Five make-up mistakes that are making you look older

We're all on the quest to look and feel our most youthful and fresh - and in the beauty world, there are many creams, facials and procedures to aid us on this mission. But something as simple as the way you apply your makeup can also have a great effect on how young (or old) you look, and sometimes, it's a very significant effect.

Here, Kimberly Soane, the director of artistry at Bobbi Brown, walks us through some of the most common, and most ageing, makeup application mistakes. She also gives easy tips to correct them and how to put on makeup in the most flattering way, and we even have photographic proof. The more aging way is pictured on the left, and the correct way is on the right. Take a look:

MISTAKE 1: Wearing foundation that does not match your skin colour

Many women end up looking they have a floating head or they are wearing a mask because their foundation does not match their face and neck. When you go too light it makes your skin appear flat and lifeless.

Instead of natural, it will look like the makeup is just sitting on your skin, which can add years to your face. But if you go too dark, you are not highlighting your features, but dragging them down and adding a dullness and heaviness that is just as ageing.

To get the right colour, when testing out a foundation, do not blend it in too much. Simply tap it on your face from the top of your cheekbone to the bottom of your jawline and try to not go lighter or darker than your actual skin.

If you are tan on your neck and body, you can bring that colour into your face with a bronzer, without having to use a foundation that's too light. The goal is to connect your skin by blending it evenly across.

MISTAKE 2: Choosing a lipstick that is too dark

As you age, you lose definition in your lips, so to appear more youthful, you'll want to wear a lipstick that adds fullness. A dark colour does just the opposite, making your lips look smaller, less plump, and less highlighted. Instead, choose something in a mauve or pink tone. Adding a layer of gloss is helpful as well. Many women feel like they are too old to wear lip gloss, but a shiny finish will actually add a youthful plumpness.

Don't worry, this doesn't mean that you're forbidden from trying out all the berry and wine hues that are so popular for fall. But if you decide to go dark and are concerned about looking older, stay away from something with a heavier texture or matte finish because it will stay flat on your lips. Opt for a sheer and hydrating formula or a lip stain.

MISTAKE 3: Only lining the bottom of your eyes with liner

"So many women I talk to say 'I only line the bottom,'" Soane told us. "And when I ask them why, they say because 'It's easier.' It's tragic; top liner is mandatory." Though it may be easier to apply eyeliner on the bottom, only doing so will drag your features down and make your eyes appear smaller and your overall appearance seem older. Applying eyeliner on the top as well will open your eyes up and brighten your face. But be sure not to make the liner too thick, which can also be ageing.

When applying eyeliner, try to get the product as close to your lash line as possible, so it appears to be an extension of your eyelashes. Start at the outer corner and work your way in along the top lash, then do the same for the bottom, but apply the line a little thinner than the top.

Make sure that the bottom and top lines connect at the corner of the eye and add a touch of dark shadow to the bottom of the eye to soften the look.

MISTAKE 4: Applying the wrong shade of blush too low on your face

Many women do not wear a shade of blush that adds youthfulness to their face. Some choose a brown colour because they think they are adding definition and contouring, but it ends up looking muddy, dull, and like the makeup is just sitting on your skin. Other women often choose a product that is too soft in colour, which can wash you out and age you as well.

To find the right shade, pinch your cheeks and try to match the natural colour that you get when you actually blush. When applying, start at the height of the apple of your cheek and blend it up and back. Some people apply blush on the bottom of the cheekbone, but you want to place it higher to define and lift your features.

MISTAKE 5: Not adding colour and defining your brows

As you get older, your eyebrows get thinner, or simply from years of over-plucking, they just don't grow back. Not filling them in with a pencil or brow powder can leave you washed out and looking older, while a full brow will lift the face, define your features, and create an overall youthful appearance.

To pick a brow product, look for ones that are the same shade as your hair. If you are blonde, choose something that matches your roots; for silver or white hair, go for a soft gray tone; if you are brunette or redhead, try a mahogany or sable. For those with fair to medium skin, steer clear of anything that is red-based, and if you have a darker skin tone, choose something with warmth. Start by brushing your brows up and over.

Then square the head of your brow off with the product and bring the colour through the arch, all the way to where your brow would naturally end.

- Elle