Scrummy mummy

Scrummy mummy - on-the-go makeup tips, designed for the time-constrained goddess!

Finding the time for self maintenance can be really challenging, especially when you are running around juggling your work, preparing meals, and carting the kids around!

Even famous mums don't forgo makeup altogether, they just know how to use the basic essentials, cutting down on time by skipping extra steps and streamlining their routine.

Looking polished doesn’t need to take hours of our time. Play up your finest features and keep your beauty regime in check, look miraculously awake with these easy tips, leaving you looking fresh faced and ready to brace the day - mummy to scrummy in a matter of minutes!

1.Water

This beauty tip requires no time at all, just a little discipline and remembering to keep that water bottle with you at all times! The many benefits of H20 include an overall glowing, nourished complexion, brighter eyes, better energy and a healthier you. Water naturally helps to flush away toxins, hydrates our bodies and decreases bloating and puffiness. For an extra benefit, add a squeeze of lemon to your water, a great way to start the day, it not only smells up-lifting, but it wakes up the liver, is high in vitamin C and a natural diuretic.

2.Self Tanner

If you're looking a bit pale and sallow, then why not treat yourself to a fake tan. It has to be said that most of us look better with a healthy glow. Nowadays most cosmetic companies feature moisturisers with a self-tanning component. It takes a few minutes to apply, and the result is a healthy, sun kissed look. Be on the lookout for the facial self tanners which add just a nice golden touch to your face. Go for a cream, apply every three to four days - and make sure you do it evenly and be sparing around the hairline and eye brow area, especially if you are fair in complexion.

3.Tinted Moisturiser

This is indispensable! It adds moisture and evens skin tone in a few seconds.

Use a combination moisturiser and sunscreen that comes in one easy product. It may be just springtime, but we all need to use sunscreen all year round. There are so many great moisturisers on the market today that have sunscreen built in and are not greasy. Make sure you allow your moisturiser a minute to soak in before applying the rest of your makeup.

4.Mineral make up

Practically every makeup line now carries some form of mineral face powder. These are buffed on using a special fat brush, in quick swirling motions, starting at the nose and moving outwards toward the jaw. This leaves an even coverage to your face adding colour and balance without looking caky and it can take simply seconds to apply. Using mineral makeup will save you precious time as it works as concealer, foundation and powder that builds easily to provide an adjustable light to medium coverage to even out skin tone and hide blemishes that come with stress.

5.Cheeks

Pack your makeup bag with products that promise some extra punch, Try a multitasking cream or stick that can be used for more than one purpose, like cheeks, lips and even eyes. Double-duty wonders are essential time savers for the working mum, who already has to much to carry in her bag.

6.Mascara

All you need is a little mascara swept across your lashes and you are ready to roll. Apply two or three coats of mascara to give your eyes an instant pick-me-up if you don't have time to apply shadow or liner. Just a few coats of mascara is all you really need to enhance your eyes.

7.Lips

A little sheen goes a long way in keeping our lips moisturised, plump and looking fresh, so always find time to add some lustre and moisture to your lips!

Tip

Eyebrow Shaping - Make an appointment at your local beauty salon for an eyebrow shaping. Cleaning up the eyebrows can do wonders for the shape of your face, your eyes and makes a huge overall difference in your appearance. This beauty treatment is quick and also much less pricey than a facial or massage.

Products

1. Self tan - Makebelieve - NIGHT TIME FACIAL SELF TAN MOISTURISER

Combining leading edge facial skincare with advanced tanning ingredients, this Night Time Facial Self-Tan moisturiser will help to give you a natural golden radiance, developing slowly over a number of applications. Containing CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant combined with a blend of Rainforest Oils, known for their skin softening and moisturising properties, your skin will look and feel healthy and renewed. www.makebelievebeauty.com £25.00

2. Tinted Moisturiser - Bobbi Brown - Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15

A perfect alternative to foundation for the busy mum and ideal for Normal to Dry skin types. This tint of natural-looking colour combined with sun protection blends smoothly over skin, and moisturises while providing lightweight, comfortable, sheer coverage. Awarded Best Tinted Moisturiser by In Style Beauty Awards 2011 and SHE Beauty Awards 2011. www.bobbibrown.co.uk

