Stella appeal

She hobnobs it with the stars, has a line up of beautiful besties that includes Kate Moss, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, but even Stella can make a first-rate fashion faux pas.

At Glamour magazine’s 2009 Women of the Year awards recently, Stella McCartney took to the stage to accept her award in a pretty purple micro-mini dress, which sent a tremendous tip to ladies world wide: “Ladies, girls, never wear a skirt this short if you accept an award… don’t do it”, she warned.

Apart from its scarily short length, the dress was beautiful and I’m sure you’ll agree that she certainly has the pins to pull it off.

But that’s not all Stella pulls off well. I’ve had a secret appreciation for Stella for some time now and I think it comes down to her effortless beauty. (Yes, some might say lazy and low-maintenance but whatever you call it, it works for me.)

The secret? A perfect base. Complexion perfection is the key to bare-faced beauty but don’t despair if your face is graced with a few imperfections, just find a killer cover up.

Dermalogica Treatment Foundation suits all skins. It’s lightweight enough for beach season and packs a moisturising punch with added vitamin A and E. Be sure to team it with sunscreen for daywear.

Mineral foundation is practically a must for those with problematic skin. Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation Powder is a fabulous four-in-one formula that cares for skin, provides sun protection, gives great coverage and acts as a finishing powder. It’s a busy little base powder! It comes in seven wearable shades that can be mixed for a perfect colour match.

Take a tip from L’Oreal Paris Make-up Director Rae Morris, who suggests that fake tan fans should have two or three different foundation shades in their make-up kits so that they can custom blend their base to suit their new-found glow.

Blemish-prone skin can benefit from Rimmel London Cool Matte Mousse Foundation. With a water-based, soft, soufflé-like formula, this foundation contains purified water to cool skin and prevent shine.

For flawless coverage with the added benefit of sun protection there’s Hissyfit Saving Face. It combines SPF 30+ with natural botanicals like pomegranate and green tea to soothe and protect skin. It can be used on all skin types, including skins that have recently undergone dermabrasion or chemical peels.