Make-up must haves simplified

Here are some practical beauty tips that will up your glam game this season
BRUSH UP
Invest in a set of makeup brushes to get the look right. What you need: brushes for foundation or beauty blender, powder, blush and a large and small (for contouring) bronzing brush. In addition, get eyeshadow brushes and applicators – small and medium along with an angle brush. You will also need: an eye shadow blender, eyeliner and eyebrow brush. Lip brushes complete the kit.

LIP SERVICE
A flesh-toned lip pencil works better on all skin colours. You can get a coloured pencil too but the natural shade works well with all skin colours and is a must-have in your make-up stock. Keep a lip balm handy for pre makeup as well as post makeup moisture. A transparent gloss works similar to the natural lip pencil as it can work on various lip shades without burning a hole in your pocket. A word of warning though: keep separate lip brushes for light/natural lip colours and one for the dark shades. And keep a separate one for gloss.

CLEAN UP
It’s also essential to keep makeup removers in your kit as well as makeup wipes along with cotton buds to correct mistakes and tissues. Tea-tree blotting paper works well if your skin gets too greasy post makeup. Remember to clean up all your brushes and applicators very regularly as dirty brushes and sponges become a hotbed for bacteria and fungus that could be transferred back on your skin. Keep your makeup clean just as you would keep your skin clean. Also remove all traces of makeup at the end of the day.

FACE FORWARD
For the face, an apricot to light pink blush works wonders for most skin tones. A bronzer is another essential to contour as well as warm up the face. If you don't get the exact shade one can also get a frosted eye shadow in brown bronze that can work just as well. A highlighter works for some people and can make others look very oily. So buy with caution. I would recommend one try it on before purchasing it, just to see how your skin reacts to it along with other makeup.

A compact is an absolute essential as it can freshen up the face within seconds – and it’s easy to carry. Match it with your skin tone

-By Clint Fernandes, Celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist