Trick of The Light

The secret to younger-looking skin is out; it's all about getting a glow. Here's how. When you get your holiday photos developed, there is always at least one joy inducing shot. You're looking radiant in a candlelit restaurant. Or, it's sunset and, even if you do say so yourself, your complexion is looking remarkably line-free and your cellulite has miraculously vanished.

So, how come, only days later, the sight of your skin in the changing room at the gym, is, frankly, awful? Crow's-feet, bumpy skin and bags. And the reason your skin has seemingly gone from Baywatch to Crimewatch? It's all about lighting.

Light can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. But short of hiring a personal lighting assistant to flatteringly illuminate your every move, what can you do about it? Fortunately, there's a whole world of beauty products and tricks dedicated to working it to your advantage. Lucky, since scientists have discovered that we loss 32 per cent of our radiance between the ages 35 and 40.

Why is that so important? Well, the latest research shows that radiance - the amount of light our skin bounces back - is a bigger factor than wrinkles when people assess how old they think others are.

If these statistics are stirring you're into panic, relax. We have pestered the experts to find skincare that adds luminescence, make-up that mimics candlelight and hair colour that creates the prettiest halo effects. Plus, we have the need-to-know tricks that plump and prettify. Which cosmetic this good, who needs candlelight? You will find out soon in the next coming!