COSMETICS consultant Nicola King can create miracles when people come to her for a makeover.

Nicola, a consultant for Boots, in Cornmarket Street, Oxford, does about five makeovers a week for women who want a new look or just need a little guidance with foundation or eyeshadow.

I paid her a visit for a makeover to try out the products.

I arrived looking rather bedraggled (well, it had been raining) and my rushed attempt at applying make-up was hardly flawless.

In fact, I needed a complete revamp.

Nicola, who is a finalist in a national Consultant of the Year competition, already had her make-up perfectly applied so I felt more comfortable knowing she was capable of doing a good job.

Like most women, I love make-up but I'm hardly a professional. First of all, Nicola explained about the four main skin types and decided I was in the normal to combination skin category.

This helped her choose which moisturiser and toner to use on my skin and away we went on creating my new look.

She started by removing my old make-up and used a toner afterwards which left my face feeling extremely refreshed, before moisturising.

I'm the first to admit I haven't a clue how to apply or choose the right foundation so Nicola showed me how to test samples on my jawline until the right colour blended in without her needing to rub it.

Translucent powder was then applied after blemish concealer (you know how it is - you are told you have to be photographed for the Oxford Mail and, of course, that's when your skin decides to break out in spots. Typical).

She then applied blusher, lipstick and lip liner which was fine, but I have never worn eye shadow before, so I was a little apprehensive but pleasantly surprised by the effect.

The final result was pretty amazing. I felt really confident walking down the street and would recommend a makeover to anyone who needs perking up. There has never been a better time than now to have make-up done by Nicola or one of the other consultants because No7 has launched some new products and new packaging.

To celebrate the launch, there will be a No7 skincare promotion which starts on Wednesday March 18 and lasts for four weeks.

There will be a beauty event on the day of the launch between 3pm and 6pm with special offers, a prize draw, makeovers and demonstrations.

Nicola said: "I used magnolia on Gemma's eyes. The make-up artist who did Fergie's make-up on her wedding day always uses it and it is really good. Because she has dark hair, Gemma can get away with a lot more colours.

"I didn't feel too surprised when I was picked as a finalist because I am good at my job, but I am so pleased for myself and the store." Nicola is one of ten finalists in the country and the first prize is £3,000 worth of holiday vouchers and £1,000 spending money.

I was absolutely delighted with my makeover, although it may seem a little pricey if you wanted to buy every product used by the consultant.

It might be worth investing in one or two items a month to gradually build up your make-up collection.

For my look, Nicola used brow definer (black/brown), eye shadow (magnolia and wild rice), eye liner (brown), mascara (Superlash brown/black), blusher (soft damson), powder (loose translucent), lip liner (brown), lip colour (terracotta frost), foundation (Matte Perfect Beige), blemish concealer (medium), Matte Under Make-up Base, Gentle Cleansing Milk, Extra Gentle Skin Freshener, Amazingly Light Moisturiser.

The total cost of the No7 products was £82.75.

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