In a world where appearance seems to matter almost as much as policy, it is hardly surprising that Gordon Brown should find himself in possession of a cosmetics kit. Its contents, leaked to a tabloid newspaper earlier in the week, are naturally intriguing: a “transparent brush”, with the instructions to “foam all over”; a “small pot”, some Clinique foundation and, finally, bronzing powder. Serious make-up for serious times.

The truth is that at 58 and in a job that has ravaged far more favoured features than his, it will take more than a few light-reflecting particles to restore the PM’s former gloss. Neverthless, I suspect that he is not really obsessed with his appearance: if he were, he would dye his hair (see Silvio Berlusconi) and/or indulge in the odd sunbed (see also Silvio Berlusconi). Brown is not seeking to restore lost youth; he’s doing damage limitation.

It has not been specified which brand of under-eye concealer he uses (although from the description of a transparent brush I would infer that he is a Clinique boy). Under-eye concealer is a miraculous thing for when exhaustion is a daily reality, and although it will never eliminate under-eye bags, it will at least make them less prominent. Clinique’s M Cover (£12 for 1.4g; cliniqueformen.co.uk) is excellent; a sweat-resistant stick concealer that blends quickly into the skin, neutralising redness and minimising dark circles. Pair with Clinique Superbalanced Make-up, a water-resistant oil free foundation (£19.08 for 30ml, clinique.co.uk) that will gently smooth over some of those crags.

If I were Brown I would skip the terracotta powder: too tricky to use. Instead, I would concentrate on improving the overall appearance of his skin. Regular exfoliation will brighten his complexion: try Nivea for Men Invigorating Face Scrub (£4.35, available nationwide). Alternatively, he could attempt something more radical: a Mene & Moy Glycolic Acid Peel (£95; medicetics.com). The weakest chemical peel you can get, it causes no scabbing, but the results are excellent.

Finally, some advice for those fingernails, which are now so red and raw that he risks a nasty infection. Jessica’s Nibble No More (£13.75; jessica-nails.co.uk) is a liquid that you simply paint on the nails once a day. Any chewing will fill the mouth with a foul taste. At night, he should use Phenomen Oil (£12.55) to condition and repair nails and cuticles.

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?