While the 1980s may have periodic fashion revivals, these do not apply to makeup, she says. The pink lips and blue eye shadow to the brow bone you see on a Barbie was never a good look on the Irish complexion. A subtler look is the way forward.

"For eye colours, try to use contrasting eye shades on your lids to bring out the colour of your eyes. For blue eyes, gold is lovely, or purple. For brown or green eyes purple is good too." Eyeliner is a popular choice, but overuse of black liner is another of Katie's pet hates.

"A lot of Irish girls use black liner, but you can use other colours too. If you're not comfortable with liquid liner, you can use eye shadow applied with an angled brush as eyeliner."

However, it's no good having the colour if all people can look at are bushy eyebrows!

"Eyebrows are a big thing. If you can't do them yourself, get them professionally done because it will make a huge overall difference to your face."

Just as eyes have moved on from the 1980s, so too have lips.

"Always try to keep your blush and lip colour in tone. If you're using a pinky blush, use a pinky lipstick. The day of matching colours with your outfit is gone. You should tone it to match your colouring. There are no rights or wrongs, but clashing colours are not good, unless it's a particular look you're going for."

And finally – the golden rule. "Less is more. Build your makeup up gradually and it'll last longer for you," says Katie.

The Katie Power School of Makeup Artistry has just opened new premises at 39B Briar Hill Business Park and runs a range of professional makeup and nail artistry classes. For further information, phone 087-1214678.

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