With just the stroke of a makeup brush, you can instantly turn back the clock. By knowing the essential makeup products and how to apply them, you can minimize the appearance of pores, smooth fine lines and make dull skin appear radiant.

We spoke with Lora Spiga, Lancôme Paris Canada's official makeup artist, to get her take on the most important makeup tips for looking young.

1. Start with well-moisturized skin
The first step to looking younger is ensuring your skin isn't parched. "Your foundation will go on smoother and more evenly when your skin is moisturized," says Spiga. "If your skin is hydrated properly, it won't absorb a lot of foundation either, which means you won't need to use as much."

Another reason to keep your skin hydrated? Wrinkles are more noticeable if your skin is dry. If you're over 30 and have normal skin, steer clear of moisturizers that are oil-free as they can accentuate fine lines. According to Spiga, anti-aging moisturizers and those for normal/combination skin are both good options.

2. Wear a makeup primer
A makeup primer acts like a veil over your skin. It blurs pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and gives your skin a more uniform complexion. "Apply primer after your moisturizer – it helps makeup last all day and gives the illusion of a more youthful complexion," says Spiga.

3. Use less foundation
"Wearing a mask of foundation will make you look older and draw attention to your flaws," says Spiga. It's best to choose a luminous foundation that you can build to get your desired coverage.

To get the right look, start by wetting the tip of your foundation applicator (whether it's a brush, sponge or your fingers) before applying foundation. This dilutes the foundation, creating a sheerer look.

Apply foundation only where it's needed – generally in the centre of your face where your skin tone is most uneven – and work outward toward the jawline. (A nickel-size amount of foundation is usually plenty for your whole face.)

Then use a concealer in a shade slightly lighter than your foundation on blemishes, under-eye circles and discoloured eyelids. "Starting with an even complexion means you need a lot less makeup afterward – and the less you use, the younger you'll look."

Page 1 of 3 -- Learn how the right amount of bronzer and eye makeup can help you achieve that youthful glow on page 2

4. Swap your blush for bronzer
Swapping rosy cheeks for a golden glow will update your makeup look and keep you on trend for fall.

"If you want to look younger, bronzer is better than blush because it gives you a warm, healthy complexion," Spiga explains. Don't worry about looking too sun-kissed in the colder months; a light sweep of bronzer on your cheeks and forehead is perfect year-round. Spiga suggests staying away from orange-hued and pink formulas.

"Most brands have a pink, orange or neutral undertone. Choose the neutral tone so it looks the most natural. Fall makeup is all about a clean, warm complexion."

5. Apply lipstick before eye makeup
"As soon as you put on lipstick or lip gloss you often realize it adds enough colour to your face, so you don't even need shadow." According to Spiga, too much eye shadow can age you because it can settle into your fine lines, whereas colourful lips help bring a focus to your face.

If you're not used to wearing lipstick, "even just a gloss – not a full lip colour – will balance out the rest of your makeup." She suggests more natural-looking, sheer red lips for day, like Lancôme Paris's L'Absolu Nu Lip Colour in 102 Rouge Nu, $35.

6. Keep eye makeup minimal
If you do wear eye makeup, start with a clean base and prep your eyelids with a primer or neutral-toned powder. Then apply a thin line of eyeliner on your upper lid as close to the lash line as possible, suggests Spiga.

"A kohl pencil is best to wear during the day because it's more natural and youthful than a liquid liner, which can look severe," she says. Use your finger or a blending brush to slightly smudge the liner for a fresher look. "Don't use very much colour on your eyes. If you use brown eyeliner, complement it with a taupe-coloured shadow. If using black liner, opt for a soft grey eye shadow."

To spice things up for the evening, Spiga's tip is to add a sheer silver powder over top of your daytime eye shadow. And stay away from sparkly or glittery shadows – those tend to settle into fine lines.

Page 2 of 3 -- Discover how curling your lashes helps amp up your look on page 3
7. Curl lashes and add mascara
According to Spiga, your eyelash curler may be your new best friend. "The more open your eyes are, the younger you look. Especially if you're over 40. Adding a bit of curl to your lashes will make a huge difference."

No need to heat up your curler, just pump it up and down a few times as close to your lash line as possible before applying mascara.

"The number 1 must-do for any woman who wants to look younger is applying mascara," maintains Spiga. There are many different types of mascara, so start by finding the right formula for your lashes. For example, if your lashes are short and straight, go for a length-building and defining mascara. If you want volume, look for one that is "buildable" and can be layered throughout the day. Try Lancôme Paris's new Hypnôse Doll Lashes Mascara, $31.

By following these easy makeup tips, you can update your look and take years off your appearance. And who knows, you may even find you have a more youthful spring in your step, too.

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