3. Mineral powder - The Body Shop - Nature's Minerals™ Foundation SPF25 - A premium, up-to-the-minute loose powder foundation, made from minerals. Long-lasting, blend-able powders act like a veil to help defend the skin against sun damage with SPF 25. Ultra light powders apply evenly and blend easily for a radiant, natural-looking complexion. Clinically proven as suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatologically tested. Non pore-clogging. www.thebodyshop.co.uk Powder £16.00 and Brush £16:00

4. Lip and Cheek - Stila - Convertible Colour

This ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible and versatile, brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent colour. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint imparts a gorgeous glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant colour. Another make-up a must-have for mums on the go. www.lookfantastic.com £14.00

5. Mascara - Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara

Defines every lash for a full fluttery effect thats subtle enough for everyday. Doesn't clump smudge or flake at all. Giving you the smoothest, sleekest high volume lashes for the most beautiful mum of any age. www.boots.com £9.99

6. Lip conditioner - RMS Beauty - Lip and Skin Balm

A super effective lip and skin balm that rejuvenates and heals, giving you a visibly natural appearance. Heals, protects and hydrates skin to smoothen and relieve dryness. This can be used day and night not only on lips, but underneath eyes, to smooth brow hair, soften fine lines and to comfort the delicate skin around the nose. Don't leave home with out it! www.cultbeauty.co.uk £22.00

Pretty in pink

It’s been a long, gray winter and time we started to inject some fun in to make-up shopping again and what better way to begin than to bath ourselves in the uplifting colour of pink!

Make-up is breaking all the rules and making such a big impact this spring, with bright full-on pink, almost red eyeshadow being just one of the many new make-up trends of this season. A very popular choice at the Dior, Valentino and Chanel spring summer shows. This look can be daring, but let's be honest, it’s easy for a model to wear bright pink and still look gorgeous. But will the rest of us look a little crazy wearing fuchsia eye makeup?

The great thing about pink is that it’s both slightly edgy and slightly princess, so it looks good in many forms and on many different types of women. And depending on how it it is applied, it can definitely be uplifting, soft and beautiful.

The trick, is simply knowing which shade to choose and what other make-up to pair it with. Below are a some foolproof tips for wearing pink eyeshadow.

1. Choosing the right shade: The closer the eyeshadow colour veers towards a ruddy/red, the trickier it is to wear. If you are fair in skin tone then I would suggest using a pale, bluish-pink shadow. A vibrant flamingo pink for an olive complexion, and a warmer, more coral pink for darker skin, and the true hot pinks look especially gorgeous on a Latina complexion.

2. Full-on colour: Pink eyeshadow this season is meant to be daring, so wether it is day or night you can always 'wing it'. Choose a strong pigmented shade of a matte pink eyeshadow and apply it in a block all-over your upper lids, but not above the crease. Then, by sweeping it out, past the outer corners of your eyes you can create a wing- like effect. Try applying the eyeshadow with a damp brush to perfect the shape and finish with lashings of mascara.

3. Impact with black: To accentuate the colour further you need to team it with a black eyeliner or, at the very least, a lot of black mascara, this is true of any bright coloured eyeshadow. The black anchors the look and defines your eyes so you’re not just seeing pink against bare skin, which can make you appear sickly, if black liner looks too heavy, you can pair it with a chocolate brown one instead. Warm up the cheeks, and keep the lips pale.

5. When in doubt, go sheer: If a heavily-pigmented shadow is too much colour for you, try dabbing a hot pink cream blush on your lids instead. The cream texture is less intense than a velvety powder and creates a fresher, more spring-like look. To prevent fading, prime your lids first, patting on the blush, then setting it with a dusting of translucent powder.

6. Pastel pink: Perhaps the easiest colour to apply, and also looks great on most skin tones. Just be sure to use a semi-transparent or sparkly pink, with a barely there pink hue. Extend the colour halfway up to the brow bone and wrap around to the outer corner of the eye, avoid any chalky and opaque pinks. Curl your lashes and keep your eyebrows brows groomed but soft.

Tip:

Regardless of which hue you pick, a bit of sparkly shimmer in your pink eyeshadow will help to make it obvious that your hue isn’t the result of a seasonal allergy or tired eyes!

