They add colour to your face, give teeth an extra reason to sparkle, and now researchers are adding one more benefit under lipsticks' belt - the 'god-sent' cosmetic item can save the lives of elderly women.

Boffins claim that the process of using lippy and mascara enhances balance and co-ordination by acting as a type of stretching, The Sun reported. And older women have better posture even when they wear just basic cosmetics, the study of 100 women aged 65 to 85 found.

While analysing the impact of make-up on self-esteem, scientists at the University of St Etienne, France, discovered that cosmetics had a more powerful effect on health.

To reach the conclusion, the ladies were fitted with insoles to test their centre of gravity and a belt to monitor their posture. Experts found those who put on make-up every day had much better balance and posture, and suffered fewer falls.

Dr Patricia Pineau, who led the study, said: "These women stood up straight and suffered fewer falls. They held themselves differently to those who did not wear make-up." Dr Pineau, research director for cosmetic firm L'Oreal, added: It could help to prevent many debilitating falls."