How to add a flawless finish to your face

From foundation to lip gloss, build yourself a make-up kit that will highlight your best features. Those of us who have not been blessed with naturally beautiful skin rely on cosmetics to help to create an illusion of flawlessness. No two skin tones are alike, so everyone needs tailor- made foundations such as Chanel Teint Exact Blanc Colour, Prescriptives Virtual Skin Exact Make Up or Givenchy Teint Couture Perfect Moisturising Foundation.

The secret is to give up on the guesswork and take professional advice to build a customised make-up kit that suits you. Follow the general rule – never put bright colours on both eyes and lips, as they will clash.

To achieve a more fresh-faced look, avoid applying a heavy foundation base all over. Instead, add a touch of concealer to areas that need coverage, then finish off with a little of a product such as Lancome's Maquisuperbe mixed in with your usual base. With its light-reflecting particles, this helps to add a healthy glow to your skin, says make-up artist Sally Kvalheim. Women should make the best of themselves and avoid that over- made-up look. For evenings, cover with a light dusting of fine, translucent loose powder.

Most of the new cosmetic ranges now on the market have a two-in- one effect. There is, for example, no need for heavy lip liners. Use a light cream such as Lip Zone Anti-Feathering Complex by Estee Lauder.

If you do use a liner, make sure it is a close match to your natural lip colour. If you are feeling "grey", invest in good- quality fake tan for the summer – a healthy alternative to the real thing. Choose one that applies easily and also has granules to help to exfoliate the skin at the same time. Try Lancaster Quick Action Self Tan Spray, Guerlain Self Tanning Emulsion, or Estee Lauder Self Action Tanning Lotion. To add a sun-kissed glow or rosy-cheeks look, soft creme blushers are another good buy. Try Nars Multiple Stick.

Soft eye pencils are a definite beauty buy to invest in this season. Now available in gold, purple, silver, pale blue and green, they are great for either smudging gently over the entire eye area or just applied at the outer corners of your eyes to give a lift. Take a look at these before going for the black or brown option.

When applying colour to your eyelashes, try using colourless clear mascara or, alternatively, have your eyelashes tinted: anything to avoid that artificial clogged-up look. Eyebrows give a frame to the eyes, so unless you have a steady hand and good eyesight, get them professionally plucked. When selecting an eyebrow pencil or powder, it is best to choose a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow colour.

For luscious lips this summer, go for lip gloss. Nineties gloss is not just for sheen, it also protects and conditions. Available in a variety of sassy colours, it is also versatile – use as a highlight over lipstick.

Nail colours have done a complete turnaround since the craze for deep, vampy, blood shades. This season the shades are a brighter shade of pale: not subtle clears but deep pastel rose, peach, lilac, blue and even pure white in either matt or metallic. And don't forget to attend to your toenails, to complement this year's mules and sexy slingback shoes.

YOUR STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Good makeup should highlight your natural face, not create a painted mask over it. Makeup artist Sally Kvalheim guides you through this model's transformation (from left to right, above).

Step 1: THE BASE. Use a good moisturiser to prime skin. Try Estee Lauder's Nutritious, or Elizabeth Arden's Skin Illuminating Complex.

Step 2: THE FOUNDATION. Keep foundation light, using a moist cosmetic sponge, or a light concealer under the eyes. Try Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat. Finish with a dusting of translucent powder.

Step 3: THE BLUSH. Use a cream blusher. Apply to the apple of your cheeks, blending in with middle finger.

Step 4: THE EYES. Define eyes and bring out their colour with a neutral eyeshadow all over the eyelid. Blend in a mid tone on the lower eyelid and use a darker tone on the outer corner, blending into socket line. Use a soft eyeliner to draw a line under lower lashes, smudge in. Use a light coat of clear or colour mascara.

Step 5: THE LIPS. Prime lips with lip balm. Use soft colours with a lip brush, or a stain of stronger colour. Finish with a dab of lip gloss.