Products:

1. YSL - 5 Colour shadow palette - A palette of 5 luminous eye shadows, to contour, enhance and dress your eyes in colour that lasts. www.houseoffraser.co.uk £39.50

2. Shu Uemura - Glow On Blush - Boundless blush colours for the cheeks that work just as-well on the eyes, these can also be used wet to intensify the colour. Choose between matte or pearl finish. www.liberty.co.uk £19.50

3. Lancôme - Colour Design 5 Shadow palette in Pink Envy - Lancôme’s new versatile, all-in-one palette conveniently creates a full eye look for day or night. Sculpt and lift in soft day colours or intensify with dramatic evening hues for smoldering smoky effects.

4. 3 Custom Color - Watercolours for Cheeks in Hyacinth and Coral Waterlilly, these cream blushers provide a sheer flush of natural colour to the cheeks. They can also be used on the lips as a tinted lip balm as well or added to the eyelids for a light dewy wash. Works wonders on almost all skin tones. www.cultbeauty.co.uk £15.00

5. Accessorize - Exotic Brights Eye Dust in MAGENTA - A spectacular collection of highly pearlised eye dusts available in a stunning range of colours to enhance your eyes - WWW.ACCESSORIZE.COM £3.00

6. Too Faced Lockdown Eye Shadow - This is a range of deep, intense cream eye shadow containing metallic pigments combined with an anti-crease formula which promises to deliver sex appeal with staying power. www.boots.com £13.50

Blushing bridal make-up - fit for a princess!

With Valentine's Day being one of the most popular days to pop the question, many ladies will be faced with the issue of how to create their perfect wedding day look. But come April all eyes will be on the delightful Miss Middleton as she prepares to take the vow and marry her very own Prince Charming!

With the best at her disposal Kate will not disappoint, and is sure to look absolutely breathtaking on her big day.

Of course having a professional make-up artist for your wedding day is a luxury that every bride deserves, but its not for everyone, and some brides will choose to marry abroad.

I am lucky enough to work with many brides throughout the course of the year preparing them for that special moment. Each bride is unique, but the goal is the same - you want to look and feel the best that you possibly can be, and this is a unique opportunity to bring out your natural beauty and to truly shine.

A timeless bridal make-up needs to be subtle and unobtrusive, understated but very pretty. Enhancing your best features and everything that's most beautiful about your face whilst allowing the radiance to shine through. A more polished version of your everyday look. It's a careful balancing act - looking natural without appearing washed out.

If you are calm and confident that come the big day you will have the task in a very 'steady' hand, then here are a few tips that may help you on your way. And perhaps by making just a few subtle make-up changes to your usual routine, you can make a huge difference on your wedding day.

You may not be able to control the weather, but you can certainly steel the limelight - heres how!

Primer - An illuminating base can be used under sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser. Choose a silicon based primer and apply a small amount all over the face before applying foundation, concealer and a very little loose powder to set the base.

Primer : Yves Saint Laurent top secret Flash Radiance Skincare Brush: With a single brush stroke, it instantly reduces the look of enlarged pores, refines the skin's texture and wipes away signs of stress and fatigue. No wonder Top Secrets is the the darling of many a super model and makeup artist . www.debenhams.com £36.00

Foundation - Do not use a foundation that has an SPF in it on your wedding day, this does not work well in flash photography. If you require good coverage then a silicon based foundation will last longer than an oil based formula and there will be no need to touch it up.

Foundation: Bobby Brown Luminous Moisturising Foundation is a super-moisturising formula giving the skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of ageing. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. www.bobbibrown.co.uk £29:00.

Eyeshadow - There are no set rules for bridal make-up colours, it is simply what works best for you. Avoid hard, harsh colours as these can be unflattering in photos. Choose softer shades of browns, purples, pinks and pastels and even lilac to open up your eyes.

Eyeshadow : Bobbie Brown - Pretty Face Palette. Healthy, natural makeup doesn't mean nude or washed out and with these four beautifully wearable soft pinks and browns for eyes, this versatile palette lets you go anywhere from almost bare to glam and smoky, with a romantic edge. www.bobbibrown.co.uk £42:00
Eyeliner - Always frame the outer corners of your eyes with a soft eyeliner by using a gel, pencil or even damp eye shadow powder but stay away from liquid liners. Apply it very close to the upper lash line, this will make your eyelashes look naturally thicker but remember to always smudge and blend to soften.

Eye Liner: Laura Mercier Eye Liner. Line and define your eyes Long-wearing and smudge-resistant, the liner adds brightness and life to the eyes. www.johnlewis.com £18.

