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Are you frustrated because no matter how carefully you apply your make-up, your skin doesn't look like Scarlet Johanssen's or Nicole Kidman's? The truth is, if you could see your favourite movie stars or models made up for a photo shoot, you'd be shocked at how obvious their make-up was. Their makeup has to be exaggerated because the strong floodlights wash out the detail, leaving you with the impression of a flawless skin.

In fact, most artificial light - that is, any light that's not natural sunlight - can play tricks on your eyesight and make your make-up look more subtle than it really is. Some fluorescent lighting does a good imitation of daylight, but apply your blusher to give you soft rosy cheeks under halogens in your bathroom, and you'll look like Coco the Clown when you meet your friends for brunch at the open-air cafe. Those who saw Bridget Jones 2 may remember the consequence of her applying blush in semi-darkness in a taxi...

So no matter what make-up you use, always apply it in a good light. If you can't actually apply it to your face in daylight, take a mirror and check the result in the sun before you walk out the door. You will save yourself all kinds of embarrassment!

Foundation can also look disastrous if applied in poor light. A foundation that seems to cover your blemishes flawlessly in your vanity mirror, may look thickly caked in natural light.

The promises made by cosmetic houses to conceal or improve your skin problems are often based on the way models use the product under heavy lights, so don't expect cosmetics to work miracles for you. With most make-up, especially when you're starting out, less is more. There's no point in plastering foundation or concealer over a zit, for instance. If it's too thick it will start flaking, which will only draw attention to the spot even more!

For all skin types, always apply moisturizer and wait 5-10 minutes before applying foundation - it will stay on much better. If you can afford it, primers really do improve the smoothness of your foundation and help it last longer.

If you have oily skin, finish your make-up with an oil blotting powder (pressed or loose) in a translucent shade. If it makes you look like a ghost, dampen a cotton wool pad and press (don't wipe) all over your face - it will get rid of the white appearance without spoiling the absorbent effect of the powder.

Keep a look out at your local department store for free make-up lessons offered by the big cosmetic companies. Some make a charge, but the fee is usually refundable if you buy something - so book at a time when you need a new beauty product anyway, and you won't waste money. You can learn a lot from the cosmetic counters - but do look at the consultant's own face before you decide whether to take her tips as gospel. If she looks overly made up herself, how can you expect her to give good advice?

On balance, it can be best to go for inexpensive supermarket and drug store cosmetics while you're learning, because you can afford to discard them if you make a mistake! These days the formulations are often just as good as (and even made in the same plant as) the expensive brands, so they're not going to damage your skin. Be adventurous, and enjoy learning what suits you!

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