Nicky Hambleton-Jones makes a point of never being seen without her trusty lipstick.

"Sometimes I think I haven't got time and I'll nip out as no one will see me, but then I think no, that's not a good idea.

"People expect me to look my best when and wherever," says the 38-year-old.

"People recognise me in the street so I have a responsibility."

Nicky, famous for the hit Channel 4 series, 10 Years Younger, hasn't always been a style guru. When she first came to the UK from her native South Africa, she worked in the City and was miserable.

Then one day she decided she needed a career change.

"I saw a life coach who asked me what I was most passionate about in life. I answered 'fashion'. So I decided to pack up my job and set up my own personal styling business."

She set up Tramp2vamp in 2001. A shopping trip with a Tramp2Vamp consultant will set you back about £350 – new gear not included.

But her foray into television was much more accidental. Producers of 10 Years Younger were looking for a stylist and asked her to go for a screen test. That was six years ago and the show is in its fifth series.

The show transforms women who look usually at least 10 years older than their real age. The producers tend to find the worst examples they can so that the team of cosmetic surgeons, dentists, hairdressers, make-up artists – and of course stylist can get to work to make them look fabulous. So have they ever had a failure?

"No," says Nicky, who recently visited Yorkshire to relaunch "one of my favourite boutiques", Pennita in Helmsley.

"Everyone has always been pleased with the result. Although sometimes I wonder how we are going to do it when they arrive in the studio."

With more and more women feeling under pressure to go under the knife Nicky doesn't believe 10 Years Younger increases that pressure.

"It is full of tips for women of all ages, not just about having plastic surgery but about simple things that can improve the way they look and that in turn improves the way they think about themselves. My whole ethos is that if you look good, you feel good," she says.

"Investing time in yourself – doing your hair, your makeup, getting out of those baggy clothes – is giving something back to yourself and gives you confidence. Amazing things can happen. You feel better, are more confident and people pick up on the energy so interact more positively with you."

Nicky says we can spiral down when we let our appearance slide. Often we suffer a confidence blow – put on a bit of weight, get made redundant or suffer a relationship break up and the whole thing becomes a vicious circle. We don't bother because we feel bad and because we don't bother, we feel bad.

"Then you get to the point where you feel like there's no way back. But start with just one thing – maybe your hair, your wardrobe, your make up – and take it from there. Go for a makeover or visit a stylist. It's easier when you have feedback than just taking tips from a book."

She cites former clients who have transformed their lives, starting new jobs, travelling, leaving a bad relationship and finding a wonderful new one, just by having the extra confidence brought about by looking good.

"So, really," she says with a smile, "There's no excuse."


Nicky's tips for looking young

Keep slim and trim – staying a healthy size 12 can make all the difference.

Buy a few statment pieces which you can mix and match rather than a whole wardrobe of cheap clothes.

Wear clothes that have shape to them rather than baggy clothes which actually add bulk.

Keep clothes, make up and hair up to date – try to stay on trend.

Wear colour. If you have to wear black team it with some colourful accessories.

Make sure hair is in good condition – grey and dry, brittle hair is ageing.

Look after your skin – always wear sun protection and never sit in the sun.

Shape eyebrows – it can take years off you.