Mascara - For instant eye lift, use eyelash curlers on clean, dry eyelashes. Add a couple of coats of a waterproof black or brown mascara and finish the eyes by adding a few single faux lashes to the outer edges. This will add a touch of romanticism and glamour, but no one will quite be able to put their finger on why.

Mascara - Smashbox Bionic Mascara Black Bionic is the first ionic mascara for longer, stronger and more voluminous super-power lashes! The specially engineered no-clump brush gently coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a high impact lash in just one sweep. www.salonskincare.co.uk £16:00

Cheeks - You will be bathed in white on your big day so remember to enhance your cheeks a tad more than usual. Opt for a silicon based cheek blush, in a soft pink or peach shade, apply to the apples of the cheeks being mindful that you want to lift the face, so keep the focus high.

Cheeks: Clinique -Blushwear Cream Stick is a convenient touch-on, stay-on, cream-to-powder cheekcolour. Glides over the skin with fingertip control. Blends easily. Blush stays see-through while it builds in colour. Transfer- and water-resistant. www.clinique.co.uk £19.00

Lips - keep those lips looking and feeling luscious all day by applying a moisturising lipstick in a shade that is slightly warmer but deeper than your natural lip colour. Choose a formulation that is sheer but has a slight shimmer to it. This will last longer and will be easy to reapply when needed. Many brides experience a dry mouth just before the ceremony, so keep that pout moist!

Lips: Cristian Dior Addict High Shine - Spectacular Shine Translucent Lipcolor Dior has created the first lipsticks as shiny as those seen on the runway! A a jellified texture that melts instantly on the lips, spectacular, long-lasting, ultra-vibrant shine Your lips are transformed. www.debenhams.com £19.00

Tip!

Use products that are long-lasting and formulations that work in daylight, artificial light and flash photography. Good eyebrows can really change the whole face and I would recommend having these professionally done.

Fabulously and thrifty - Beauty on a budget!

If your bank balance has taken a bashing over the Christmas season, don’t despair. Today more than ever before, you don’t have to splash the cash to buy hyped-up beauty products, when you can find alternative solutions on the high street. Its worth remembering that you are often paying a premium for the fancy packaging and the branding of cosmetics.

The beauty industry is dominated by a few large companies which own multiple brands both expensive and cheap. Estée Lauder now own almost 30 brands including MAC, Bobbi Brown and Clinique, just as L’oreal owns Lancome, Shu Uemura and the Body Shop. . . its no wonder we get caught up in the consumer hype.

Whilst there are differences between the high-end and low-end makeup market, there are also similarities. So, before you spend lots of money on a luxury product, compare its ingredients to those of their less expensive sister brands.

So ladies, if your bank account doesn’t stretch, then curb your spending habit. Being glam doesn’t have to cost the earth it just takes a little know-how and a practical approach to know what beauty products to invest in, and which ones to budget buy.

Bargain Beauty Products:

1. Barbara Daly - Face Lift - A feather-light anti-ageing moisturising cream with SPF 10 which illuminates the skin giving an instant 'lift' for a fresh, bright and luminous glowing complexion. Available from Tesco priced £6.75

FOUNDATION

Skin care is more important as most foundations generally work well if applied to an even base. However, achieving the right shade and coverage is always an issue as our complexion changes through the seasons. I would suggest investing a few extra pennies, buying two different shades of a lesser brand so that you can mix through-out the year and adapt to suit.

EYE MAKEUP

A great eyeshadow has little to do with price and everything to do with pigment, which gives the colour its depth and longevity. Look out for products that have a good depth of colour when you apply them - try before you buy! Also, many cheaper brands of Eye makeup remover are just as effective at wiping away your war paint and even work on waterproof mascara.

Bourjois - New Little Round Pot eyeshadows - are a great budget buy with quality eyeshadow shades and hypoallergenic formula, paraben and fragrance free,.whilst containing up to 80% of mineral pigments. Available from Boots priced £5.99

BROWS AND LASHES:

Mascara has a short shelf life, so when it comes to that extra flutter power, length or thickness, you can always save on expensive brands. Opt for an eyelash and eyebrow tint for that every day look , it will last up to a month, and is well worth the investment.

Natural Collection Water Guard Mascara - defines the lashes at the same time as being waterproof and smudge resistant. The waterproof formula does not budge and creates long lasting fullness for beautiful lashes. Available from boots priced £1.99

LIPS AND CHEEKS:

Low priced lipstick colours normally fade quickly, but cheap lipgloss is fine as it just comes off anyway. There is a lot to be said for wearing lipliner all over your lips with Vaseline on top, it lasts and looks natural. If you can’t forgo the lipstick, try using it as a blusher as it works very well on the cheeks.

