Women

Whether you're out to win prizes or just catch a bit of male attention on the dance floor she gives her tips on being the belle of the ball.

- See just how glamorous Kelly Brook can be

She says: "Dressing for a big occasion is about looking the best you possibly can. It's about making the most of your assets in a timeless, elegant way.

"I tend to book myself into the hairdresser for either a blow-dry or sophisticated up-do that's reminiscent of old-time Hollywood. I believe if your hair looks fabulous, you'll walk taller and have a smile on your face.

"Consider the dimensions of your face and the proportions of your body when deciding on a style; petite elfin women can be swamped by a massive mane of hair while an overly bouffant bob can serve to emphasise an already round face.

"Good hairstyles come about because of a collaboration between stylist and client. If you can develop a strong, mutually respectful relationship with your hairdresser I promise you will benefit in the long term.

"You can't beat the skill that a really good hairdresser brings to blow-drying and styling hair. They can make the difference between a good 'do' and a fabulous one."

'Invest in luxury tools and products'

Kelly, who has put down all her glamour secrets in her new book, Life Style: How To Pin Down The Pin-up Within You, suggests that if you can't afford a special visit to the hairdresser you make sure you have regular trims so the ends remain in good condition. Use a deep conditioning treatment once every three to six weeks and try hard not to blow dry more than is necessary.

"Invest in luxury tools and products," advises Kelly. "I use a natural bristle hairbrush by Mason Pearson. Every hairdresser I have ever worked with recommends these.

"A good hairdryer will have a number of different speed and heat settings so you can use cool air to help set the hair after drying and a low speed on higher heat so you don't blast your hair with overpowering high temperatures.

"If you're using straightening irons, for example, use steam ones rather than ordinary heated ones and buy the kind with ceramic plates rather than metal as they are gentler on the hair."

'Hair accessories aren't just for children'

For those special occasions she suggests a bit of artificial help. "Don't be afraid to use hairpieces if you want to create an amazing coiffure for a special night out," she says. "If you have fine hair or just want to add more volume, do what loads of celebrities and models do, add a temporary hairpiece. You can get different sorts and good ones really do blend in seamlessly with your natural locks.

"I don't think hair extensions are a good idea long term; whether they're woven or glued in, you're damaging the roots of your natural hair which are extremely fragile.

"It's far better to get a great cut that accommodates your hair type and lifestyle on a day-to-day basis then add a hairpiece for a big occasion.

"Hair accessories aren't just for children. I love to use fresh flowers or silk corsage blooms in my hair. Added to a ponytail band or pinned just above the ear, they can look really glamorous and add a splash of feminine colour to your style."

After the hair, it's the face. Kelly says: "Sometimes all you'll need is a coat of mascara and a slick of lip gloss while at other times your outfit may call for full-on smoky eyes and red lipstick."

However she warns against trying a glossy new look copied from a magazine, unless you feel it's really 'you'. "I am comfortable with very dramatic looks but not everyone is. If you don't feel right you'll be fidgety all evening."

'Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield and Elizabeth Taylor...'

Again, when it comes to party dresses - while it is tempting to go for what's top this season - she advises against being a fashion victim.

"An important part of choosing glamorous attire is establishing what works for you in terms of silhouette, colours and styling. Try different looks from time to time but don't succumb to the latest fashions if they just don't suit your body shape, colouring or taste."

All these elements - hair, dress, make-up - need to work together and balance each other to create a comprehensive look that works overall.

Kelly's favourite Hollywood icons are Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Jayne Mansfield and Elizabeth Taylor.

"I regularly look to the Tinseltown pin-ups of the 1950s when I'm putting my own look together. I love the way these women looked; they oozed glamour from every pore, revelling in their curves, delighting in their femininity and enjoying being worshipped by virtually every man on the planet."

Kelly's true pin-up make-up

- A peachy skin with a rosy glow is what you are trying to achieve. To find the perfect blush colour, pinch your cheeks and look for a shade close to your natural blush.

- Sweep the eyelids and brow socket with a pale bone-coloured matte or slightly shimmery powder shadow. Then carefully apply a neat winged line of black eyeliner.

- Use curlers to enhance your lashes, then apply individual false lashes to the outer corner of the eyes to make your lashes appear longer. Finish with two coats of black mascara.

- Lips should be as near to a true bright red as possible, ensuring the shade is the correct one for your skin tone. Use a lipliner to create a smooth, full lip shape and paint on your chosen lip colour using a lip brush. Blot with a single ply of tissue, apply a dusting of loose powder, then repeat the process for maximum staying power. Translucent gloss will up the glamour of this look.

- Don't wash your hair for at least a day before your big night out as it's easier to style that way. Section your hair in two-inch chunks, spray lightly from the roots with setting lotion and wrap smoothly around heated rollers ensuring the ends are tucked in neatly. After half an hour (longer if possible) carefully unravel the curls and tease into shape using your fingers or a tail comb.

- Life Style: How To Pin Down The Pin-up Within You, by Kelly Brook, is published by Orion, priced £18.99. Available now.