Nicki's Favourite Things

With her glowing skin and glossy hair, Nicki Chapman, 34, has become a beauty icon for the millions of women who tune into Pop Idol each week. We asked her for some tips.

Your skin looks very youthful, whats the secret?
They say good skin is genetic, so I guess i'm lucky to have been born with good genes. That said, I do take care of my skin. I drink a litre of water a day, try to get at least 8-9 hours sleep (schedule permitting!) and I always use a high factor sun cream on my face when i'm abroad. But my hottest skin tip is when flying long haul I always slather on loads of moisturiser, lip balm and hand cream. I may not look a pretty sight but at least my skin hasn't turned into a dehydrated, spotty mess by the time I land.

You always seem to have a glow about you - is that down to make-up or lots of holidays?
Both. I'm lucky enough to get away 2 or 3 times a year so my tan never completely disappears. I also cheat and mix Clarins Revitalising Tinted Moisturiser with my moisturiser which gives my face a fresh look.

What skincare products do you use?
I use Clarins Hydration Plus Day Cream and Multi Active Night Cream. Clarins Eye Contour Balm is brilliant at reducing lines, puffiness and dark circles. My find of the month has to be Elizabeth Arden Let There Be Light lotion. No matter how tired I am, it makes my skin look radiant. I'm also careful not to neglect my hands either - Olay Total Effects Cream does seem to make them look younger.

Are you a make-up junkie?
I love make up especiallu lip gloss. Stila Lip Glazr in orange and rasberry are two of my favourites, while Bloom does a great neutral gloss called Pout. I'm a fan of mascara too - L'Oreal Le Grand Curl is better than most pricey brands i've tried. When it comes to foundation nothing beats NARS Oil Free. I apply it with a triangular make-up sponge to get a shear finish. The other product I never leave home without is MAC Studio Fix Powder which whisks away shine without leaving a powdery finish.

What are the best tricks you've picked up from the pros?
To use warm colours on my skin. I used to wear cool, blue-toned colours like silver and plum, then my make-up artist suggested using warmer shades like peach and brown. The difference was amazing. If you're in doubt about your skin tone, go to a MAC store and ask advice - I find them really helpful when i'm having a colour crisis. Another useful trick if you're wearing a sleeveless, low cut top is to try blending some body oil all across your arms and cleavage - it creates contours you never knew you had. I use Nuxe Golden Oil. And finally if you're a fan of straightening irons, as I am, run some serum through the ends of your hair first to stop them singeing.

Your hair has changed totally since filming Popstars. Is there a reason?
Not really. I just got bored of long hair. When I started Popstars I had blonde extensions. They were great because they were such low maintenance (all I had to do was wash my hair and leave it to dry) but after a couple of weeks I burnt them with a hairdryer and so I had to have them removed. For Pop Idol I thought it would be easier to work with my natural hair. I have it cut and coloured at a salon called Hair Associates in Chiswick. My colourist, Gabrielle, suggested the darker slices underneath to make it look thicker, while my stylist Mark created the cut which he describes as a choppy bob with a graduated fringe. It must be proving a hit with the public - Mark says people have started coming in asking for the Nicki bob.

What products do you use when styling your hair at home?
If you've got fine hair likwe me, mousse is an absolute life saver. I love Umberto Giannini's Incredible Body Thickening Uplifting Mousse, which I apply before blowdrying with a heated brush. I finish with Umberto Giannini's Sleek & Chic Shimmer Shine Wax, which isn't too heavy and gives my hair a nice choppy look.

Since becoming a star in your own right, do you make more effort with your appearance?
Yes, I guess I am a bit more high maintenance these days. I had laser eye surgery last summer not just to correct my eye sight but also to help stop the crows feet I was getting from permanently squinting. I've also spent money on dental work, wearing a night brace to straighten my teeth.

What's your biggest beauty indulgence?
My nails and my hair. I have acrylic nail extensions which need refilling every two to three weeks. I also get my hair done every Saturday. And I love Kenzo Flower Eau de Parfum.

How do you keep in shape?
With difficulty! My work schedule is very hectic which means I often skip lunch and sometimes don't eat dinner until 9pm or 10pm. I tend to survive on snacks which isn't ideal, and if there's chocolate in the vicinity i'm a lost cause. I make amends by working out with my personal trainer whenever I can. My workout is low impact combined with lots of stretching exercises.

What's your recipe for relaxation?
If I have a day off I book myself into Aqua (the day spa at London's Sanderson Hotel) for an Eve Lom facial, body scrub, massage and reflexology. I'm a firm believer that all of us should take the occasional day out to recharge our batteries and most importantly not feel guilty about it.