ShAke up your make-up

Are you stuck in a beauty rut? Charley WilliamsHowitt shows you how to refresh your look

Do you only try a new lip colour when it comes as a free gift with a purchase? If so, then it’s time to rethink your beauty routine. It’s easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same look day in, day out. And we get it – your mornings demand foolproof products that you trust to work with little thought. As we get older, however, our skin and hair change, and the routine you’ve been doing with your eyes half-closed might be hindering you from looking your best. But with a few clever switch-ups you’ll look fresher in no time… Ace your base Well-hydrated, fresh skin looks more youthful than a face that’s noticeably covered up with foundation. the more skin you can see the better, as a heavier base can make your face look one-dimensional and less youthful. Wearing a tinted moisturiser or radiant foundation like Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation, £30, will replenish lost moisture, whereas a matte or powdery base will simply cling to dry areas and linger in lines.

I’m using IT Cosmetics CC Cream, £30, and my skin looks radiant and “real” while wearing it. or if you’re happy with your current foundation, try adding a tiny drop of oil like Temple Spa It’s All Good Facial Oil, £30, to it, to give your complexion a subtle, healthy-looking sheen. A word on concealer “When applied correctly it can instantly lift dark circles and brighten, but if applied too heavy or in the wrong place, it can have the opposite effect, accentuating fine lines,” warns make-up artist Cher Webb. “target the inner part of the under eye; there is no need for the product to be placed near the outer eye area.” Rethink your blusher ask any beauty editor what the quickest way is to look more youthful and they will all say blusher. but instead of applying directly to the apples of your cheeks, which can draw attention to sagging skin, work against gravity and smear on the upper part of your cheekbones in an upward motion. “Ditch powder formulations for cream or liquid, as the texture is easier to blend to a sheer, natural finish,” says Cher. Kiko Liquid Blush Cushion System in Coral, £15.90, and Lumene Invisible Watercolor Blush, £22.50, give a natural flush, or tap on the now cult Glossier Cloud Paint, £15. over time our skin tone changes, so know whether you have warm or cool undertones. Plummy shades can make skin look pinched if you’re skinny, and a bit clown-like if you’re not. a neutral coral or rose flatters most skin tones and will brighten your complexion. Red is best one of the easiest ways to revive your look is upgrading your lip colour. Neutrals and pearlised pinks will simply wash you out, whereas brighter, luminous colours will not only flatter your lips, but perk up your complexion. Red is a colour anyone can wear, just adjust the intensity to suit your skin tone. If in doubt choose a blue-based colour such as Chanel Rouge Coco Flash 68 Ultime, £31, which will suit just about everyone, or go for flattering coral shades, like Guerlain

Rouge G in 43, £24.50. texture is also important as anything too severe, such as a heavy matte, will age you. Pick hydrating formulas, like Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto 3-in-1 Couture Balm, £28, focused on the centre of your lips for a just-bitten effect. you should also consider using a lip liner to ensure that lip colour doesn’t migrate and to enhance your lip shape. “as we get older, lips gradually become thinner,” says Cher. “a lip liner will not only help to lock in the lipstick texture, but can be used to shape and give the appearance of a more voluptuous and fuller lip.” Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat pencils, £16 each, are a genius beauty staple. the Pillow Talk shade is perfect for everyday as it mimics natural pinky lip tones. >>

“Before you do anything, it’s worth getting everything out and looking through your make-up stash. Step away from overtly shimmery textures and shades that no longer suit you”