Not many beauty editors will admit this, but I have a bit of a tendency to sleep in my make-up. Nothing to do with being a dirty stop-out, you understand (chance would be a fine thing); it’s because I’m so exhausted at the end of the day that it’s a straight choice between cleaning my teeth or removing the war paint. And frankly, I’m far more scared of my dentist than I am of my facialist, even if she does make disapproving tutting noises when she looks at my skin under her big 200-watt Lamp of Truth.

Anyway, about a year ago the poor woman completed her excavations and, just as I was preparing to leave, she said to me: “Have you tried mineral make-up? You can sleep in that all you like. Not that I approve, you understand. But if you must…” She then whipped out various mysterious-looking pots and several brushes and proceeded to make me up using a brand called bareMinerals (www.bareminerals.co.uk). I left not only clean, but also flawless.

To be honest, I didn’t follow up the mineral make-up thing – it looked great, but I was busy, you know how it is (basically, I forgot). Then a few weeks ago I was watching a friend have Sculptra (of which more in due course) and the surgeon, having completed his injections and finished his medical massage, gave the grateful patient a light dusting of – you guessed it: mineral make-up.

I asked him why. Because, he replied, it’s completely pure. It contains no talcs, oils, perfume or wax – and so it’s perfect for sensitive (or sensitised) skin. He uses it on all his clients because it’s safe – and it has a built-in SPF of 15. It is especially suitable for people who suffer from rosacea and acne.

What to take in your holiday washbag

A holiday washbag is all about packing for a fantasy, I still pack the kind that is more suited to a carefree single woman

• Credit crunch beauty: Tesco's new line of make-up

BACKGROUND

• Credit crunch beauty: Tesco make-up

• How to deal with pre-teens and make-up

• Treating a hormone inbalance

• Cologne is having a fashion moment

• Good fake tan requires groundwork

I began with the Starter Kit (£44.95). For this you get a foundation, something called a Mineral Veil, a blusher and three rather lovely brushes. It all looks rather time-consuming and messy – but in fact it couldn’t be easier. And the results are, I have to say, excellent.

I won’t bore you with how it’s done, since the instructions are lengthy (someone’s even posted a video on YouTube). What I will say is that it’s quick and easy – you dust the stuff over your face and, voila, clear, even skin. You can layer it for extra coverage, and it stays put really well. There’s no need to touch it up – which is good, since like all loose powder, it doesn’t make for an ideal handbag item.

The overall look is very American: a healthy, natural glow. The only slight downside is that on more mature skin it can feel a bit drying. I’ve managed to combat this by using a boosting serum (SkinCeuticals miraculous Hydrating B5 Gel, £55, 020-8997 8541) under my moisturiser in the mornings. On slightly oily skin, however, it absorbs shine and maintains a matt finish. Quite literally, a dream product.

Times recommends

• Live chat: Thrifty ways to update your winter wardrobe
• Is anybody out there really listening?
• Nutrition Q&A: Will eating late make me fat?