Each year I breathe a sigh of relief when the autumn/ winter collections hit the beauty stands. Like the summer wardrobe, the summer make-up bag can be pretty unforgiving. Rightly or otherwise, make-up gives me confidence. Applying my favourite lipstick or mascara can make me feel a few inches taller. To the untrained eye (ie, not mine), I may not look very different, but that is missing the point: I feel better, and that's what counts. That's why, although I love the fresh-faced beauty that goes with summer, I feel a lot calmer when autumn comes along. I can relax, safe in the knowledge that should I be feeling or, God forbid, looking a bit below par, I can reach into my trusty make-up bag (read "suitcase") and make everything all right.

This year is no different. Autumn/ winter 2002 make-up is about looking luscious. The colours are rich and creamy, and the textures velvety. "This autumn isn't about natural, it's about dramatic and luxurious colours - the look is rich and opulent," says the make-up artist Barbara Daly, whose range for Tesco is full of beautiful autumn shades. Forgive me for sounding smug, but this season's look is a definite winner if you are black - and not before time, after the washed-out beauty of prairie chic. The darker your natural lip colour, the darker and richer you can go with your lipstick. If you find dark lipsticks hard to wear, don't worry: this season, lips aren't about a block of solid colour, but achieving a luscious texture by using sheen and gloss to make them more transparent.

Eyes can either be dark and smoky or softer, but not nude. Cheeks should be what Daly calls "semi-matt", with powder in the centre of the face and a slight gleam on the cheeks. Aubergine and mulberry, otherwise known as dark purples, are being touted as the colours of the season, but don't be shy to experiment. As long as it's deep and sumptuous, with a hint of sheen, then anything goes. Bare-faced beauty is officially over. What a relief.