Queen Cleopatra rules for spring

Cleopatra has long intrigued and fascinated the imagination, portrayed on film by the most beautiful of actresses, including Vivienne Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor and, it's hoped, Angelina Jolie in a movie set for release in 2013.

And, when Northern Ballet Theatre's production of Cleopatra opens later this month, it promises to transport us back to a mesmerising and opulent world of fashion and beauty on an epic scale.

The Egyptions were a very particular bunch, using clothing and make-up to enhance beauty and power. If history is to be believed, Cleopatra bathed in asses' milk to try to hold back the years – the jury's out on this as a treatment, however.

Rym Kechacha, who stars in Northern Ballet's Cleopatra, took time out of rehearsal to model some Queen of the Nile beauty looks for us, demonstrated by Giorgio Armani make-up artist Zuzanna Kaleta, at Harvey Nichols Leeds.

Zuzanna began by cleansing Rym's face with Crema Nera Cleansing Milk, followed by Soothing Lotion, Eye Cream and Restoring Serum, followed by Light Master Make-Up Primer which maximises cheekbones. Next, she applied Master Corrector in the inner corner of the eye and blended, then a Luminous Silk Foundation all over the face, followed by Face Fabric Foundation with a brush, for the perfect air-brushed look.

For the eyes, she drew Water Resistant Eye Pencil along the bottom of the eyelid, then used Eyes to Kill Eye Shadow in Jet Black over – then eye shadow in green in the inner corner of the eye and bottom lashes and in purple over the black in the outer corner of the eye, and blended. She added purple across the bottom and then gold over the green in the inner corner of the eye and bottom lashes, and two coats of mascara.

For the lips, she first used Nude Lip Pencil for a base, then applied Rouge d'Armani lipstick to finish off the look.

For the fabulous hair, Suzanne Kholer, for Rebecca Charles salon in Leeds (0113 234 6120), used a false fringe

Start by straightening the hair, then put it all up into a high ponytail. Use hairspray to keep any wispy bits in place. Tie thick black elastic around the base of the ponytail and wrap it around until you have a10cm clasp.

Cut off any remaining elastic and keep the elastic upright with grips stuck vertically through it.Backcomb the base of the ponytail in layers for volume. Rub smoothing serum through the ends of the ponytail, and pin in the fringe.

Beauty assistant: Amie-Leigh Claricoats

STOP PRESS

The Northern Ballet's production of Cleopatra premieres at Leeds Grand Theatre (box office: 0844 848 2701) on Saturday, February 26, until March 5, then tours nationally to theatres including Hull New Theatre on March 16-19, Sheffield Lyceum on March 22-26, and London Sadler's Wells on May 17-21.

Learn how to recreate the Queen of the Nile look at The Cleopatra Beauty School at Harvey Nichols Leeds on Tuesday, February 8, 6.30pm-8.30pm, with tickets, 20, redeemable against products brought on the night. There will be complimentary champagne and sweets. Book tickets on 0113 204 8888.