The famous adage “age is a state of mind” has never rung so true. Advances in cosmetic technology, changes in lifestyles, and shifts in attitudes have redefined what it means to be “old”. It is no longer possible to ascertain someone’s age soley by physical appearance. In the past, tell-tale signs like conservative clothes, old-fashioned buns, and double chins made it possible to distinguish matrons from young girls in bloom. But in a time when 59 year-old Goldie Hawn looks just as fit and vivacious as her 20-something movie star daughter, the revolutionary concept of an ageless society emerges.

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, a fashion icon who defies Father Time with her youthful appearance recently opined, “Being 40 today is what 30 used to be, and 50 is the new 40.” There's no doubt about it; women in their 40s and 50s are looking hotter than ever. This, argues Dr. David Metz (co-author of Older, Richer, Fitter) is a result of us postponing everything, including “kids, marriage, adult life, and old age.”

But if everyone looks about the same age, how can we determine what is a flattering look for someone in a certain age group? There is no simple answer to this complicated dilemma, but you can read on to discover Fashionlines’ guide to timeless splendor.

It is a common beauty misstep for women in their 20s to slather a thick layer of caky makeup on their faces in an effort to look more mature and sophisticated.  However, if applied skillfully, less maquillaje is always more.

When working with a youthful complexion it's a good idea to bypass foundation all together. Just apply concealer where needed or, if additional coverage is desired, mix a few drops of fon de teint with your daily moisturizer. These methods will help achieve clean, dewy, and picturesque results. 

Natural and fun are not mutually exclusive concepts. Flamboyant and vivid effects can be achieved simply by playing with colors. For example, dusting shimmering bronzers and peachy blushes over the cheekbones and along the perimeter of the face manipulates the way light reflects off the contours of your visage. Similarly, sweeping pastel and iridescent shadows over the eyelid and along the lash line can add shimmering depths to your stare.

Even a lick of lip gloss and a coat of mascara can suffice to transform a look from simple to luscious.  Remember, the real trick is highlighting natural beauty, not masking it with excess.

In their 30s, women transform into scorching femme fatals. Having finally reached sexual maturity, achieved success and come into their own, 30-something goddesses emanate sensuality and sophistication.

Smoldering dark eyes and crimson lips look the best on this age group. To channel an irresistible temptress, first apply a thin layer of foundation and translucent powder to your eyelids. Then, define your upper and lower lash line with a kohl pencil, smudging with a q-tip as you go along. Finally, to amplify the sultry effects of your smoky eyes, brush dark grey metallic eye shadow over your eyelids, taking care to not go over the crease.

It is often recommended that women emphasize either the eyes or the mouth to avoid looking overdone, but ladies in their 30s are exempt from this rule. Although lip colors come and go, the red pout is here to stay. This timeless classic, immortalized by big screen icons like Marilyn Monroe, is the ultimate sign of fiery sex appeal. In order to get the picture perfect lips, frame your moth with a liner. Following that, apply face powder to set the pencil. Finally, using a lip brush, carefully paint on the color. For long lasting results blot and reapply. 

Women in their 40s are so intriguing and sexy that they can simply bypass the urge to demand attention with the sex kitten look. British actress/model Elizabeth Hurley claims to put on her make up in under 5 minutes, and yet the stunning mother of a baby boy always looks ready for her close up.

Elizabeth Hurley’s 5 Minute Makeup Tips

1. Start with a thoroughly scrubbed and well moisturized face.
2. Conceal dark shadows around the eyes.
3. Using a soft pencil draw smudgy lines on top and bottom lashes.
4. Set the eyeliner with a brush dipped in gleamy powder shadow.
5. Curl the lashes and apply black mascara.
6. Pencil in the eyebrows and set them with clear brow gel.
7. Blend in light stick foundation all over the face using the fingertips.
8. Blend in pink stick blush over the cheeks.
9. Set the foundation with a little loose powder.
10. Frame the lips with a pencil.
11. Apply Estée Lauder Go Put lipstick, which according to Elizabeth “make your lips look huge.”

Anyone who has watched the hilarious Jack Nicholson comedy “As Good as it Gets” knows that our popular culture exalts finely aged women. Indeed, made all the more attractive by their experience and wits, the new breed of 50-somethings is simply irresistible.

For this age group the sky is the limit. Much like a chameleon a mature woman of irresistible magnetism can pull off a glamorous or minimalist look. The trick is to combine well applied makeup with confidence.

Determining the right look for the occasion can make all the difference in the world. For a gala or opening Fashionlines recommends thick Brigitte Bardot liquid eyeliner. However, for a dignified lady of this generation lunching outdoors, peachy, shimmering shades are the way to go.

Happily ‘beauty’ is not an adjective associated solely with those born a mere 20 years ago. Today’s icons come in all ages, shapes and sizes. We no longer define attractiveness with strict cannons. Now is the time to celebrate individuality at every stage of our lives.