Make-up

Putting on make-up can seem like a chore - especially if you've been using the same old products for years. So, why not have a make-up MOT and throw away all those half-used pots and out-of-date products. Buy yourself a funky new make-up bag and treat yourself to some different brands and you will be well on your way to updating your youthful image.

Book an appointment with a make-up artist for some make-up advice. She will be able to recommend products to suit your colouring and complexion and show you how to use them correctly. It's worth doing this once every couple of years to find out what's new as well as what will suit your skin because it changes as you mature. There's no better way of ensuring you don't get stuck in a make-up rut.

Nicky's top make-up tips

• Foundation: Essential to cover signs of ageing, but go easy as too much can highlight wrinkles you'd rather be covering. Look for a high-pigment, light-textured foundation that will cover blemishes bur appear light on the skin. Apply with your fingers if you have large pores.

• Powder: Useful to set your make-up, especially if you are prone to a shiny face. Always pat, rather than wipe it on and use a brush, puff or sponge.

• Concealers: You should always match your skintone and less is more. Hide blemishes and red veins, but don't end up looking caked. Light-diffusing concealers work well to hide dark under-age shadows. Apply with a brush or fingertips - whatever works best for you.

• Blusher: Good for pale, pasty faces and even for those with more natural colour as it adds definition to cheekbones. A choice of cream or powder is up to you, but I recommend using a brush to get a smoother effect. Avoid anything greasy, as the colour will streak. Apply to the apples of your cheeks and under the cheekbones.

• Lips: Use a fine lip brush or lip liner to outline your lips and draw just outside you own lip contour for a natural look. Choose light to medium colours and highlight the centre of your lips but adding a dap of lip gloss in the middle. Cool-toned lip colours such as red and blue based pinks make teeth look whiter. Orange and brown tones make your teeth look yellow.

• Eyes: Start with an eye cream to de-puff and moisturize the area around your eyes. Use a natural colour eye shadow to give a smooth, even tone. Eyeliner will define and emphasise your eyes; brown is a good choice for most people and it's softer than black. Lines should always be drawn close to the lashes, with a small flick upwards at the outer corner of the eye. Always draw the line along the whole length of the eyelid.

• Mascara: Always curl your lashes first; nothing opens up your eyes more effectively. Sweep on mascara to complete the look. Brown is less ageing than black for fair skins, but if you have olive or dark skin then black is more dramatic. You must replace mascara every six weeks - gloopy, clogged lashes are not a good look.

For a one-to-one make up session with an experienced make-up artist in the comfort of your own home book our Face Fabulous service which is a make-up masterclass.

For a make-up party with friends, perfect for hen parties or birthday parties, find out more about our Face Forum.