1 A splotch of mascara falls off the wand onto your newly made-up face.
Dab the end of a Q-tip into some foundation. Making sure not to drag the skin, pat the tip onto the stain with a light, twisting motion. Repeat if necessary, using the other end. Dust over the area with translucent powder.

2 You've sneezed before your mascara is dry! Now you look like a raccoon.
Follow the same procedure as above but this time you'll need to re-apply your eyeshadow over the newly applied foundation. Be careful not to apply too much or else it will 'cake'.

3 Smudged lip liner/lipstick.
If the smudge is really obvious, you'll need to use a cleanser or makeup remover to erase the damage. For precision, use a Q-tip rather than a cotton ball - and above all avoid rubbing! Re-apply foundation to the area in question, dust with powder, then re-apply lipstick.

4. Your eyeshadow has become all creased and caked.
Remove the thick lines of shadow with a Q-tip. Dust eyelid with translucent powder before re-applying your shadow. To avoid this in future, apply small dots of foundation on the entire eye area and dust with translucent powder before applying eye color. Lids tend to cake and crease when the skin is too moist or oily.

Try this look when you don't have time but have to look good  

The five-minute face

When you haven't got time to spare, try this quick routine for evening sophistication. The key is to choose simple looks, applied with a minimum of fuss when you're racing the clock... in other words, simple steps to a sexy took!

Five minutes to go…

The all-in-one foundation powder formulations give your skin the medium coverage it needs for this look in half the time.

Four minutes to go…

Cream eye shadow applied straight from the stick is quick and easy to apply. Opt for a brown shade as it'll bring out the colour of your eyes and give them a sexy, sultry finish. Slick it over your entire eyelid.

Three and a half minutes to go...

A swift way to blend in your eye shadow is to brush over the top with translucent loose powder. This will tone down the colour and blend away any harsh edges.

Two and a half minutes to go...

Apply a coat of mascara to your lashes, taking care to colour your lower lashes as well as your upper ones. Use the tip of the mascara wand to coat the lower lashes.

One and a half minutes to go...

A warm berry red blusher will give your skin a fabulous flush. Apply it with a blusher brush, sweeping it from your cheeks up towards your eyes.

Thirty seconds to go...

Choose a berry shade of lipstick to instant bold colour to your lips, sweep it straight on. Cover your lower lip first then press your lips together to transfer some of the colour onto your upper lip.