Ever wish you could rummage through a make-up artist's tool kit? Emily Taylor persuades Lancôme's national expert to spill his secrets.

The expert: Michael Brown, national make-up expert, Lancôme

All-time favourite product: "Concealer. I think this product is what most of us use as it makes the most difference on the face. It hides redness or blemishes, brightens the eye area and evens skin tone – who wouldn't use it!

The best skincare advice he was ever given: "To use good quality skin care. My mum told me that, as your skin is what everyone sees everyday."

His top 3 beauty tips:

1. "When applying eyeshadow, use dabbing movements with the eyshadow brush, rather than sweeping, as this prevents the shadow from falling onto the cheekbone leaving a messy look.
2. "Try to exfoliate at least once a week. This not only gives your skin a brighter, smoother look, but makes foundation glide on more easily and makes it last longer throughout the day."
3. "With mascara, make sure you apply the majority of the product to the base of the lash, this creates a fuller look to your lashes and prevents them being weighed down which can prevent a nice curl."

Don't leave home without: "Blending! And this goes for all make-up products, but mainly foundations and eyeshadows. These areas need to look fresh and natural, and you should never look like you have purposely applied these products to the skin, rather they should create a soft enhancement."

Read the secrets of nine top beauty pros in the August issue of marie claire.

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