Hannah Pool: As a rule, I'm not into beauty 'events' - they are seldom more than a thinly veiled marketing exercise. I prefer to cruise the beauty counters incognito.

Hannah Pool: The most common question I am asked is: "What's the best cosmetics brand for black skin?"

Hannah Pool: While I hate the idea that ageing is a universally 'bad thing', my distaste doesn't extend to anti-ageing body products.

Hannah Pool: After much hype, Mizani, the specialist hair care range from L'Oréal has finally hit these shores.

Hannah Pool: Recycled air, a drink or two, and food with zero nutritional value: is it any wonder skin starts to shrivel as soon as you step on to an aeroplane?

Hannah Pool: If wedding make-up is supposed to be plain and simple, then wedding hair is where you can go to town.

Hannah Pool: Wedding make-up should turn you into the best possible version of you, not the Page 3 version.

Hannah Pool: There's something about admitting that you still shave your legs that feels both cheap and pubescent.

Hannah Pool: Does black skin need sun cream? Of course it does.

Hannah Pool: If ever a beauty product proved the fact that women don't get made up for the benefit of men, lip gloss is it. I adore my gloss, am inseparable from it, and yet even I find it sticky and a bit unsavoury.

Hannah Pool: Ever since Ruby Hammer (one half of the make-up duo Ruby & Millie) gave me a makeover and practically wrestled my face powder from my hands, I've been trying to wean myself off the stuff.

Hannah Pool: Just as less is more when it comes to the summer wardrobe, so it is with the summer make-up bag.

Hannah Pool: We've had Bollywood, we've had Brazil and now it's time for Africa chic.

Hannah Pool: Few people can out-talk me when it comes to Afro hair.

Hannah Pool: Nail bars are over. Ladies (and some gentlemen), make way for the brow bar.

Hannah Pool: Over the past few years, I have developed something of a love/hate relationship with the Afro Hair & Beauty show.

Hannah Pool: I'm amazed by the risks people take with their skin.

While I may have been ignoring my bust, everyone else suddenly seems to want a piece of it.

Hannah Pool: I've always been suspicious of bronzer - largely because it was often the only thing make-up artists could think to put on my skin when they didn't have any face powder dark enough.

Hannah Pool: The pedicure may not sound as glamorous as its cousin the manicure, but in my view it's far more fun to do.