8 beauty mistakes we make - and how to get it right

1. Eyebrows are sisters, not twins

Mistake: I think the one mistake we all make with eyebrows is trying desperately to make them both the same shape

However we must remember that our brows are sisters and not twins! It does not matter if one brow is more arched than the other, as long as they are similar it looks more natural.

The best technique: when filling in the brows, use light, feathered strokes. You want the product you are using to look like brow hairs and not be a block colour, especially at the front of the brow.

2. Conceal lightly

Mistakes: Applying too much concealer, using a too-thick concealer and using the wrong shade.

The best technique: Only use the concealer where you really need it, such as under the eyes and around the nose. Thick concealer will gather in any fine lines and crease

N.b. It is also worth having a separate concealer for spots as you will want a little bit more coverage on problem areas.

Remember that your concealer should never be more than one or two shades lighter than your skin tone!

Use your ring finger and lightly pat in the product, as the warmth of your fingers blends the concealer a lot better than a brush or a sponge.

Never drag concealer under the eyes, as this moves the product around and does not blend it into the skin.

3. Pumping and clumpy mascara

Mistakes: Holding on to mascaras for too long until they are dry and clumpy (the more you use them, the more air that gets inside and consequently dries the product out) and pumping mascara to get more product, as this again leads to more air in the tube.

Technique: Try and throw out your mascaras after about three months, as they can collect germs within the tube.

The best technique for mascara would be to first, curl your lashes, and then start with the wand at the root of the lashes and wiggle the brush to the tip.

This makes sure all lashes are coated, especially at the root. If you get any clumps, use a spoolie (clean mascara wand) and brush through the lashes to separate them.

4. Eyeliner errors (kohl and liquid)

Mistakes: Pulling the skin, as you will create a distorted line as your face is not relaxed; keeping old kohl liners which become dry and will drag the skin.

Technique (kohl): Kohl eyeliner is mainly used for the waterline and to create a soft, smoky line. You can apply a kohl eyeliner to the outer parts of the waterline so as not to fully close off the eyes, or use a nude eyeliner to brighten.

Draw little dots along the lash line rather than a straight line. You can then blend this out which is easier until you feel more confident.

Technique (liquid): It is best to use short, swift strokes with a liquid eyeliner rather than going in and doing one solid line.

Rest your little finger on your cheek when applying the liner so you have more control over where you are placing the product.

You can map out your wings with an eyeshadow first, as this is easier to get rid of and clean up. This way you can get your perfect shape first, and then go over it with your eyeliner.

5. Laying a foundation

Mistakes: Forgetting to first prep the skin! And not knowing which type of foundation looks best on you- dewy or powder?which

Technique: Foundation will sit better on the skin if it's perfectly moisturised and clean.

The more you moisturise before you apply your base, the better it will look!

You also need to be aware of what type of foundation looks better on your skin. For example, a powder foundation will cling to any dry patches on dry skin and a dewy foundation will make oily skin look even shinier.

Foundations also have undertones, so when you are trying to colour match be aware of what undertone you are.

6. Blushing and bronzing

Mistakes: Applying them to the wrong part of the face, applying too much and using the wrong shade.

Technique (blusher): Try and keep it on the apples of the cheeks and no higher, and apply it lightly rather than applying too much.

Also try and stick with a natural shade rather than a hot pink which could end up looking quite comical if applied incorrectly.

Technique (bronzer): Always tap your brush before applying your bronzer, and remember shimmery shades are for bronzer and should not be used to contour with.

Your bronzer should only be a couple of shades darker than your skin tone, and any shades used for contour should have a cool undertone. This is so they mimic the natural shadow on the face. Also, remember that blending is your friend!

7. Ageing the eyes

Mistakes: Using dark, heavy eye makeup. It is best, as you get older, to stick to colours such as browns, navies and greys rather than a harsh black.

Technique: If you want an intense colour, start with a brown and build the colour up.

Black eyeliners and eyeshadows on more mature eyes make them look smaller, so it is best to stick to more neutral shades.

8. Ageing the skin

Mistakes: Using shimmery and glittery products on the face - this highlights any fine lines and wrinkle - and heavy foundation.

Technique: Ditch the glitter and sheen. It's best to stick with matte products such as a matte eyeshadow, rather than a shadow with a sheen or glitter.

For foundation, a heavy one on more-mature skin will gather in fine lines and also highlight any enlarged pores. I would suggest a BB cream or a tinted moisturiser, which will make the skin look more youthful and fresh.