I’m a girl who loves her make-up. Lotions and potions of all kinds find their way to my dresser, and I love my grown up toys. And why shouldn’t I?

For one, make up makes me feel good, happy, sexy. While I agree that the best make-up is a fresh face, good skin and a bright smile, what girl doesn’t like a little bit of mascara and a dash of lip gloss.

I’ve read many a magazine and book on the art of applying good make-up. But trial, error (more error than trial) and experience has taught me that no one make-up experience is quite like the other. And its really all about knowing your skin and being able to experiement. Here are some make-up mantras I live by:

1. Enjoy your make-up.
2. Try something new if you have the time. You can always wash it off if it doesn’t work out.
3. Experiment with new colours and shades.
4. No matter what they say, men love red lipstick.
5. Cold cream makes a great make-up remover - the creamier the better.
6. Rose water makes your face feel wonderful.
7. Wash your face a lot.
8. Brown and natural shade eye pencils work as lip liners and vice versa.
9. Make-up has a shelf life. Don’t use old stuff.
10. Love your skin. You’re going to have to live in it for the rest of your life.
11. Pamper yourself every weekend. It’s lovely and it’s addictive.
12. Buy yourself a set of good make-up brushes. Looks good on the dresser and feels lovely on the face.
13. What works on someone elses face needn’t necessarily work on yours. (I’ve learned this the hard way)
14. Make-up should be low maintenance. shouldn’t have to keep touching up. That’s a bother.
15. Enjoy your make-up. (I know this is a repeat, but really... enjoy it and don’t take make-up too seriously)