Q. What is the best make up to wear for parties? I would like something that will last on my normal to combination skin – bit of a tendency to shiny T-zone - but won’t look too heavy or powdery?

A. We turned to make up artist Jenny Jordan (jennyjordan.com), who we have known, loved and trusted for many years. Jenny is based in north west London – Hampstead way – and her salon is really worth booking in to if you need make up advice; she’s also the go to expert for eyebrows.

Jenny’s advice is to prep first with a primer to create a smooth surface before you apply your foundation.  We swear by using a BeautyBlender classic make-up sponge, which you dip into product (primer, foundation, concealer etc), then dot and bounce on to the skin, and gives miraculously even coverage/£17 boots.com. You use that damp (squeezed out firmly) but alternatively, you can use Sunday Ivy The Purple Rain Blender, which is latex-free, damp for liquid foundations and concealers, or dry for powder blushers etc.. This also promises to absorb much less product than other sponges so you don’t waste foundation. £8 from feel unique.com.

For product, Jenny recommends:

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer/£46.50 at dermalogica.co.uk. This illuminating primer helps smooth fine lines, even out skin texture and cover any imperfections. It comes in a tube with a very fine nozzle so you squeeze out just the amount you need.

Cosmetics à la Carte Rose Dew/£44 at cosmetics a la carte.com/ Their bestselling primer and moisturiser in one product is based on hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic and smells heavenly.

Mii Flawless Face Base/£19.95. In six shades, this is Jenny’s go to day-to-evening base for women in a hurry. Although it’s very light, it covers perfectly, gives a matte finish and stays put, although you can layer on more if you want.

Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Gel Foundation/£68, in 15 shades/ This now legendary, plant-based foundation provides flawless coverage in a featherlight formulation. Light reflecting particles help diminish imperfections and soothing botanicals nourish skin.

Nudebynature Translucent Loose Finishing Powder/£22. This mineral based, natural product came top in its category in our latest Beauty Bible Awards. Our testers loved the slight glow it gave, and commented that far from settling in fine lines it seemed to disguise them.

Mii Cosmetics Illusionist Translucent Powder/£24. Just one version suits all skin types and tones; this looks ‘unbelievably beautiful on skin’, according to Jenny, and is invisible even under the eyes.

PS If you’ve been dashing all day and your skin needs an instant refresh before making up again (or for the first time), we love Emma Hardie Amazing Face Plump & Glow Hydrating Facial Mist/£42 at emmahardie.com. It’s also brilliant to spritz on after you apply foundation if you think it’s looking a bit too matte, powdery or heavy.

Prize Draws