We've teamed up with a professional make-up artist and asked her to divulge the top five make-up must-haves – from iconic classics to hip new cosmetic trends – to achieve that perfectly made-up look.
Mascara with brush
Style queen Kate Moss is partial to framing her peepers with a smudge of high definition mascara, switching between coquettish and coy at the bat of an eyelid. "Seek out an extreme definition mascara; using mascara with a brush really helps to reach the roots of the lashes," suggests professional make-up artist Vanessa Williams. For clump-free lashes and to catch untamed strays, whip a separate lash comb or mascara wand through.
Nude lip colour
No fashionista worth her salt would be seen dead without a slick of nude lip colour on that cupid-bow pout. Vanessa is a fully paid-up member of the fan club: "Nude lip colour is the classic must-have in every make-up artist's kit. The natural tone suits virtually everyone, and makes lips appear plumper."
Cheek stain
Another timeless product beloved of beauty experts is a dab of cutesy pink stain onto the apples of the cheeks, ideal for perking up washed-out complexions. And if that wasn't enough, this handy 2-in-1 can also be applied to lips. "Lip and cheek stain in rose pink works on all skin tones and can instantly brighten up your appearance," explains Vanessa. "I prefer to apply this with my fingers – it produces a more natural effect and is much better than powder, which just sits on the surface of your skin."
Airbrush foundation
This hot new concealer has now landed on our shores. "It's already a huge hit in America because it covers flawlessly," enthuses Vanessa. "I use this on all my clients, and it's now available to the public in high street stores." She advises swiping a hint of blusher to the cheekbones for a warm glow, and to counteract the foundation's slightly flat effect. Breakout-prone Cameron Diaz is known to prefer the heavier coverage provided by this hi-tech piece of kit. "It can be tricky to apply yourself as it does require you closing your eyes, but once you get the hang of it you'll notice the difference."
Eyelash curlers
The 24-carat tools of the beauty trade; to those not yet in the know, the metal miracle can come across like some kind of Clockwork Orange-esque instrument of torture. But don't be put off: just a gentle clamp of the curlers and voila! Instant, gravity-defying hold that widens the eyes. "They're especially effective if you use the heated variety that you hold at the base of your eyelashes after applying mascara to set," adds Vanessa.
Words: Asha Mehta
Photography: John Stewardson
Make up/hair: Nadine Gibbons
Model: Hannah Cook of Adage
