Hannah Pool: I have never been a big fan of foundation. I don't like the way it feels on my skin, and I don't like the idea of it. If you've got something wrong with your skin, surely slicking a layer of paint over the top is not a good idea.

Hannah Pool: The first time that I applied silver eyeshadow, my boyfriend asked me why I'd put talc on my face. Harsh, but then adolescent boys are not known for their subtlety. Needless to say, I was mortified.

Hannah Pool: Given how ridiculously curly my hair is, you'd think curly eyelashes would have been a natural accompaniment. But, alas no. In fact, my lashes couldn't be any straighter. I've tried most curling mascaras on the market, but nothing really seems to work.

A Japanese healing system, Johrei uses a combination of light massage and 'channelling' to flush toxins from the body. It starts with the practitioner sitting opposite you, their hands focusing on, but not touching, areas of tension. After a few minutes, muscles ache, the pain travelling down the body before subsiding. The session ends with a light massage. Most of the treatment is 'hands off', but you'll feel surprisingly tender afterwards. You'll also need the toilet - a good sign, apparently. Johrei, £40 for first session (90 minutes), £35 thereafter. British Johrei Society, 020-7580 1223.

Pat McGrath, winner of the Pantene Pro-V Make-Up Artist Of The Year Award for the past two years, tells Hannah Pool what is the one essential make-up tip she'd give to black women.

Hannah Pool: I've always had a bit of a thing about gold. It does for black skins what bronzer does for white. Just a hint of gold on the face or body, and the wearer's complexion gets an instant warm glow.

Hannah Pool: Dying your hair is more economical than a new outfit when creating a new look.

Hannah Pool: The colder it gets, the angrier my skin seems to become. Over the past couple of weeks my nose and chin have become increasingly oily and yet the rest of my face is like the Sahara.

Hannah Pool goes for a body scrub and skin brushing treatment to fend off the unwelcome effects of winter on her skin.

Hannah Pool: 'Estée Lauder claims that, after a few minutes of the airbrushing, even the most crater-like face can be turned into a flawless complexion.'