Downton Abbey beauty

Here's how to achieve the alabaster complexion coveted by Downton Abbey fans.

Want to look as peachy perfect as the English roses in Downton Abbey? It's not as hard as you might think.

The British period drama has attracted fans all over the world, as much for the clothes and beauty looks as the dramatic plotlines. Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary Crawley in the show, was quick to point out recently that the female characters have always been ahead of the trends.

"They're [Mary and her sisters] certainly the bright young things of the '20s," she explained. "Mary is always very aware of fashions."

For anyone aching to replicate the Edwardian themed make-up, here's how to do it.

First off, flawless skin is a must for any authentic flapper. Lady Mary Crawley wannabes need to have an alabaster complexion, free from spots and grey circles. To get your face in tip-top shape, invest in a good cleanser suited to your skin type and a moisturiser which will deter any troublesome dry or oily patches. Simple have reasonably priced ranges to suit most needs.

For this look, pale is most certainly interesting, so ditch those fake tans and bronzers now.

Downton Abbey make-up artist Magi Vaughan has a very simple rule about applying base layers. "When you see it - stop!" she advises. "That's the thing about that period. You need that porcelain skin."

Magi uses Dinair airbrush when it comes to foundation, to ensure the stars of the show remain natural-looking.

If matte foundation is too heavy for you, then consider trying a BB cream, which will still help to cover up any imperfections. We love Bobbi Brown's version which offers ample coverage, as well as a moisturiser and SPF 35.

Magi advises against the use of face powders, as she believes it "deadens" a complexion.

Once the base has been mastered, think about eye shadows. This look is low-key, so you need to look bare-faced and naturally fresh. Opt for a pink hue, Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadows offer some great colours in the form of Dizzy and Toxic. A light dusting of your chosen shade across the eyelid will add some warmth to your perfectly pale skin.

Next up you need to add some gentle colour to the apples of your cheeks. Pale pinks work best, but for those with darker skin, peachy tones are also acceptable.

"Ladies of high society didn't wear much make-up at that time, so the idea was to keep it all looking natural. Generally everything was rounded, the eyes and lips," Magi explains. "Blush was very high on the cheeks and to round the eyes I used individual lashes only in the centre of the eye."

Keep mascara to a minimum, just one coat is all you need to open up the eyes.

Finish the look off with the perfect Downton pout a la Lily James, who plays Lady Rose McClare. Opt for a rosy pink tinted lip balm or subtle gloss, such as MAC's Lipglass Lip Gloss in Nymphette. Red lips are a great way to add some drama if you are heading out for the evening.