I think there comes a time in most ladies life when their nearest and dearest looks at them, sighs (in love) and says, "You look so beautiful without make up".  Naturally this comes as a bit of a shock.  If wearing no make up brings this kind of result, what on earth have we been doing all these years?  And what about all the money we have spent in the pursuit of looking like the goddess of phenomenal beauty and goodness?  And the squillions of cash the beauty industry spends each year to help us spend more?  Is it truly all in vain?

No it is not.  I (very stupidly) believed my dearly beloved and went for about half a day without make up believing I really was gorgeous, that my skin still had a dewy glow and my natural good looks just shone out.  Some time in the afternoon I caught my reflection in a shop window and I was appalled.  I looked absolutely dreadful and I ran back to the shrine I call a make up bag and slapped huge amounts on, swearing never to be so daft ever again.  So how come the beloved got it wrong?  Simple.  He was in love which is very lovely but there is very little common sense involved.

Lets face it, the chances are, when you met your darling partner, that you were wearing at least a little make up right through to the full works complete with your killer heels and you looked great!  If, when you had met for the first time, and you were wearing no make up, the chances are, he would never have even noticed you!  Or would have thought "yes, she's very nice but a bit plain" or "who?".  Secondly, your regular straight chap is not a stylist.  If you asked your dearest for advice on what to wear, the chances are you will look like an old hooker (note, this is why it's also a good idea never to ask him if you look fat, or if your behind looks big, etc.  They just don't know).  Please don't get me wrong, I love men to pieces - I think they're great.  But they are not beauty experts.  They watch football and kick car tyres and mend taps and stuff like that.  Don't try to make him cross the line.

Having said all that, looking natural is great but, sadly, it still takes time and work so here's a quick refresher on how to look as fresh as a spring morning.

Primers
A couple of years ago there was a lot of noise about primers.  This is a product that goes on under the foundation and is meant to work a bit like plaster ie, smooth out lumps, bumps, enlarged pores and any other imperfections so the foundation will go on smoother, last longer and you look better than ever.  I tried Laura Mercier's but to be honest, didn't find it made that much difference.  However, in defence of Laura Mercier, she does make fabulous products in general. I'd suggest you try it if you want - you never know, it may be great!  And let me know how you get on - I always want to know! 

Concealer
Unless you're about twelve, the chances are your skin is not as great as it once used to be.  It starts to do strange things, get blotches, broken veins, spots (save me!), and bags under the eyes.  But all is forgiven and forgotten with a swipe of a good concealer.  A girlfriend of mine had terrible dark patches under her eyes and she uses Yardley which is hardly a glamour product but believe me, it worked!  She would enter the bathroom looking as though she had a chronic sleep deprivation situation and emerge like an angel.  It was a modern day miracle.

Foundation
This is where we really get down to the hard core, make or break product.  It is amazing how many women are wearing a foundation that is simply the wrong colour.  Or they are wearing the same colour for winter and summer.  Or have that "tide mark" along the jaw line "here is my skin and here is my orange make up ".  Why?  For goodness sake, just double check and ask your best friend (not your partner - see above) or nip into the beauty section in your local department store, scan the room and pick out an assistant who looks great (and not too young - you need wisdom) and ask, "Does my foundation look okay?" If they can see it, you're in trouble and you need to change your product.  Things to bear in mind when buying a foundation are your skin colour, are you tanned or pale (and I'm sure very interesting), your skin type: there's no point buying anything for oily skin if you have dry skin.  Also check for SPFs (sun protection factor). There is a lot of press about this and it all makes sense. The skin on your face is fragile and will age so fast so please do protect it - you will thank me forever as you get older.  And finally, as much as I love the beauty assistants, they can mistakes. If you think what they're telling you isn't right, stick to your guns and just don't buy. At the end of the day, they want your money.

Powder
I have the driest skin going so I avoid powder like the plague as it just dries my skin and I just look dusty.  However, if you have oily skin, powder is a blessing.  But still, go light - you don't want to look like your great-great aunt.  And just use on the oily areas, usually the good old T zone.

Blush
Blusher is just a wonderful product.  It's the difference of looking like you've either spent your entire life working in a library to a glowy "I've just milked my cows on the hills" look.  Again, bear in mind the season and your skin type.  My favourite for a natural glow is Benefit's "Benetint" which is a liquid and you just need a couple of drops to look as though you have the vitality of a 16 year old (those were the days!).  There are also creams and powders.  And there are about a million to choose from and I'm not going to start banging on about them here - this is just the basics.  But believe me, there are some of the prettiest colours coming out right now! 

And this is pretty much The Basics. From here on in my dear reader, you're onto all the exciting colours and looks. If you haven't changed the style of your make up for about a year - you really need to.  Life is just too short and fabulous to go around in a rut.  And if you're stuck for colours or you fancy a change, go check out your favourite magazine and see what's going on in there.  Or (my favourite for a rainy afternoon) go to the beauty part of your local department store and have a makeover.  Are you feeling uber-glam (Dior) or elegant (Bobbi Brown) or fun-time (Benefit)? Find them and go love it!

Final Word
You are now looking fabulous which is "oh so very nice".  And now, just add a good slap of confidence and you're away!   

Be gorgeous and happy!