MeMeMe Pussycat Cheek & Lip tint - a multi-purpose red-berry stain that can be used on both the lips and cheeks for a hint of glowing colour. Dare I

Rimmel – 60 Seconds Nail polish - Picture perfect nail colour in a flash! This is aone budget beauty winner you' should get your hands on. Choose from 24 rocking fashion shades for perfect coverage in one fast-drying coat. Available from www.boots.com priced £2.99

NAILS:

Nail polish chips no matter how grand the brand, so you can afford to save a pound or two. A clear nail polish will double-up as both a base coat and a top coat, as well as protecting your nails from staining, it will also extend the life of your polish. Though with very dark shades I suggest you invest in a pricier polish if you want an even, shiny coverage that lasts.

Illuminate the party

Sometimes we just need a touch of light to brighten up our winter nights. By taking glamour to the next level we can bring light to our face and focus to our features.

Too many parties, late nights, cold weather and alcohol can leave skin looking dull, so give it a helping hand with these complexion enhancers for an on-tend party look. Prepare to shine through into the new year and enjoy the festive moments in soft and shimmery makeup, just like those we've seen all over the autumn winter catwalks.

There is something quite alluring about an evening makeup of glossy lips, shimmery eyes and dewy skin, and this festive season is no exception.

Get the look. . .

Illuminating foundations.

Not all of us like to wear a heavy foundation during these winter months so by choosing a light illuminating base which is lighter in texture, we can have that all important glow, yet still achieve some crucial cover, whilst helping to create a flawless dewy complexion.

Clarins - True Radiance - Suitable for all skin types, its lightweight, super-supple, oil-free fluid texture is quick and easy to apply and gives it a flawless, traceless, long-lasting satin finish with a subtle, warm honey glow. £13.25, Boots.com

Liquid shimmer.

Come sunset, and in low lighting it's impossible to go wrong with a liquid shimmer. With many shades to choose from you can dress your skin up and create a gorgeous, glowing base, pat onto high points of your face like cheek bones to polish and sculpt definition to your complexion or try dotting on the inner corners of eyes and onto your cupid’s bow for a plump-looking pout.

Giorgio Armani Cosmetics - Fluid Sheer - Fluid sheer dresses skin in an illuminating veil of radiance. This unique, translucent formula is available in a range of versatile hues including makeup base shades, correcting shades, and radiance boosting shades. www.giorgioarmanibeauty.co.uk , £30.00

Go glitter

Day to night doesn’t get any easier than applying a dash of glitter to your eyes. Whether it is at your desk or in the back of a taxi, choose a palette with a selection of this seasons new colours. Simply create smokiness by smudging pewter, gunmetal or plum eyeshadow all the way along into the crease of your eye. This look is less harsh than black but equally dramatic.

Bobbi Brown - Limited Edition - Mini Bobbi Brights Palette - Like a toy box for your eyes. Bobbi Brights Palette has 20 new reasons to play up your eyes with shimmering pastels, bold pops of colour and rich liner shades. Includes a Mini Eye Shadow Brush. Add it to your Christmas wish list now! www.bobbibrown.co.uk £42.00

Sexy body shimmers

These days there isn't a single celebrity who would even think about stepping onto the red carpet without a subtle shimmer gracing her décolletage and shoulders. So wether you prefer a powder, cream or an oil don't forget this important step and bring your winter skin alive and create a healthy, glamorous glow to see you through into the new year.

NUXE - HUILE PRODIGIEUSE OR - MULTI USAGE DRY OIL - GOLDEN SHIMMER - This amazing multi-usage dry oil can be used on your face, body and hair. It contains borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia that not only nourishes, but leaves a golden shimmer and smells devine! £22.50 www.lookfantastic.com

Red lipstick has all that it takes to turn lips into a statement.

Nothing says notice me, like a slick of red lipstick, and with the screen siren look still popular on the red carpet, red lips should be your ultimate party makeup must have. Choose a rich, deep, seductive red or opt for a high gloss berry lipgloss. Don’t ever be afraid of mixing the colours up to achieve a more wearable shade.

