FOREVER BEAUTIFUL: Do you know whether you have dry, oily, sensitive or combination skin?

I’m never sure whether to go for products designed for mature skin or for my skin type — and I’m unsure what my skin type even is. How can I tell whether my skin is dry, oily, sensitive or combination?

Danielle, 56, Chelmsford, Essex.

When buying skincare and make-up for mature skin, it’s important to also understand your skin’s needs as so many products have qualities aimed at tackling specific skin concerns, too.

Your skin changes throughout your life — if you were told years ago that you have dry or sensitive skin, that may no longer be the case.

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When buying skincare products and make-up it's very important that you know what type of skin you have and therefore which products will work best with you skin type

Consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall says: ‘If you suffer from a dry complexion, your skin will feel tight or flaky as it is lacking in natural oils, while dehydrated skin is lacking in water, which can cause fine lines.

‘Oily skin is likely to have excess sebum production, which looks shiny and may lead to blemishes. Combination skin, meanwhile, has oily areas plus others that are normal or dry.

‘Sensitive skin means skin reacts to environmental factors or ingredients, which can cause redness or itchiness. Any skin type can be sensitive.’

Dr Mike Bell, skincare scientific adviser for Boots, says: ‘Skin type can fluctuate with seasonal changes and, in women, it is impacted by the menstrual cycle. Sensitive skin is generally self-diagnosed: at least half of British women believe they have it.’

So, how can you determine your true skin type? Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist at Cedars Dermatology (cedarsderm.co.uk), recommends the tissue test.

‘Wash your face and remove all make-up. Wait for an hour without putting on any products, and dab the face with a tissue. Oily skin will show grease on the tissue from most areas. Dry skin won’t leave any grease behind.

‘Combination skin (some greasy areas) is the most common. Normal skin feels smooth and supple.’

Once you know your skin type, you can pick the best products for your mature skin . . .

BEST FOR ...DEHYDRATED SKIN

Nude Skin ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk

Skin can be dehydrated even if it doesn’t look dry. Nude Skin ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk (£62, uk.spacenk.com) is ideal for skin in need of extra hydration.

...UNEVEN SKIN

Philosophy’s No Reason To Hide Multi-Imperfection Transforming Serum

It’s difficult to even out a complexion just with make-up: you need a good canvas to start with. Philosophy’s No Reason To Hide Multi-Imperfection Transforming Serum (£48) and their Instant Skin Tone Perfecting Moisturiser (£28, boots.com) promise to reduce pores, fade dark spots, combat redness and blotchiness, tackle acne scars and smooth rough skin texture.

...BLEMISHES

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Expert

More than 80 per cent of adult acne cases occur in women — often triggered by hormonal changes. But with mature skin, it’s best to steer clear of harsh acne products.

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Expert (£15, feelunique.com) moisturises while targeting excess oil and dead skin cells — the main causes of acne.

...VISIBLE PORES

Kiehl’s Precision Lifting and Pore-Tightening Concentrate

Large pores often worsen as you age. Kiehl’s Precision Lifting and Pore-Tightening Concentrate (£49, kiehls.co.uk) is formulated with yeast extract and geranium oil to lift and tighten skin.

...ROUTINE

Weleda’s Evening Primrose day cream

Need a simple-to-follow routine? Weleda’s Evening Primrose range is targeted at mature skin, with a day, night and eye and lip cream (£23.95, Boots).

UNSUNG HERO

Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm

Darphin has relaunched its Aromatic Renewing Balm (£44, darphin.co.uk) two years after it was discontinued. The nourishing balm, which smells and feels amazing, contains grapefruit, rosewood, camomile, orange blossom, tangerine and sweet orange, and can be used to soothe skin or as a treatment on dry areas. The scent will calm the mind, as well as the skin.

BARGAIN BUY

The Soap & Glory Archery DIY Brow Bar kit

The Soap & Glory Archery DIY Brow Bar kit (£12, boots.com) contains four products to sculpt fabulous brows. There are two tones of powder to mix your perfect shade, a wax to tame hairs and a handy highlighter, as well as a brush and comb.

ELSA'S PICK

Dry Eye Concealer

For many of us, summer can mean months of dry, itchy and irritated eyes. The Dry Eye Concealer (£11.95, skinshop.co.uk) is a cover-up for those with allergies and skin complaints. It calms and moisturises, as well as concealing red, inflamed skin.

TREATS TO MAKE YOUR MONDAY MARVELLOUS

The Seventies are making a comeback in this season’s make-up: bright lips and a sunkissed glow. Elizabeth Arden was a leader in the cosmetics revolution back in the day, and has kept up with the times. The Beautiful Colour Moisturising Matte Finish Lipstick in Coral Crush (£21, debenhams.com) gives the perfect Seventies vibe, while the Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter (£28) fakes a beach glow.

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Matte Finish Lipstick in Coral Crush (left) and Australian Bodycare’s Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment Mask (right) 

A healthy scalp can improve the condition of your hair. Australian Bodycare’s Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment Mask (£14.50, australianbody care.co.uk) can make a big difference. With macadamia and tea tree oils to prevent itching and dryness, the mask penetrates the hair follicle. Massage into a dry scalp, leave for 20 minutes or overnight and then rinse.