SHAKE UP your MAKE UP

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

Shake up your make-up

Refresh your look with radianceboosting bases, bright lips, groomed brows and more

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 Ciaté London Dewy Skin, £26, ciatelondon.com, will replenish lost moisture, whereas a matte or powdery base will cling to dry areas. I’m using IT Cosmetics CC Cream, £33, Boots, and my skin looks radiant and ‘real’. Or if you’re happy with your foundation, try adding a drop of oil like Palmer’s Coconut Monoi Luminous Hydration Facial Oil, £9.99, Tesco, to give your complexion a subtle, healthy-looking sheen.

A WORD ON CONCEALER

‘When applied correctly it can instantly lift dark circles, but if applied too heavy or in the wrong place, it can have the opposite effect,’ warns make-up artist Cher Webb. ‘Target the inner part of the under eye and avoid the outer eye area.’

‘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’

‘If you want to embrace your natural white hair, choose silver, metallic shades to enhance the grey rather than hide it’

RETHINK YOUR BLUSHER

Ask any beauty editor what’s the quickest way to look more youthful and they will all say blush. But instead of applying directly to the apples of your cheeks, which can draw attention to sagging skin, smear it on the upper part of your cheekbones in an upward motion. ‘Ditch powder for cream or liquid, as the texture is easier to blend to a sheer, natural finish,’ says Cher. Rimmel London Jelly Blush, £7.99, and Chantecaille Cheek Gelée, £40, cultbeauty.co.uk, give a natural flush, or tap on the cult Glossier Cloud Paint, £15, glossier.com. Over time, our skin tone changes so know whether you have warm or cool undertones. 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 wash you out, whereas brighter, luminous colours will not only flatter your lips, but perk up your complexion. Anyone can wear red, just adjust the intensity to suit your skin tone. If in doubt, choose a blue-based shade such as Chanel Rouge Coco Flash 68 Ultime, £33, chanel.com, or go for flattering coral shades, like Avon Anew Revival Lipstick in Awakening Coral, £10, avon.uk.com. Texture is also important as anything severe, such as a heavy matte, will age you. Pick hydrating formulas, like Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto Hydrating Lip Balm, £28, Boots, focused on the centre of your lips for a just-bitten effect. Consider using lip liner to ensure that lip colour doesn’t migrate and to enhance your lip shape. ‘As we get older, lips become thinner,’ says Cher. ‘A lip liner will help lock in texture and can give a more voluptuous and fuller lip.’ Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencils, £17 each, charlottetilbury.com, are a genius beauty staple. Pillow Talk is a perfect everyday shade.

LIGHTEN UP

Colouring your hair too dark or heavily will create a flat, block feel that can look ‘wiggy’ and drain your complexion, immediately ageing you. The simplest way to brighten up your face is with well-positioned highlights. ‘Colour techniques such as strobing – which highlights where light would naturally hit – will subtly frame your face,’ says hairdresser Jamie Stevens. If you don’t fancy a highlighted look, try a semi-permanent colour, such as Clairol Nice’n Easy No Ammonia, £5.15. ‘This will cover 50% of greys and create a softer regrowth with no harsh lines, as well as minimum commitment,’ recommends Jamie.

WAND-ERFUL

There’s nothing wrong with still curling your hair, but you don’t want it to look over-styled and overblown, so you look, err, over the hill. ‘Curling hair the wrong way looks dated – less is more,’ agrees Jamie. ‘Always curl away from your face and leave an inch or two at the roots and ends, tonging the mid-lengths only for a cooler look.’ Look out for clever new tools that take the hard work out of styling for you – ghd Curve Creative Hair Wand, £129, ghdhair.com, is a cinch to use and creates flat waves as opposed to 80s curls, so the result is texture and subtle volume. Or if your purse strings will allow, invest in the Dyson Airwrap, £449.99, Boots, which styles your hair using air rather than heat. Plus, it comes with a selection of attachments.

BROW REHAB

Hands up if you’re guilty of over-plucking your arches? All Saints may be back, but sparse brows are not. ‘Fuller, groomed brows can transform your face,’ says Benefit’s head make-up artist and brow guru, Lisa Potter-Dixon. And thanks to a host of products, beefing up your brows has never been easier. Insiders’ favourite Benefit’s Gimme Brow, £22.50, Boots, is a tinted gel that contains microfibres that adhere to your hairs to create natural-looking fullness. I rate mark. Brow Tattoo Micro Styler, £9, avon.uk.com, which has a triple-blade micro-tip that mimics tiny hair strokes, so brows look full but never fake.