The thing about glasses is, they draw attention to your face. Particularly if you’re fond of bold frames, like me. I often get compliments on my glasses, which is lovely, but reminds me that people look at my face. A lot. And so I’m conscious of making it look as good as possible – starting with skin.

I’ve been fanatical about skincare since my teens, when a bout of acne left me miserable (and scarred). Good skin starts with cleansing but this is about makeup, so today’s ‘class’ is all about creating that perfect face.

Even though my skin is relatively clear these days, I still prefer full coverage foundation. Even after all this time (we’re talking 10 years since my last acne outbreak – thank you forevs, contraceptive pill) I’m still self-conscious about my skin and dark under-eye shadows. So, every day I use:

• Primer – essential for providing a smooth base for foundation, controlling shine and helping makeup stay in place all day. I use Benefit’s The Porefessional. 
• Foundation – for evening skin tone, covering scars and blemishes and filling open pores. I use Estée Lauder Double Wear in Ecru, applied with a Real Techniques Foundation Brush for a flawless finish.
• Concealer – to make dark circles, blemishes, scars and redness disappear (or thereabouts). I use Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Bisque followed by Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Ivory under my eyes, using a brush to apply and my fingers to pat into place. Around my nose and on my chin, I use Rimmel’s Hide the Blemish in Ivory.
• Powder – for oily skins like mine, setting powder is a must to stop makeup sliding down your face by 11.30am. I use Mac’s Mineralize Skin Finish Powder in Medium, applied with a Real Techniques Powder Brush and topped up whenever I’m looking slightly shiny. 
• Blusher – the final frontier in my quest for flawless, radiant skin is a bright cream blusher. I find cream formulas look much more fresh and natural than powders and last longer. I use Topshop’s Cream Blush in Neon Rose. 

Necklace, H&M | Dress, ASOS | I curled my hair using a Remington Wand

What are your tips and tricks for stunning skin?

Autumn is my favourite season for many reasons – golden leaves, chilly evenings that require a roaring fire, no more gradual tanning, chunky knits, no need for strapless bras… I could go on and on.

One thing I particularly love about autumn, however – and you’ll have to just deal with the complete and utter vanity of this next statement – is full coverage makeup. Yes!

I’ve never been able to achieve the soft, dewy look that’s so popular during summer. I love concealer and powder and lipstick – all things that can look heavy and harsh on warm, bright days… not to mention end up halfway down your face under the glare of the sun. So autumn, with its darker skies and crisp temperatures, is perfect for a full face of slap. Applied carefully, of course.

I’m wearing: Benefit Porefessional Primer | Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 02 | Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque | Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Light | Rimmel Hide the Blemish in Ivory | Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Powder | Topshop Cream Blush in Neon Rose | Black kohl liner | Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow in Pistol | Benefit They’re Real Mascara | Benefit Brow Pencil in Medium | Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in 01

This is my typical everyday makeup look during the colder months. I swap my lighter summer foundation (this year I loved YSL’s Touche Eclait Foundation) for my beloved Double Wear – I’ve been using it for years and nothing beats it for full coverage and wear. I also build up my eye makeup – I love kohl liner because it’s so easy to swipe and smudge. Finally, I swap summer’s bright pink lips for deeper red shades – the Kate Moss for Rimmel lipsticks are amazing and I love the matte finishes.

Uniqlo jumper | Somerset by Alice Temperley scarf c/o John Lewis

A few slight tweaks to my daily routine mean my makeup is suited to the season – darker shades, heavier eyes and fuller coverage look great when worn with woolly winter coats and wrap-around scarves. I also tend to go for darker hair at this time of year – naturally I’m a very light blonde, but I love being a (pretend) brunette!

Do you swap your makeup for the seasons? Which products do you save for autumn/winter?