecting concealer to hide dark shadows such as YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighting Pen, £25 (0844 561 6161).

• Opt for mineral make-up or an anti-ageing foundation to hydrate your skin. Try Mineral Earth make-up, £30, ( uk) or Maybelline FITme Foundation, £7.99, a tight gel formula that looks invisible (Boots).

For more of Lesley's tips and advice see