To find the right foundation for your skin colour, apply a thin line of colour to your jaw line. To avoid a harsh line, compare the colour to the skin on your face as well as your neck - your ideal shade will seem to disappear.

I have never used blush, how and where do I apply it?

The most flattering way to wear blush naturally is to apply it to the 'apple' of the cheeks, in the centre of your cheek, directly below your pupil. From the apple, lightly blend outwards, towards the top of the ear, covering the entire cheekbone area with soft, sweeping strokes. A clever trick is to apply blush while you are smiling - add a little blush to the apples and sweep gently along the cheekbone.

When should I use loose powder and when should I use pressed powder?

There are no set rules - some people prefer to use a loose powder and some prefer pressed. However, loose powder is ideal to help set your foundation and pressed powder is easy to carry around and therefore is ideal to use to touch- up throughout the day.

In magazines I see that stronger shades of lipstick are back in fashion, but when I try them I tend to look over made-up. Where am I going wrong?

If you try a stronger shade of lipstick, the secret is to go for neutral eye colours to help achieve a balanced overall look. For a professional finish, remember to use a co-ordinating lip pencil and then apply the lipstick with a lip brush.