CHANTECAILLE - BRILLIANT GLOSS - A high shine gloss made from a hydrating and enriching formula that imparts rich colour and brilliant shine. An innovative system ensures long-lasting wear whilst safely plumping lips for a perfect pout. www.spacenk.co.uk £22.00

Laura Mercier - Travel Brush Set - Laura Mercier Travel Brush Set is the must-have brush collection for perfect party makeup application. These travel-friendly tools make it easy to perfect your look wherever you are. The case accommodates four double-ended brushes and one full-size brush. www.liberty.co.uk Price £65.00

THE ART OF DARKNESS – how to go from bland to glam, in the blink of an eye!

There are several takes on the smoky eye this party season, proving that we don’t have to rely on traditional black eye shadow to create the drama.

Take inspiration from this autumn/winter catwalk trend and bathe your eyes in shades of opulence and luxury. Marc Jacobs and Versace chose blues and washes of violet. While Chloé and Ozzie Clark added lashings of gold to their catwalk models creating the ultimate new smoky eye.

The emphasis is on a softer more sensual tone this season making the look realistic and achievable, even for the make-up novice. Sparkly shadow isn't just for teenagers either, this season it is mature, glamorous and totally wearable.

Get on-trend with simple, chic and pure sophistication, put a spin on the traditional smoky eye and catch the mood by using golds, plums and rich jewels, midnight blue or burgundy browns with added sparkle.

Golds are divine for this time of year and suit everyone, so if you have a party to go to straight after work, then make your eyes pop by adding this season's new smoky eye and go from bland to glam in an instant!

Heres how:

1. Touch up your complexion but keep your skin looking luminous and then opt for an elegant eye make-up shade. If you are nervous with sparkly colours then keep it to the centre of the lid only, or opt for a satin finish with strong pigment.

2. The trick when applying shimmery eye colours is to apply a good eye make-up primer to clean eyelids first and leave it to dry, this will help to hold the colour all night long.

3. For a really subtle look, use a mid to light shade of eye shadow and take it right up towards your brow bone, then gently wrap the colour around and under the eye. This can be in a powder or a cream formula, Less is more with this one!

3. Apply another layer to build up the colour intensity for a really bold finish.

If you want to add more definition then apply an eye liner along the lash line as-well.

4. For those that want to go all out, go back to your lids and dip your eye shadow brush into some water and then into the colours and apply over the top of your base shadow for a foil like effect. If you have used a cream eye shadow then press sparkly loose pigment on top, for an intense and iridescent effect.

5. Finish with a swipe of jet black mascara and groomed brows.

Tip!

If you’re applying strong eyes, do a nude lip for a translucent, perfect pout. A vital ingredient for all winter lips is a good lip balm to keep them in great condition.

All the skin on the catwalk this season looked beautiful and flawless, so remember to keep your cheekbones gently highlighted with a light sheen, and only powder where you need it.

Products

1. Benefit - Stay don't stray primer - works around the eyes to make concealer and eye shadow stay where you put it. Make-up has never been easier to keep in place. It preps, protects and perfects eye makeup... you only need a little but you're gonna wonder how you ever lived without it! Available from Boots priced £19.50

2.Guerlain - Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Velours D'Or - contains two shades of violet, iridescent gold and an intense black liner. Available from Boots or Debenhams, priced £37.00

3. Clinique - Creamy eyeliner which brushes on for a deep, smoky, eye-defining colour. Long-wearing, waterproof formula, comes complete with a mini Eye Liner Brush. Deep violet is a must! Available at www.clinique.co.uk priced £12.00

4. M.A.C - Pigment - available in a fabulous range of colours. A highly concentrated loose colour powder that contains ingredients to help it adhere to the skin. Use to create a subtle wash of colour or an intense effect. Easy to blend and long-lasting. Available from www.maccosmetics.co.uk priced £15.00

5. Urban Decay - Cream Shadow - Whipped to perfection, each shimmering shade dries to a weightless layer of coluor that will not crease, fade, or hide in fine lines. " A little goes a long way! To build your colour, apply a thin coat, let dry, and apply additional coats to get the colour you desire. Available from www.lookfantastic.com priced £11.00

6. Guerlain - Le 2 De Guerlain Volume High Shine Mascara Volume 13 or 2 Nuit, which contains deepest black mascara at one end and a liquid copper gold lacquer at the other to apply over the black. It's gorgeous - you can control the level of gold that you put over the black from full on bling to delicate shimmering tips. Available from Boots or Debenhams. priced £25.50