But now, after developments in the cosmetics industry, us mere mortals can take advantage of this technology which will iron out any skin imperfections in time for our Christmas party close–up.

Thanks to the popularity of high–definition camera phones having our photo taken on a daily basis then uploaded on to social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter has become a normal way of life.

According to a recent survey, more than a third of surgeons have reported an increase in requests from people who simply want to look better on social media websites.

This goes some way to explain the rise of photo–ready make–up.

Today the majority of beauty counters feature HD (high definition) products, which promise to create picture–perfect skin worthy of any red carpet.

Using the latest technology and harnessing in–built light trickery, beauty brands from Elizabeth Arden to Cargo have created skincare products as well as make–up which can fill in lines and minimise pores to create an airbrushed finish.

From the latest HD facials to new skin–perfecting foundations and powders, here's a round–up of my hero treatments. 

LINE ERASERS

AT HOME

Cargo's new Picture Perfect Liquid Foundation, £24.30 (debenhams.com) was originally created for filming in HD on film sets.

The oil–free liquid foundation, which is available in eight shades, makes skin look airbrushed by masking imperfections and fine lines.

Key ingredients include photochromatic pigments which adjust to lighting to create a natural–looking complexion while optical blurring pigments fill in fine lines and reflect light to give a softer–looking appearance.

AT THE CLINIC

The HD Facial is designed to target fine lines and brighten the complexion.

Crushed diamonds and pearls are used to exfoliate the skin, followed by a stimulating massage with serums to leave skin glowing.

Each treatment costs £120. Call 020 7436 4441 for more details.

BRIGHT EYES

AT HOME

Smashbox's High Definition Liquid Concealer, £17.50 (boots.com) contains soft–focus pigments to reflect lines and minimise the appearance of dark circles.

A soft–touch precision applicator makes this weightless concealer easy to apply and perfect for the delicate skin around the eyes.

AT THE CLINIC

Pellevé is a fantastic rescue treatment which refreshes tired skin around the eye area without the need for surgery.

The painless procedure harnesses radio frequency energy which is delivered to the skin via a special handheld device.

This stimulates collagen production and gives an instant lift to the treated area while softening lines at the same time.

No downtime is required and you'll see immediate results after just one treatment. Results will last four to six weeks.

Prices start from £200. Call 020 7436 4441.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

AT HOME

Magic Minerals Self Correcting Mineral Powder, £9.99 (highstreettv.com) is a professional HD mineral powder which is a market leader thanks to its patented and effective cover–up technology.

Developed to automatically adjust to match every skin tone without the need for blending, the self–correcting minerals float on the skin, airbrushing out imperfections such as blemishes and age spots.

What you are left with is a luminous, youthful complexion for up to 12 hours.

AT THE CLINIC

Photo rejuvenation, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, will zap spider veins, broken capillaries, age spots and even out skin tone.

One treatment will create tighter, firmer skin but up to three sessions two weeks apart may be required to clear all imperfections.

Prices start from £80 per area and no downtime is required.

The procedure is available in most salons.

LUNCHTIME LIFT

AT HOME

Filorga Time–Filler, £54 (marksand spencer.com) has been created to help lift facial contours such as sagging cheeks and double chins without a filler in sight.

The cream contains hyaluronic acid and new plant–based active ingredients to boost collagen production as well as hydration for a plumper appearance.

AT THE CLINIC

The Liquid Lift is a 30–minute treatment which uses a combination of dermal filler to immediately lift cheek pads as well as eliminate hollow temples.

Prices start from £750. Results will last up to nine months and no recovery time is required. Call 020 7436 4441.

PERFECT PORES

AT HOME

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimising Primer, £28 (smashbox.co.uk) has been designed to keep you looking cool in front of the camera by preventing shine, disguising pores and making foundation last longer.

AT THE CLINIC

Face Up combines exfoliation and micro massage to instantly reduce pore size and rejuvenate skin.

Visible results can be seen from one treatment but four to eight treatments at intervals of seven to 10 days gives lasting results.

Prices start from £90. Call 020 7436 4441.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Applied after foundation, Hi Definition Photo Shock Finishing Powder, £23 (diegodallapalma.com) is like a photo filter for the skin.

The silky powder uses HD technology to blur lines and diffuse light giving a soft focus finish.

Anything that reflects light will hide lines and make skin look more youthful.

Try mixing a tiny amount of Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights, £11.99, with your foundation for an instant glow.

For perfect HD brows try Silk Fibre Brow Enhancer, £19.99 (boots.com), to thicken and fill in missing gaps.

It is available in four colours and lasts all day.

Professional make–up artists love to buff foundation to give a smooth finish.

Try BAREMINERALs Perfecting Face Brush, £24 (bareminerals.co.uk).