Q: How do I tell my girlfriend that she puts on too much powder (she is afraid people will see her pimple scars) and that the colour does not match her skin tone? Where can she go to pick up tips on make-up techniques and suitable products?

A: The best long-term solution for her is to get her acne scars treated by a dermatologist.

However, it is a good idea to brush up on shopping and application skills for cosmetics - even girls with flawless skin can do with useful tips.

Freelance make-up artist Larry Yeo says that the simplest way to ensure that your foundation matches your skin tone is to shop for the product without make-up and ask the sales assistant to apply the recommended shade on half of your face and neck.

Then, step outside into natural light to see if the colour blends well with your natural skin tone.

Remember to do this each time you shop for foundation instead of sticking to the same shade every time because you may have become fairer or darker since your last purchase.

A tactful way to get your girlfriend to change her make-up methods may be to treat her to a make-up lesson, something offered by many beauty brands.

Shu Uemura, for instance, offers make-up lessons that cover how to choose and apply foundation, among other things.

Prices range from $80 to $150 and are fully redeemable for its products.

M.A.C also offers a 90-minute make-up lesson, where the make-up artist does half of your face and coaches you on how to do the other half yourself.

This costs $150 and is also redeemable for the brand's products.

If you spend $150 on Bobbi Brown products, you are also entitled to six make-up lessons (valid over one year).

Each covers a different aspect such as eye make-up, foundation and lipsticks.

To sign up for these lessons, go down to your preferred counter to make an appointment.