My 10 Step Make-Up Routine

I've wanted to do this post for a long time. Today I will be going through my full make-up routine for special occasions and nights out, and showing you my favourite products. Now, full disclosure, I know nothing about beauty. I have my favourite products. I read the instructions on how to use them. Some days I wear make-up and some days I don't. I in no way consider myself a beauty fan. But I'll do my best.

See above, me fresh out the shower. Let's do this.

1.  I'm not big on skincare products. There are too many, and they all make ridiculous claims that they can't live up to. So I just use Simple Light Moisturiser every day. I prefer the one without SPF (naughty), because it doesn't irritate my eyes.

2. Porefessional is great because it really blurs the pores on your face. Can you tell I don't really know what I'm talking about yet? Anyway, the nice lady in Debenhams told me to use it on my T-zone, and it really does work, especially on my nose and forehead.

3. Not being a fan of a liquid foundation, and needing more coverage than a powder, I turned to Dream Matte Mousse, and it has served me well since I was about 16. I apply it with a make-up sponge for an even coverage.

4. This is a relatively new addition to my make-up bag. Those of you who know me know that I don't sleep well. This has led me on a quest to find the perfect under-eye concealer. This BB formula rolls on under the eye, lasts well, and makes me look less of a bag lady. Right on.

5. Blush is blush, in my opinion. I am pale and I need something with staying power, and for £2 a pot, this does a bloody good job. The brush is from Wilkos. It cost £3 and is the best blush brush I've ever owned. Don't be fooled by labels kids.

6. Let's talk brows. I got a lot of stick for mine as a kid, before Cara came along and made bushy brows cooler than Charlie Simpson ever could. But we could all use a little help, so I use Soap and Glory's Archery brow pencil, which also has a brush on the other end. And, of course, my trusty tweezers.

7. Another new addition, purchased on the recommendation of a friend. I'm a bit of a shadow fiend. I buy a lot of big beautiful palettes with lots of gorgeous colours, but I wanted one I could keep in my make-up bag in case of last minute plans (we are spontaneous people). This one goes on effortlessly and lasts really well.

8. All liquid eyeliner is created equal. Of course, you may have your preferences when it comes to application, but at this point, I've developed a steady enough hand to deal with the swish-and-flick style applicator that this comes with. And, again, it's less that 2 quid.

9. For daytime make-up, I always use Natural Collection Lash Definition. But for nights out, I wear They're Real on the top lashes for a little extra drama, and Lash Definition on the bottom lashes, as it has a smaller brush and doesn't clump as easily.

10. An obvious choice, but it's not a cult classic for nothing. This is my first Mac lipstick, and it probably won't be my last. I bought this one for my birthday in November. It's perfect for both day and night, stays on like a dream and makes me sound cool - "Oh, my lipstick? It's Mac, darling."

So that's how I transform little old me into Queen of the Night. If a beauty novice like me can do it, anyone can. Now, where's my advantage card...