This week's blog offers tips on ensuring your make-up doesn't add years to your look

The Dilemma:

Recently I've felt that I look older when I put make-up on. I've been doing the same thing for years but it seems to not suit me anymore. Whats happening?

Beauty Counsel says:

As we get older the pigment in our skin, lips and hair all fade. This, along with gravity, can mean that what suits us in our 20s won't look quite so flattering in our 30s onwards. It doesn't have to be about clawing back the years but no-one - apart from teenagers - wants to look older than they are.

Charlize Theron is a great example of how a few clever tweaks can have your make-up firmly on your side again.

Base

Too much, too matt foundation. Let skin show through. Try one with light reflecting particles and use a loose translucent powder such as Laura Mercier, £27, to set down the T-zone avoiding your eyes and outer edges of the face.

Fake Tan

If you really must then go easy. Enough said.

Eyebrows

Sparse and over plucked eyebrows are ageing and can make the eyelid look saggy. Thicker, fuller brows are more youthful. Define with a shade lighter than your brow to prevent a hard look. Maybelline Define-A-Brow pencil, £6, includes a setting gel and brow brush.

Eyeliner

Black eyeliner can be harsh, especially in day light. Choose brown, focus on the outer corners and blend (or smudge) away with a cotton bud.

Mascara

Curl lashes to open eyes and focus on the upper lash to lift the appearance. Too much under the eye can make your eyes look droopy.

Blush

Dont skip it, it adds life and a real look of vitality. Applying in lines can draw in your face. Instead smile and blend in little circles on the fleshy part of your cheek or just above, and watch your eyes light up.

Lips

Nude lipstick that's too light will give a lifeless appearance. Nude should imitate the natural rose pigment of your lips. Dark colours such as burgandy and brown will make lips look smaller and as they start to lose plumpness you may find it harder to carry the look off. When you need some drama opt for vibrant reds or fuschia pinks.

Bear in mind these are just suggestions to soften and warm things up a little... there are always exceptions!