I was forced out of my comfort zone on my recent trip to New Zealand. It was very scary indeed and something I probably would never want to repeat – certainly not in my home town anyway. When I say scary, I’m not talking about abseiling, white water rafting, mountaineering or even public speaking. Though these can be extremely frightening, this was even worse as far as I’m concerned. What was it then that caused so much fear and anxiety? Going to the supermarket without my makeup on. Some background for you -  I was lucky enough to be a ‘model’ for my friend’s beauty therapy trainees who were sitting their exams so throughout the day I’d received a fantastic full body massage, a facial, some waxing and the removal of facial hair (which I wasn’t aware I had) so I was feeling quite relaxed and lovely, even if I did look a total wreck. If you’re unsure of what I mean, imagine a ruined hairstyle due to my hair being stuck in a headband for many hours, redness around the upper lips, chin and eyebrows, spots on the forehead and an oily skin – get the picture? I was not aware that a trip to the supermarket, especially one with a friend who is a TV celebrity, was on the cards. If I had, I might have feigned illness or something equally debilitating. So not only am I hauled around the shop but I have to be introduced to the many friendly shoppers that stopped to say “hello” to the newly arrived Brit. How I survived I’m not sure, but I did, though maintaining eye contact was difficult to say the least. My husband always tells me that I’m pretty au naturel (but he has to say that doesn’t he?) and my friend, Mary, told me exactly the same thing on this occasion, but it’s not enough for others to tell you, you have to believe it yourself. The ancient Greeks coined the word ‘persona’, which strictly translated means ‘mask’ and we all have one whether or not we are aware of it. I envy those of you who are happy to stroll through life bare faced but for me it’s purgatory. Perhaps, in another lifetime, I’ll be a natural beauty and proud of it but for now I’ll stick to my policy of keeping the cosmetics industry in profitable business.