Apply falsies before applying any other makeup onto fresh clean skin

Stubble?

Nothing can totally prevent stubble, but here are some guidelines to keep it at bay for as long as possible. Choose a time when you are free to experiment for as long as possible and have free reign of the bathroom.

Wash well and exfoliate (remove all traces of dead skin). Use a double or even triple bladed razor, and shaving gel and have as close a shave as possible, ensure skin is totally clean and oil free after shaving.

Apply a concealer that matches your own skin colour to the beard and moustache area with your fingers. Add a few light spots of red lipstick to the beard area and blend into the concealer with fingers. You are aiming to achieve a slightly sunburned tint. This may sound silly, but red cancels out the "five o clock shadow", you will thank yourself for it later. You may need several rounds of practice as a little lipstick goes a long way, but practice makes perfect.

If you do not have a prominent shadow, move on to the next step. If you have a very prominent "5 o clock shadow", it is also good to add a layer of "3-in-1" makeup (concealer, foundation and powder in one thick formula, usually a known as a "pan stick"). Apply directly to beard area, blend with fingers (don't press too heavy) and leave for a couple of minutes to set.

Apply liquid foundation. Again, dot lightly on one section of your face and blend with your fingers to obtain an even color. Don't overdo it. This will give your skin an even, natural tone... assuming you selected the right shade to start with. Wait a few minutes for your foundation to set before proceeding.

Apply liquid foundation in the closest possible colour to your own skin tone. Dot on one section of your face at a time and blend with your fingers to obtain an even color. Don't overdo it and ensure all dots have been blended. This will give your skin an even, natural tone. Wait a few minutes for your foundation to set before proceeding.

Powder?

One rule for all here, powder is a must, loose powder works better on younger skin as it is heavier. It does give better and longer lasting coverage than pressed powder, but can add age to older skin as it exaggerates furrows and wrinkles. Pressed powder will need applying more often. As a general rule, the more you sweat, or the oilier your skin, the more often you will need to apply powder.

Bronzer?

A top tip from my clubbing days as a teenager... a little bronzer blended into your natural bust line will create enhanced clevage, but take care as it can stain clothing.

Eyebrows?

If you must pluck, do so well in advance (not on the night) and use ice or cooling gel to minimize swelling, an easier and painless option is to apply a light streak of clear mascara.

Eyeshadow?

Really depends on your skin tone, eye colour and face shape, experiment at will, some colours might suprise you. If using a metallic eyeshadow, dampen the eyelid with a little water for a more dazzling shine. One word of caution, the eye is a sensitive area, do experiment but not for hours, as this may cause irritation.

Mascara? Eyeliner?

Black is the obvious choice, but not always the best, lighter eyes and skin tones are sometimes better suited to browns or slate greys

Lips?

Learn your lip line! Trace just outside of your lip line with a lipliner pencil and apply a slightly lighter shade of lipstick. For staying power, apply lipliner to the entire lips, then add lipstick, or for a barely there look, use a lipliner slightly darker than your own lips and then apply clear gloss to the lips.