Beauty Blunders

A tide mark the Thames Estuary would be proud of? Cheekbones that look more like go-faster stripes than rose blooms? Barbara Daly, make-up artist to the late Princess of Wales and top beauty consultant, has some tips on correcting the most common beauty disasters Cakey or too-dark foundation Spider-legs mascara Creased eyeshadow Overplucked eyebrows Go-faster blusher Squeezing the bejesus out of a spot Manky nails Overdone or streaky self-tan

Cakey or too-dark foundation
Fix it: 'Remove rather than add colour,' advises Barbara Daly. 'If colour is unevenly blended, don't add more and attempt to rub in - remove with a tissue, working from the jaw and hairline outwards with a sweeping motion. You'd naturally have more colour in your cheeks anyway, and you don't want to be blending down into your collar. Don't worry about the area around your eyes, as you'd naturally be wearing more make-up here, too.'

Spider-legs mascara
Fix it: 'DON'T wet the lashes in the hope of just removing your mascara - it will just clog up,' says Barbara. 'Similarly, don't apply more. Comb through dry lashes with an eyelash comb to remove dry product. (Dust translucent powder lightly over the cheeks to pick up any mascara flecks). Apply one coat of mascara carefully and check - you may only need one application. Concentrate on the outer lashes to open up the eyes further.'

Creased eyeshadow
Fix it: 'The key to applying eyeshadow is to apply translucent powder UNDER a powder shadow or OVER a cream-based one,' says Barbara. 'Wrap your index finger in a tissue and gently remove any residue. Then apply a SMALL amount of fresh colour, remembering the powder rule. Use a smaller eyeshadow brush with a teeny amount of powder - you can always add more.'

Overplucked eyebrows
Fix it:'Choose an eyebrow pencil as close to your brow colour as possible and lightly pencil in, following your natural line,' advises Barbara. 'Then go over with an old toothbrush to soften the line and make it appear more natural.'