Gary Cockerill is a celebrity make-up artist with more than 25 years’ experience and a long list of clients, including Eva Longoria and Jo Wood.

In his new book, Simply Glamorous, Gary uses his self-taught make-up skills to transform a host of women, including Kelly Brook, Jerry Hall and even members of his own family.

‘I wanted to show that make-up can be fun – and also powerful,’ says Gary. Here, he reveals some of his top tips for women of any age on how to be confident with make-up and experiment to get the best look.

SKIN

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation (£41.50, johnlewis.com)


‘I don’t believe less is more when it comes to choosing make-up as you age,’ says Gary. ‘Our skin becomes sallow, so it’s important to add warmth and colour to your features.

‘Contouring works well because it acts like a mini facelift, enhancing the brows, chin and jaw, and accentuating the cheekbones to give definition.

‘Stick to a cream or liquid foundation and use two different shades. Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation (£41.50, johnlewis.com) works brilliantly – go for one lighter than your natural skin tone and one that’s two shades darker.

Studio 10 Prime & Perfect Refining Powder Silk (£28, marksandspencer.com)
Studio 10 Prime & Perfect Refining Powder Silk (£28, marksandspencer.com)


‘Apply the darker colour where you want to create depth – under the jaw and chin, down the neck, the sides of the nose and in the hollows of the cheeks. Then use the lighter shade on the areas you want to highlight, where light would naturally hit the face – under the eyes, above the cheekbones, below the brow bone and on the forehead.

‘Use a blending brush and setting powder to finish. I often use Studio 10 Prime & Perfect Refining Powder Silk (£28, marksandspencer.com).’

EYES

‘Steer away from frosted or shimmery shades around the eyes as you get older,’ says Gary. ‘These textures draw attention to wrinkles. The aim is to lift the eye area.

‘Full-strip lashes can often look too dramatic, but individual lashes can be used to fill in any gaps and give a youthful look. Eylure Naturalites False Lashes (£13.79, boots.com) are easy to use.’

LIPS

Joan Collins Divine Lips Lipstick in Lady Joan (£18, urban retreat.co.uk)
Joan Collins Divine Lips Lipstick in Lady Joan (£18, urban retreat.co.uk)