I don’t have any fairytale process of getting ready. No music or candles. It’s usually just me rushing around in a messy room. Normally my place is spotless – it looks like no one lives there. But when I start getting ready the room turns into a tip, while I’m choosing the right shoes and underwear. I try to tidy up before I leave, but then I don’t want to be late so I end up having this internal battle and stress myself out.
If I haven’t picked my outfit already, I need three hours. I have a shower, do a face and body scrub, and, if I’ve got time, a quick face mask to bring a bit of vitality to the skin. I then get my hair done at the salon around the corner and take my makeup bag with me. I prefer the mirror there, plus I like my hair and makeup to come together at the same time. I spend most time on perfecting the smoky eye effect. You have to get the blending right to avoid looking like you’ve got a black eye. I used to apply false eyelashes but I don’t need to do that any more now: I’ve got lash extensions. If I’m wearing a tight dress, I apply deodorant and moisturise after I’ve got dressed to avoid any marks.
My advice? When in doubt always wear black. If you are torn between two outfits where one is amazing but the other is more comfortable, go with the more comfortable option. I road test my outfits before I go out by walking down my stairs. If it doesn’t feel right, I change.
If you’re nervous about heading to a big do, don’t drink too much when you get there. If things get overwhelming, just head to the loos and give yourself a little breather.
• How To Be A Better Cook, the book to accompany Lorraine Pascale’s new BBC2 series, is published by HarperCollins at £25.
