She’s done make-up for Sigourney Weaver, Isabelle Adjani, Juliette Binoche and even Gerard Depardieu and aims to create make-up that makes the most of women’s features without being heavy handed, so they look ‘lit from within’. Another of her strengths is a comprehensive knowledge of all the products on the market and being able to whittle them down to a few universal hits. During a recent and wonderful make-up session, she shared her (latest) favourite things with me:

Parure Aqua Radiant Feel-Good Foundation, £31, by Guerlain.

‘Light reflection is the very essence of make-up because it improves your looks by illusion. Guerlain make some fantastic light-reflecting products and this very light, silky formula is exceptionally good. Apply it with a sponge for sheer, even coverage.’ (Valentine recommended Shu Uemura wedge sponges as the best.)

Sublimage, £200, by Chanel.

‘Beware of using creams that are too nourishing, directly under make-up. This one is just right – not too oily, smoothing and even slightly mattifying. It creates the perfect base for make-up.’ (Mine did indeed stay put all day – without going greasy.)

Meteorites Voyage, £102, by Guerlain.

‘This contains all the colours of the light spectrum and is a beautiful way of illuminating skin. I prefer this palette version to the original loose version as it’s easier to use.’

Caviar Cake Liner, £18, by Laura Mercier.

‘Together with the Smoky Eyeliner Brush, £26, by Laura Mercier, this is the perfect way of creating a soft but definite line. The dense, creamy texture of the eyeliner makes it buildable and workable, too.’

Les 4 Ombres in Birds of Paradise , £34, by Chanel.

‘I love the colours in this palette. Washes of aquas, bronzes and gold can really intensify the colour of green and hazel eyes.’

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Shadow Crème, £14, by Estée Lauder.

‘The best cream eye shadows on the market at the moment.’

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