THE owner of Pop Make-Up is about to go on tour with Scots singer songwriter Amy MacDonald when I call to book an appointment.

Long established make-up artist Ainslie Currie launched the salon last year as a pop-up but business has been so good it's to be a permanent fixture on Kilmarnock Road and there are now plans to expand with guided tutorials.

I'm hoping Ainslie's staff can re-create  Amy's signature smoke-eyed look on me.

Glasgow Times:

While I'm partial to the odd fancy blow dry for nights out, I've never had my make-up done professionally. Partly due to fear over the end result (I was the victim of a terrible photographic make-over in Glasgow as a student) and partly because it seems a bit over- indulgent.

However, I'm aware of Ainslie's work on fashion shoots for our sister titles, The Herald and the Sunday Herald and pretty sure I'm in safe hands.

My make-up artist, Allana, says customers are often surprised by how little make-up she wears herself in the salon but she thinks it also reassures them that she won't go OTT on the application (if that's not the desired result).

She tells me that a lot of young women are now treating make-overs like an essential part of weekend nights out.

I've arrived at the bright, first floor salon completely bare-faced but Allana says it's actually better that clients arrive with some make-up on so she can get an idea what kind of looks they like.

I like to play up my eyes more than my lips so I've asked Allana to give me something dramatic for a glamourous event that night and make my skin glow.

She asks me what I'm wearing and incorporates a purple shadow into my smokey eye to match my dress with false lashes added for added impact.

Glasgow Times:

Allana checks every step to make sure I'm happy so there is no need to fear the final result.

The make-up artists don't favour one brand, Allana says, just their favourite tried-and-tested products so high street brands are intermingled with luxury items.

I'm delighted with the end result and have picked up some brilliant tips along the way.

Glasgow Times:

A fabulous five stars.

Pop Make-Up Bar, 1st Floor, 26 Kilmarnock Road. Make-up starts at £35.

Phone 07775 665785 for appointments