IS YOUR MAKE-UP MAKING YOU OLD?

When it comes to your anti-angeing routine; the wrong blusher can add five years, while the right lipstick can take off 10. Get ready to learn the most useful maths of your life.

1) You finally get your foundation right: Subtract 10 years (and be top of the class): We all know the wrong shade of foundation is unflattering, but the bad news is that the wrong texture is also ageing. The reason? "When the skin doesn't look moist, it 'reads' as dull and it's hard for the light ti pick up on it," explains top make-up artist. And the more light you can reflect, the more of a youthful glow you create.

2) If you over-apply your fragrance: Add 3 years. It's a strange thing, but leaving behind a vapour-trail of perfume wherever you go is incredibly ageing. Even the cleanest, most modern scent comes across as a bit 'blousy' and middle-aged if it's spritzed on too liberally. Keep things clean and clear with a veil of scented body lotion, or try that old trick of spraying a cloud of frangrance in front of you and walking into it.

3) You're still using the same Brown Eyeshadow: Add 4 years. According to make-up artist, brown eyeshadow, unless placed in expert hands, will drain all the colour out of your face. If you can't give up your brown palette, at least go for one with added sparkle to liven things up a bit.

4) Get to Grips with Concealer: Subtract 4 years: The trick with anti-ageing make-up is to eliminate all shadows so that there's nothing to drag you down. But, concealers that are too thick and drying can draw attention to shadows rather hide them. "Ideally, you need two concealers: a thick, highly pigmented one for covering blemishes, and a lighter one for hiding dark circles and shadows.

5) You invest in Eyelash Curlers: Subtract 3 years: You should'nt rely too heavily on eyelash curlers (and it's not a good idea to use them everyday), because over-zealous curling can weaken lashes and cause them to breack. However, most beauty experts say that if you curl lashes gently rather than clamp them, you'll be fine - plus you'll open up your eyes and generally look sparklier and more 'awake'.

6) Regularly seek Professional Advice: Subtract 3 years: Sometimes it takes a third party to get out of your comfort zone - and it's particularly true of make-up. "Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to recommend a new lipstick or a change of foundation". The trick is finding someone whose advice you trust.

7) You switch to a Perkier Blusher: Subtract 7 years: Blusher, the unsung hero of the make-up world, can give a youthful glow in seconds. Go for a product that contains several different shades, then use a large brush to swirl all over it, thereby ensuring you get a variety of tones in one.

8) Your brows look too thin: Add five years: Brows naturally get thinnier as you get older, so one of the quickest ways to restore the impression of youth is to re-define them.Using brow powders rather then pencils because they give a softer effect.

9) Ditch the caramel lip gloss: Given that most women have a couple of toffee-coloured lip glosses floating around in their bag, it's surprising how little it actually does for your complexion: not only does it deaden your skin, it also makes your teeth look yellow. Neutral lips should, in fact, be dusky pink. If your lip colour looks good enough to eat, don't put it anywhere near your mouth!

10) You wear eyeliner on your lower lash line: Add 5 years: Finally, when it comes to applying youthful-looking make-up, think upwards not downwards. Never do anything that drags you down. So, as you age, avoid eyeliner on your lower lash line and only apply mascara to your upper lashes. It's gravity-defying, see?