Interview: Beauty Box - James Molloy, senior make-up artist

What's your top beauty product?

My most essential beauty product for the season is MAC Moisturelush Cream as it super-hydrates the skin and helps keep your foundation fresh in the winter weather.

Do you have a beauty tip?

My trend beauty tip for the season is to add a flash of jewel tone colour to your evening look using an eye kohl.

What are your best and worst features?

My favourite features are eyebrows – brush them upwards and fill in softly with a brow pencil to frame the face.

Biggest beauty disaster?

A huge beauty disaster for me are overly plucked brows.

Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?

I'm not against plastic surgery if done well and in moderation.

What's in your bathroom cabinet?

In my cabinet I have Mac green gel cleanser. I've used it for years and it leaves my skin feeling really clean, There is also Terre D'Hermes fragrance and some Darphin skincare.

Quick wipes or a three-step regime?

I think there's nothing wrong with taking off your make-up with wipes every now and then but it's important to have a proper skincare regime.

How long do you take to get ready in the morning?

Ten minutes.

Do you prefer a real or bottled tan?

A real tan always looks better but I never bake in the sun any more. Two shades darker than normal and I'm happy.

What's your favourite item of clothing?

My cashmere roll-neck from Unconditional is my favourite winter buy.

Are you brand loyal? I am when I know a product really works for me. However, I do like to try new things now and then.

In the credit crunch, what is the one treatment you would be willing to give up?

A regular massage, which is tough as make-up artists always suffer with back problems.

This article first appeared in Scotland on Sunday on 3 January, 2010