Skincare

I do believe in using good skincare particularly as you get older and need a little more help, I am not a therapist but over the years I have tried out a great number of products and I have rarely stayed faithful to any.

I now use 'Dermalogica', it's an intelligent brand, only registered experts can sell it and it isn't all about packaging (although I have nothing against fancy packaging!)

Highly recommended Dermalogica salon, EDEN; friendly with great attention to personal service - their facials are amazing - they are only available in Harrogate. TEL: 01423 858200 ADDRESS: 28 Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, North Yorkshire www.edenskincare.co.uk

Other skin products worth mentioning are Guerlain (now that packaging is fancy!) Midnight Secret - this is great for brides the night before the wedding as it is formulated for those nights where that much necessary 8 hours sleep is not achievable (most of us then). However, it is not for every day use, just for the special occasions. I've used it and I loved it.

Other good stuff out is Clinique Moisture Surge - this is a hydrating gel and can even be pressed onto the skin on top of the make-up without smudging for that extra moisture kick. Good for an extra as well as your daily moisturizer.

Due to popular demand, I have been asked to hunt out a reputable Botox person, I have now located a salon on Leeds Road called 'By Appointment' who have a lady who comes to the salon monthly. Now, I haven't tested this out being so spritely and youthful - ok - cowardly. So this isn't a recommendation but a contact worth checking out. TEL: 01423 870 625

Make-up

As for make-up - check out the new range from Guerlain - I love it, the new packaging is designed by Louis Vuitton and it is scrumptious, the colours are great, they have eyeshadow quads in a good selection of colours and the texture is lovely. I would also recommend their eyelash conditioner which helps build length onto lashes before applying mascara.

Look out for Christian Dior's new mascara for extreme eyelashes, Catwalk mascara, for dramatic eyes only, if you prefer a more subtle look try Long & Pretty Clinique or my favourite Definicils by Lancome. If you suffer from the fibres in mascara, try Naturally Glossy by Clinique, it is a gel based mascara, very natural and it should not irritate sensitive eyes.

Lancome's juicy tubes are still a real favourite of mine, my latest is Cerise, not an obvious choice but nearly all my clients have fallen in love with it, it is very flattering and helps lips look fuller.

My favourite foundations include Lancome's photogenic, La prairie and Chantecaille's real skin, I prefer light diffusing and quite light foundations. If you have congested pores and feel that your skin is getting blocked by everyday foundation use, swap to one with no mineral oils as this is what is blocking the pores, the only one I know is Dermalogica (surprise) and the ones with 'G' for Golden tones really perk up dull skin and give it a light diffusing quality.

Also, try to stay off the powder (during the day at least) although they have good formulations these days, they still clog up the pores and I think it is unnecessary, unless for a special occasions. If you must go for a good brand, Prescriptives and Lancome do good powders.

If you are not using powder, try to stay away from powder blushers as they will not glide on as easily. Go instead for a gel, or cream blusher, if this all sounds a bit too youthful, try Clinique they do a great powder/cream formulation in a range of colours. For a more youthful sheen try Nars, The Multiple, a great wind up stick for eyes, lips and cheeks, I love the colour Malibu. Laura Mercier's blusher stick in raisin is a great natural colour for warmer skin tones and Stila do a great range of bright pinks and corals great for all colourings, particularly in the summer. When applying a gel or cream blusher, start with a little on the apples of the cheeks and blend up to the temples but please, do not go for the Aunt Sally look (for those of us who still remember!)