All made up

IF experimenting with make-up leaves you looking more like Coco the Clown than Coco Chanel, you are in good company.

I have lost count of the wasted hours spent in my bathroom trying to create a glamorous new look, only to end up with a face that looks like it's gone the distance with Lennox Lewis.

So, I've learned to play it safe. I use a light, skin-matching foundation, a touch of black mascara, a stroke of bronzer on the cheek and a pale lipgloss. It gives a natural finish, but an unadventurous one - I look the same every day, even on a night out.

How I'd love a pair of smoky eyes, or lashes that curl up to my eyebrows. I'd settle for some sculpted cheeks or a perfect pout, but years of make-up mayhem has left my cosmetics confidence in tatters.

So I decided to learn some tricks of the trade.

First up, I booked a make-up lesson with the acclaimed Trish McEvoy team at Harvey Nichols in Leeds. Then I watched a how-to-do DVD from make-up artist to the stars Jane Bradley, who works with the likes of Kate Moss and Madonna.

Here's how I got on...

Lesson one...

Tutor: Turkan Gee at Trish McEvoy, Harvey Nichols, Leeds

Philosophy: US make-up guru Trish personally trains all her make-up artists. She believes beauty is about "options, ease and education and the best face to show the world is the one you were born with". Trish says women fall into three categories, from level one (minimal make-up) to level three (fully made-up), and that everyone can make more of their looks without leaving their comfort zone.

Method: Trish calls it the Half-Face Technique', where the consultant does one side of your face and you do the other. What's great about this is you are more likely to remember the techniques when you come to re-do them at home.

Best tips: There were so many. Apply your eye make-up first to stop debris such as mascara or loose eye shadow spoiling your foundation. Instead of eyeliner, use a small, flat-edged brush to apply eye-shadow along the eye line, getting as close to the lashes as possible. Curl your lashes before adding mascara to create more lift. For a more radiant look, double blush: use a bronzer on the cheek first, then add some blusher to the apple of your cheek.

Result: Wow. Even though we agreed I was a level one', Turkan showed me how to use a lot more make-up to create a natural and pretty look. My skin looked glowing and I looked years younger. I particularly appreciated being shown how to apply eye-shadow, something I'd steered clear of after many, many disasters. But Turkan made it seem so easy, the trick being to pick subtle colours and blend well. I realised that having certain tools, such as good eye and blush brushes were vital to getting the perfect look.

Verdict: Thoroughly recommended. I felt I'd cracked the mysteries of make-up and left armed with lots of new ideas and tricks to try at home. Also, because I'd had a go myself under Turkan's watchful eye, I was confident I could keep up the good work by myself.

DIY: The Half-Face Technique' lesson lasts about half an hour and is free. To book, contact the Trish McEvoy counter at Harvey Nichols, Leeds, on 01132 349550.

Lesson two...

Tutor: Jane Bradley, celebrity make-up artist, who has brought out a two-hour DVD, Lips To Lashes, offering a guide to all your makeup essentials, from what cosmetics to keep in your bag to what to do with them.

Philosophy: Jane says women spend millions of pounds each year on makeup, but rarely get shown how to apply it. This is why she has made the DVD. She believes "everybody has something beautiful about them."

Method: The DVD is split into chapters, showing you how to create the perfect pout, as well as various different looks for eyes, including perfect lashes, a summer pastel look and dramatic smoky eyes. It also has chapters on colour, where Jane works in turn on a brunette, blonde, and redhead, so there is good advice for many women. Also, because it is a DVD, you can place a mirror and your makeup next to the telly and work alongside Jane, pausing the DVD so you copy her methods on yourself.

Best tips: The DVD is full of really useful tips, such as always put on your foundation before your concealer (which should always be lighter than your foundation).

Use a cream blusher and buff it into the cheek with your fingers before adding a second layer of colour with a powder blush.

Always do your eyes before your lips and follow the rule: strong eyes, soft lips and vice versa.

If you want to update an office look for the evening, apply perfect red lipstick.

Keep pencils sharp for a cleaner look. After curling lashes, use one coat of waterproof mascara to prevent them losing their curl (think of your hair; you wouldn't curl your hair then add water).

Also apply a second coat of mascara while the first is still wet - it's easier to get a good build up that way.

Use a lip-liner all over your lip first, it will help your lipstick or lipgloss stay on longer and prevent bleeding'.

Result: The DVD is packed with tips and techniques that are easy to follow. Some of the more dramatic eye looks will require a bit of practising, but the beauty of the DVD is that you can refer to it as and when you need reminding.

Verdict: Truly a girl's best friend. Demystifies makeup and inspires you with confidence to have a go.

DIY: Lips To Lashes, Make-Up With Jane Bradley. Price: £17.99 and available from ww.lipstolashesmakeup.com or by calling 08707 20 30 30.