Do you want professional looking make-up? Follow our simple steps to a glamorous new look. Avoid major make-up disasters such as ending up looking like you have been out too long in the sun when what you were trying to achieve was a healthy golden glow.

Creating professional results at home aren't easy to achieve, particularly if you're trying out new a new style for the first time. But for using the basic techniques there is nothing like practice makes perfect.

Following the latest fashion ideas is not always the best policy, instead try experimenting with colours and application methods until you find a style which suits you and not someone else!  Make-up should reflect not only your personality but also your clothes and moods.

Following the latest trends is not always advisable. Make-up should reflect not only someone's personality and mood, but also their lifestyle and wardrobe."

Here are some basic tips for creating a perfect look every time.

First Steps - How to apply foundation

First and most important, make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturise the skin thoroughly before applying your foundation.  When applying foundation it should be smooth, even and blended well into the hairline and neck.

Gradually build up the foundation applying thin layers until you are satisfied, ensure you cover dark areas under and around your eyes.  For the nose area use a slightly lighter shade of foundation.

Work around the face working in towards the T-zone. This part of your face might require a little more coverage than the rest, so leave this area until the end and then use more foundation if required. If the foundation appears a bit thick or streaky in places add a little dab of moisturiser and blend it in again with the foundation.

For a totally natural look you should aim for a perfect and invisible blend with your jaw line and neck and around the hairline

Next - Apply blusher

Use blusher to create a ‘healthy glow’, again the secret to success is to in the blending, the more subtle the blending the better it looks. For best results always use a blusher brush, the pigment is just not suited to any other tool.

The area on your cheek that you should aim to apply the blusher to is the area that stands out when you smile.  So for best results smile broadly at yourself in the mirror and try to apply the blusher symmetrically to both sides.

Then, from just below the middle of your eye, blend any excess blusher outwards towards your ear. If using a brush remember to dust off the excess before starting the  blending or you will end up with too much pigment in one place.  With your clean brush, blend in the blusher with circular movements until the edge of the applied colour is not visible.

For a super finishing touch apply a little translucent powder over the whole to reduce strong colour or to complete the blending.

Finish - With pencil liner

For the eyes a soft pencil is the best way to enlarge the eye area and create a dramatic effect.  Before applying a pencil eyeliner, stretch the eyes to smooth out any lines that would stop you creating a smooth line. However if you do have a wobble it can easily be blended out later.  For best results use a sponge blender to smudge the liner out towards the edge of the eyes.

To reduce the appearance of larger eyes you could apply the liner to the rims of both the top and bottom lids, this can also create an ultra sultry look

To complete the look think about lipstick or lip gloss but take care, this can ruin the look if not done well.   Always use a lip brush as this limits the amount of lipstick you can apply and makes the result last much longer.  Use a pencil that matches your lipstick for a perfect day look.

Do not make the mistake of rubbing your lips together after applying the colour as this will ruin the effect and blot the inside of your lips with a tissue after applying the lipstick to stop it marking your teeth.

For a stunning evening effect, lip gloss will make the colour more exaggerated so use it when you want lips to look bigger and use a darker pencil liner and blend carefully for a total look.