One of the most common relationship fallacies must surely be the oft-repeated "fact" that the majority of men prefer women without make-up on.

So thank goodness for the singer Gwen Stefani, who confessed to a journalist recently that her husband Gavin Rossdale prefers her with make-up on. Stefani, whose signature make-up look is winged eyeliner and bright red lipstick, said she wears make-up at home because it pleases her husband. Her comments were interpreted by some as anti-feminist but I understand where she is coming from. Making an effort to look nice for your partner is something that should be applauded rather than discouraged. I wear make-up most days and not because I have to, nor because my boyfriend wants me to, but because I like the ritual of putting it on every morning and I like the way it makes me look better.

Make-up is a playful way to express yourself, and it is often one of the few times in the day when women take some time out for themselves. I grew up watching my mum apply lotions and cosmetics to her face every morning, while sitting at her dressing table. She refers to make-up application as "putting my face on" and every day, after doing just that, she feels ready to face the world.

It is no surprise that cosmetics sales continue to rise, even in times of recession, because a slick of lipstick or eyeliner is an instant pick-me-up that is worth the £10 or £20 price tag. That said, there are women who take their obsession with make-up too far, as witnessed on a recent episode of Channel 4's One Born Every Minute where one expectant mum was re-applying lipstick between contractions. I'm as vain as the next girl, but even I wouldn't dream of taking it that far.