Scarlett Johansson's hot tips for dressing up

Actress Scarlett Johansson shares everything you need to know to get ready for a special occasion.

Don't be caught out

Always double-check the dress code. It is better to be overdressed, because you can always play it down a little, and at least you look great. Being underdressed is awful. A few months ago some friends said, "We're going to a friend's house, you should come. It's just a casual, relaxed dinner." So I wore a sundress and a little jacket, but when I got there all the women were dripping in diamonds and wearing full-length dresses. I felt so uncomfortable all night. All I could do was frantically search for a red lipstick in my bag.

Natural remedies

A manuka honey face mask leaves your skin incredibly soft and glowing. Put it on just as you get out of the shower, while your pores are open. Use a spoon to apply the honey directly to your face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off. It is a good foundation before you put on your actual foundation.

Ace of base

If you are going to be photographed at a big event, it is good to wear foundation - unless your skin is absolutely flawless. It is nice to have an even canvas to start with, before you add colour. If you are going to a more casual event, a little concealer and powder will do. I use a brightening face cream by Kanebo, which adds a healthy glow.

A subtle statement

You can do both lip and eye for certain occasions but it is much more dramatic to do either one or the other. I like a pale lip and a smoky eye, or a little flick of eyeliner and a red lip - it looks so glamorous. Use red lipstick wisely, though. Dolce & Gabbana's Ruby is bright and super sexy, but I would only wear it if I were being flirty and wanted to be noticed.

A nice do

My face looks more elegant when my hair is up, but if I'm going somewhere young and fun I have it down with a little wave and a centre parting. I love the golden age of Hollywood, the late 1940s and 1950s, when women's hair had a soft shape with finger waves.

Confidence over comfort

You don't have to be comfortable in what you are wearing, as long as you feel confident. I'm not exactly a big believer in elastic waistbands - they are for the gym. I always like to wear heels (I need the extra height), but you can still look glamorous in flats.

The little touches

People notice your hands if you are carrying a glass of champagne or your toes if you're wearing open shoes. Nail varnish completes a look - reds, pinks and nudes are especially flattering. Don't forget fragrance, either - it is the first impression people get from you and the last they take away. I am a big olfactory fan.

- INDEPENDENT