For me, make-up has always been about theatrics. We can either use it to accentuate our best features, design it over our skin as a type of ‘war paint’ (as my granddad used to jibe) or not wear it at all. Even though, I’m obsessed with cosmetics, it is more of a luxury than ever now I‘m a parent. Mostly because the pull of playing peek-a-boo with my daughter rather than practice using the latest mascara fad is beyond my control. I’ve had to find ways to feed my fetish which are simple, fast and effective.

To do this I decided to invest some time in shopping around. I strongly believe that women are still preyed upon by cosmetic companies. I’ve only just managed to wean myself off a ten year habit of reading glossy magazines. All of them profess to know exactly what is best for us but I was rudely awakened after watching the BBC One Life documentary about Glamour magazine. I felt so stupid watching a group of airheads assemble the swag the manufacturers sent to the office and them idly writing about it. That is definitely not research, all they really knew was how to fill column inches about celebs ‘rocking’ which look. Burn them (the magazines, not the airheads).

However, as much as it goes against all rational thought, I still get a real thrill from making myself up. There’s the dilemma. Now when I go out to purchase cosmetics, I make a point of having a list of items I need and almost writing a script to act out with sales assistants. I’m not so much intimated by these people but easily lured into their world of sweet pampering. I swear they spray you with a mind-altering drug not perfume when you approach the counter. Believe me, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount on cosmetics. These days, with a squillion product reviews to be found on the internet by real people, there’s no excuse really.

Despite the vast amount of products I have tried and tested personally there are staples which never go out of style. These are the ones that I use the most to transform myself from drab to fab in under 10 minutes. Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation is just about the best foundation I have ever used. Goes on like a powder, covers like a fluid, it’s easy and quick to use. In fact, MAC are just about the most consistently innovative, ‘value for money’ beauty company out there in my view. Their Paint Pots are a reliable substitute for eye shadow, smoothing on like a cream but then staying tacky and vibrant for hours. Last product from MAC (I promise) probably the best blusher brush I have ever used, #168, an investment into whatever look that takes your fancy. Grab one of the dreamy shades of Powder Blush to go with and then GET OUT before you buy the whole shop. Look no further than Maybelline’s Great Lash for a mascara that doesn’t smudge, applies smoothly and only costs a fiver! After applying that lot, I’m left with 30 seconds to slap on a tinted lip salve or lip gloss (usually one handed while pushing the buggy out my door).

What are the products your swear by that make you feel you could dazzle the world? Why not share with everyone in the comments section below?