As we're firmly in the awards season (post-Golden Globes, pre-Oscars, Baftas tonight), I thought I would give out some of my own. After all, despite all the glamour around at this time of year, if you're a black woman there is seldom much by way of available tips (the odd snap of the delectable Halle Berry aside). So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the New Black Awards 2005.

First up is the award for best newcomer, which goes to Haute Face, now available in Liberty and proving that we still have a lot to learn from the Americans when it comes to offering choice to all consumers, no matter what shade their skin.

Next, the award for best overall make-up range (including the tough category of powders, foundations and concealers) goes to MAC. No surprise there, then. Unfortunately, MAC can't be with us this evening, but send their thanks and would like to point out that, yes, you can provide make-up suitable for black skin and still do other great stuff, too.

The award for best skincare range goes to Dermalogica. It may not be the cheapest, but it does last for ages and, more importantly, the range sorted out my skin after a particularly tricky phase a few months ago.

Best mascara goes to Armani for Starlash, which lengthens and curls lashes so well that there is no need for a fiddly eyelash curler. Armani also scoops the best lip product award for Shine Lipgloss in 6, which proves the genre of gloss still reigns over stick.

Best range for Afro hair goes to Phyto (020-7620 1771) and best non-Afro hair range for Afro hair goes to Bumble and Bumble (01768 895505), with Redken (0800 444880) coming a close second. Best blusher was one of the few categories that had the judges, or rather judge, in a bit of a quandary, because so many are either too chalky or too peachy for her skin. After much deliberation, the award goes to Ruby & Millie Face Gloss (in Wine, from larger Boots stores), with a special mention for Pout's Flush Blush, which, while not a blusher in the old-fashioned sense, brought a lovely colour to the judge's cheeks.