THE secret to perfect makeup is flawless skin. That’s the advice of Lancome’s national elite makeup artist Marc Sinclair.

The pro, who comes from Dumbarton and now travels around the country working on shoots and big events such as the Baftas, was back home in Scotland last week for a visit to Debenhams in Silverburn to give a masterclass to Lancome customers.

While he was there, he took time out to pass on some tips.

Christmas party makeup doesn’t have to be, he says, if you get the basics right.

“I’m here to show how celebrities look as good as they do. That shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s not just for people with money. Everyone should be able to look their best,” he says.

To get our model ready for a party, he started with a Clarisonic sonic cleanser to prep the skin, and then Marc applied toner, Lancome’s award-winning Advanced Genifique serum, moisturiser and primer.

“I buffed on Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation all over the face, avoiding the eye area, then concealer around the eyes to contour and the gorgeous Blush Subtil Palette to add colour, definition and shape to the skin.

“Perfect skin is for everyone. A flawless complexion is timeless and great for any occasion.”

On the eyes, Marc used the Lancome limited edition La Palette 29 Faubourg Saint Honore on the eyes. With three golden tones and three purple tones, it offers the perfect colour choice, whatever your look, as well as two red lip colours.

“I used gold on the lids and purple into the creases, smoked out to elongate the eye,” he explains.

“I then used Sourcils Gel, our waterproof brow gel to add definition to the brows, and some liquid liner to add a flick, finishing with Grandiose mascara for full volume and that false lash effect.”

A slick of nude tinted lip balm in Shine Lover completed the look.

“It’s really easy to do at home but if someone is struggling, that’s what our makeup artists here at Lancome are for: they give lessons and tutorials at every counter,” says Marc.

He says if you are going straight out to a Christmas party from the office, reach for a universal palette – all Lancome’s palettes are paint by numbers, complete with the brushes and tools needed, so they couldn’t be easier to use.