7 beauty habits that are making you look older: ROSIE GREEN explains how your hair and make-up can age you

Fickle creatures that we are, once autumn hits we're all craving a beauty step change. Out with the beachy hair and sun-flushed skin we wanted in spring – now it's polish and sophistication we're hankering after. With the #demure look trending, it feels the time is right to pare things back and go for simplicity.

As we get older our skin colour changes, as does our hair texture. I'm always shocked when they reach for volumising products at the hair salon. I want to tell them, 'I think you are mistaken, I have thick hair.' Then I remember I had thick hair. Just like I had pale skin. And full brows. Now I don't. So look hard in the mirror. Is that hairstyle really working for you? Should you switch your parting? Is that eyeshadow the best shade for you now? Ask your hairdresser what they think. Visit a make-up counter (I'd go for a make-up artist's brand such as Bobbi Brown or Charlotte Tilbury) and listen to their opinion. Or, if you're really brave, ask a teenager.

Here are seven mistakes I've definitely made – and the chances are, you have, too...

Your lipstick is making your lips look thinner

Trade your drying dark lipstick for a new oil/balm/gloss hybrid. I love Clarins Lip Oil Balm in Pale Pink (£27, clarins.co.uk). It's ultra nourishing and the high shine flatters mature mouths.

Your base is too heavy

It used to be a trade-off – buy a formula with decent coverage but expect a mask-like effect. Now a new slew of products even out skin tone, blur pores and absorb shine, all while delivering a natural but polished look. My pick is Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm (£34, vievebeauty.com).

Your liner is too harsh

A feline flick of black liner is a statement look, but far more flattering is smudging a defining dark brown shade right in the lash line. Use a soft pencil (my favourite is Jones Road The Best Pencil in Brown (above, £22, jonesroadbeauty.com), or use a flat, firm brush and press in a chocolate shadow. Diorshow Mono Couleur in Poncho (above, £32, dior.com) will last for ever.

Your hair colour is solid

A block colour rather than a mix of shades can appear harsh against an older face. Weaving through different hues, à la Jennifer Aniston (left) is more flattering. As we age, our skin's tone changes, often getting darker, so hairdressers recommend taking colour lighter and warmer to complement it.

Your brows are too short

Full brows look youthful, while sparse ones look the opposite. Because we apply make-up face-on in the mirror, we often neglect our outer brows. Define and lengthen them to balance your face using a precision pencil that you can stroke on to look like individual hairs. I like Chanel's Stylo Sourcils Haute Précision (below, £35, chanel.com) and NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen (£11.99, boots.com).

Your nails are too trashy

This season, fashionable nails are #demure and ladylike. Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle, says: 'I'm loving the trend for the 1980s and 90s deep French style.' This is where the white tip is curved down the sides of the nail (see below) rather than running straight across it, making fingers look longer and slimmer. Ask for white Daisy and pale pink Dolly GelBottle shades at your nail salon. Find one near you at thegelbottle.com.

 Your shadow is too dark

Applying shadow in the crease of the eyelid is a time-tested trick to add pretty definition to the eyes. But to open up older eyes, consider using the colour a little above the crease and using a mid to light brown shade. Then ensure it's blended well. Try Elf No Budge Shadow Stick in Copper Chic (£6, elfcosmetics.co.uk).

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