When it comes to your beauty routine, there's one element that's often overlooked but can actually add years to your face - your lipstick.

Diane Kendal, make-up artist and product consultant for Marc Jacobs Beauty, has revealed the common lipstick mistakes all women make - many of which can leave you looking older than your years.

The London-born cosmetics guru, who is now based in New York, cited mistakes such as heavy lip liner in dark shades and failing to apply lip balm as being among the most common blunders.

Make-up artist Diane Kendal shared some expert tips on how to avoid common make-up mistakes. Credit: Shutterstock/Romarlolen.​

So if you want to keep your lips looking young and fresh, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overdrawing with the wrong lip liner

Heavily applying lip liners, especially in dark shades, can make you appear years older than your actual age.

She explained: "It can look very harsh, especially on older women when you naturally start getting lines."

"By wearing lots of lip liner you are actually drawing attention to these lines, as you can't help but look at someone's mouth when they have a really defined lip."

To fix this issue, you should emphasise defining your eyes by using less liner and using softer lipstick textures rather than a bold matte.

You should also opt for a neutral shade lip liner that blends with your skin tone.

2. Having dry lips

We all know the feeling of wanting to wear a bold, beautiful lip colour only to find out that it accentuates all the dryness and lines on our lips. It's the worst! But don't despair, there are ways to avoid this problem.

One way is to make sure you choose a liquid lipstick that has a more dewy effect. This will help to minimise the appearance of lines and dryness.

Another way to avoid this issue is to always use a lip balm before applying your lipstick. This will help to keep your lips hydrated and plump. Just make sure to give the lip balm time to sink in before applying your lipstick on top.

3. Being too defined

There's no question that a defined pout is trendy. Just look at any runway show or celebrity red carpet event and you'll see plenty of models and stars rocking a bold lip.

However, as with any trend, there is such a thing as going too far. When your lips are so defined that they look almost harsh, it can actually make you look older. And adding gloss or liner can further add to the overly-defined effect.

Instead, use a tiny dab of highlighter right in the centre of your lips, which will make them look fuller but softer by reflecting the light. You can also try a nude or light pink lip colour, which will give you a bit of definition without looking overdone.

Wearing dark shades of lipstick can make you look aged. Credit: Getty Images.​

4. Buying the wrong shade

When it comes to choosing the right makeup, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. If you have very pale skin, for example, black, very deep berry shades and anything with too much blue in it can make you look washed out. Softer peachy colours or true red are better choices.

Never purchase a new colour without doing a patch test. To do this, apply a tester on the back of your hand and check if it compliments you. Also, it is advised to try mixing different shades to get a colour that's most flattering to your skin.

5. Heavy-handed application

We all know the feeling of looking in the mirror and seeing a lipstick smudge or pencil line that has gone slightly outside the lip line. It can be ageing and really spoil a look that we have spent time perfecting.

So, it is important to know these following tips for makeup application:

A. When it comes to feathering, always use a cotton bud to correct any mistakes. This will help to tidy up any messy lines and give you a much neater finish.

B. When applying your lipstick, use little strokes and don't press too hard. This will help to avoid building up too much product on the lips and creating a thick layer.

C. Rather than caking on another layer of lipstick when it starts to rub off, use your finger to touch up any areas and blend it in for a natural look.

For more information on applying make-up on mature skin, we recommend checking out this video:

Credit: YouTube/Hindash​

So, there you have it, ladies! Do you have other makeup tips for our other members? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[JayKay]

With Covid lockdown, I didn't have to think about lipstick.
With re-entry into the world, we had to wear masks, again, no lipstick.
My first time without a mask, I forgot to put lipstick on!

 

[Ricci]

Lipstick, and makeup in general is a world that is totally foreign to me!!

 

[EILEEN W]

I am almost 79 and I never leave the house without some make-up even if it is only concealer under my eyes, brushing on some light tan base, mascara and lipstick. You never know who you might meet and if I look good, I feel good. If I am going out for dinner, to a function or one of my charity groups, I do the full works and take time because my friends and others do not need to see a wrinkly, crepey old lady who has given up on herself. I am never without my nail polish either.