If you have very thin brows, it's best to leave them alone entirely or go for a shade or two down - it's better to have a whisper of definition than an awkward-looking line. Another great product is brow gel, which you can use to set your brow pencil, feather your brows or add some colour to them. Unless you suffer with oily skin (and possibly even if you do), you should try to avoid using a powder. In the past we were taught not to shine, but these days, shine is 'glow'.

When it comes to eyeshadow, whatever shade you choose, don't be shy with it. Cream-based products sit better on mature skin as, unlike powder eyeshadows, they won't settle into creases. However, if you've always used powdered eyeshadows and don't want to change the habit of a lifetime then make sure to use a primer first. Avoid eyeshadows with a shimmer as these only serve to highlight fine lines. We've trialled and tested so many mascaras over the years that we've genuinely lost count. From Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara– a cult classic – to Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, which has taken the industry by storm, we've done our fieldwork. And what we can definitively say is that the best mascaras really do have transformative effects.The key is to keep your brows tidy (snip if you have to) and look for a brow pencil with a brush at the other end so that any obvious pencil lines are brushed out. I've got thin, sparse lashes but I discovered Lancome Hypnose mascara a couple of years ago. The shape of the brush makes it much easier to catch those tiny lashes in the corners of the eye. It never clumps nor flakes and is easy to wash off at the end of the day. Wouldn't use any other now. Not the cheapest but I think it's worth every penny." Whether you want a bright, bold colour or a translucentgloss for a subtle shine, this product is perfect for special occasions. CC creams, or 'colour correcting' creams, are a lighter version of foundation while still having more coverage than BB creams. They prime and even out your skin tone, and often have hydrating benefits, making them ideal for mature skin and those concerned with age spots.

Do make sure you apply eyeshadow with a small, soft brush and blend it - a cotton bud is ideal - just to smudge it a little so that the colour doesn't look like it’s been crayoned on. Once you've primed your skin, you can move on to applying your foundation. A lightweight foundation, BB cream or CC cream will give a more natural look. That said, if you're battling with menopausal sweats, you might want to choose a foundation that will stay put all day. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Fear not as there are products that have been proven to condition and protect lashes, causing them to break less and grow in length and volume. Try Revitalashor RapidLash. Always apply after foundation and not before. That way you'll only use what you need and it will look more natural. Powder can seep into the lines and creases of mature faces so, if you really feel the need to wear it, keep it to an absolute minimum and only apply around the t-zone area where oil can settle.

Word to the wise though - don't whip it up to your ears; you're aiming for a healthy looking flush, not a Sable Colby lookalike. No matter which formula you eventually choose, here’s a tip from legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury on the best application technique: "As you drag the brush up from the base of your lashes, zig-zag the wand from side to side. This creates more volume as you are depositing more product onto your eyelashes."These contain several products in one, such as concealer and SPF, and are great for those who need next to no coverage, as they are primarily for prevention and maintenance. They hydrate and firm skin, protect it from environmental damage and lightly cover blemishes. The bottom line is that age is irrelevant when it comes to dark and defined lashes but there are some things to consider before choosing a mascara that's right for you. Use an eyelid primer. It's designed to keep your eyeshadow in place but equally suitable for the delicate skin under your eyes. Dot a little on to smooth out any fine lines. And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy. The best tips for applying mascara

Apply your concealer like an upside-down triangle with the tip pointing downward toward your cheek. This not only provides coverage but it helps to deflect light away from the areas you don't want to draw attention to.If you're confused by the difference between them then you're not alone; here's what each product doesand how to best use them. So how do we test? There are certain things that we look out for when testing any new mascara that lands in our laps. We're interested in things like the wand - bristle type and shape; the effect on lashes - whether it adds volume or length (or both?!); the formula - can you feel it on your lashes or does it nourish those tiny hairs? and finally the price. If you have blemishes or dark circles under your eyes that you would rather not be on show, then pop a bit of concealer on after you've applied your foundation, BB or CC cream. Here are our top tips for applying concealer: As for your bottom lashes, turn the brush vertically. "The thinner end will help you control your application with more precision," Charlotte adds.