Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

‘Like most women, I was always searching for the perfect foundation,’ says Morrice Williams, who lives in Perth with her husband and one year old daughter. ‘I couldn’t find a product which made skin look absolutely beautiful, but still very natural.’

Making its British debut this month, Becca is a name to watch. The beady-eyed Nicky Kinnaird of Space NK wasted no time in getting Becca on board, and the products are currently flying off counters at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Becca’s exceptionally lightweight, dream-to-blend textures and realistic shades are what industry experts are swooning over, but the ultra-hip packaging doesn’t hurt. The chocolate-coloured cases, made in Italy, have a soft, rubbery, Nars-like feel. Brushed aluminum details, stamped like giant rivets with the Becca logo, give the compacts a cool, modern edge.

In addition to a Compact Concealer (£22), available in no fewer than 23 shades - ‘most companies only offer three, but if the colour doesn’t match perfectly, it will just look like a blob on the skin,’ says Morrice Williams - the Becca line-up includes a sheer Tinted Glow Enhancer (£25), creamier Luminous Skin Colour (£26) and a Stick Foundation (£26), which gives the fullest coverage. ‘The stick is fantastic if you need a little more coverage in certain areas,’ notes Morrice Williams. To perk up tired-looking faces, there is an irresistibly-named Shimmering Skin Perfector (£25).

‘You can achieve any level of coverage you want,’ says Morrice Williams. ‘This is a range for real women, with real skin and all the problems that go with it. But if you have great skin, don’t cover it up.’

Staying power is a priority. ‘I believe that make-up should last all day, even in the height of summer, until you wash it off at night,’ maintains Morrice Williams. ‘Powder is a critical step. Ours’ is ultra-fine, so it doesn’t look cakey - it actually looks better as the day goes on - and it feels like there is nothing on your skin.’

Reflecting the brand’s Australian roots, Becca foundations provide serious sun protection (from SPF20 -30+). Meanwhile, true to her keep-it-real philosophy, Morrice Williams insists that the images in the Becca brochure and on the website (www.beccacosmetics.com) are not retouched. Hence, models have radiant skin, rosy cheeks, glossy eyelids and, yes, the odd blemish. ‘That’s real life - I wanted to show that you can still look fantastic without being absolutely perfect,’ says Morrice Williams.

Fabulous skin remains Becca’s focus, but the collection extends to blush, mascara and lip gloss. There is also range of super-soft, hand crafted make-up brushes.

‘Everything is an essential to me - I only make products I can’t live without,’ says Morrice Williams. If she has her way, in the smartest make-up bags, brown will soon be the new black.

Rebecca’s beauty secrets

• ‘To “erase” spots, under eye circles and skin discolourations, use a brush to apply cream or cake concealer and blend carefully by pressing into the skin with your fingertips,’ says Morrice Williams. ‘This will give you the best cover and the most traceless finish.’

• Look healthy, radiant and about ten years younger by applying a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks.

• Protect your skin with an SPF 15 or more, and always wear a hat in the sun. ‘It’s the kindest thing you can do for your skin,’ stresses Morrice Williams. ‘To help disguise “sun spots” or pigmentation marks, apply a light foundation, a touch of concealer and set with loose powder. Then, illuminate the area with a very fine and subtle (not glittery) shimmer powder.’

• ‘Tinted lip gloss is the beauty equivalent of the denim jacket,’ says Morrice Williams. ‘It looks much fresher, younger and more modern than lipstick.’

• Add colour to your face with blush and/or bronzer, not your foundation. ‘Do not use foundation to make the face any darker or lighter than it naturally is,’ advises Morrice Williams. ‘Colour-match your foundation with the skin on your jawline. The blend between the face and neck must be seamless, otherwise it will look mask-like.’

• ‘Cream eye colours are less aging and look more relaxed than heavy powder shadows,’ says Morrice Williams.

• Becca products are available now at selected Space NK stores nationwide. Inquiries and mail order, tel: 020- 7299 4999.