Remember when you were a teen and you wore make-up to look older? Now that you are, make-up can make you look younger—instantly!

Try a new approach to achieve a fresh and youthful look. Here’s how to use make-up as a weapon against ageing!

Seven tricks to wipe out age

Go light

In my experience as a make-up artist I have always observed that light foundations or cream-to-powder formulation work better for mature skin. Why? They don’t settle in the lines and cover the imperfections. Foundations with added SPF and moisturisers are also suitable, as are those with added luminescence. Revlon Skinlights and YSL Radiant Touch can be good options.

Conceal to reveal

Use a concealer, a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, to down play the fine lines. Chanel Vitalumière is a fantastic product. I’ve used it often and found that it really makes the wrinkles invisible and adds the right amount of moisture to an already dry skin.

Go easy on powder

Heavy powders add texture, make the skin look dry and accentuate lines. The way out is to use translucent powders specifically designed for mature skin. Avoid reapplying throughout the day because layers of powder settle in the lines. In recent times, I have found mineral powders to be more effective—they don’t exaggerate wrinkles.

Pick a cream blush

Mature women often shy away from using blushes because they feel it won’t suit them. What I tell them is that with age the cheeks take on a hollow look and blush can skilfully camouflage it. The trick is not to contour the hollows—it will accentuate them—and use a cream blush. For a youthful glow, use a cheek stain or cream blush in a pink, rosy or peachy colour. MAC cremè blushers work well for older skin types.

Lighter eye make-up

With age the tissues around the eyes begin to sag. This can make the eyes look small and droopy. Dark, heavy make-up can make your eyes look even smaller. Avoid liquid liners as they look cakey on loose skin. A pencil liner will work much better. Or, apply a light-coloured shadow with an angled makeup brush for an even softer frame around the eye. Switch from black liners to brown, dark greys and dark blues. Steer clear of frosted or metallic shades.

Lighter lip colours

Lips tend to thin with age. Whenever I have used dark lipstick on them, it makes them look even thinner. I normally opt for lighter lip colours when doing make-up on older women. They make the lips look plumper. Turn back time with sheer neutral colours. Avoid glossy lipsticks; they tend to bleed. Instead, go for a dewy, moisturising lipstick.

‘Lift’ your face

Try developing arched brows, they give you a natural face lift. Explain this to the beautician next time you visit her. After a few sittings, you should be able to get a suitable arch. If you are battling a greying eyebrow, use a brown eye pencil and lightly touch up the brow hair.

Plus, follow these habits to stay looking young: wear sunscreen every day, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, exercise, and say no to drinks and smoking.

Bobbi Brown, well-known American make-up expert adds: Ageing skin loses elasticity and thins, which can make you look tired and allow the blood vessels to show through. Use a concealer to lighten dark circles and provide an overall glow.