Get the celebrity look
Hallelujah! You don't have to have a megabucks record deal with Simon Cowell to carry off X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's million-dollar style. With a few clever make-up tricks, Alex's amazing girl-next-door-turned-disco-diva looks can be turned down for daytime or vamped up to the max for evening.
'Women with darker skins tend to have quite a few different tones across their faces,' says top make-up artist Paola Recabarren (www.paolarecabarren.com). 'For example, your cheeks will be a slightly different colour to your chin and forehead. Find a foundation that will lightly cover all areas, without making one area too light - and don't forget to try it out in daylight before you buy.' Paola recommends MAC Moistureblend (£20; www.maccosmetics.co.uk).
Another tip? 'Blot the T-zone with a little powder,' Paola advises. BeneFit Bluff Dust (£17.50; www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk) is a fabulous yellow-based correcting powder that's always flexible, whatever your skin tone. 'But try not to powder the cheeks,' Paola warns. 'The dewy look is far more natural and youthful-looking.'
Paola continues: 'Apply a little cream or powder shadow to the eyelids. Opt for warmer colours: a stark white will emphasise your eyes, but doesn't always give off a natural, elegant effect. Brush your eyebrows with clear mascara to keep them in shape.
'If you have a heart-shaped face like Alexandra's, use some matt bronzer on the outsides of your forehead, and a little on the sides of your cheeks. Then compliment that with a nice rosy blusher on the apples of your cheeks.'
And for lips? 'Use a pretty clear gloss, or - my favourite trick - mix your favourite lipstick colour with clear gloss to give a natural tint. You can choose the brightest shades: once diluted, they appear as delicious hints of colour.'
