Beauty: Modern makeup

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Sculpting Powder Makeup in Sable Rose. Photo / Babiche Martens

The essentials of a well made-up face are a defined eye, a coloured lip - be it warm nude, red or plummy mauve - and skin that lights the way. Here are a few favourite components for modern makeup.

M.A.C Brow Set in clear $32 and Clinique Instant Lift for Brows $48

A clear brow gel gives you groomed brows without the heavily pencilled look. M.A.C also make another comb-in setter to help knock back the look of a too dominant eyebrow. Conversely, if you're lacking in the brow department then powder or draw out the shape. Clinique's two-ended crayon lets you use the darker shade to fill the gaps and the highlighter under your brow arch.

Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black $51

Some mascaras work on just one thing, but Clarins offers volume, length and curl in one go, plus a lash nourishing formula. Also available in brown and an inky blue.

Chanel Rouge Coco in Cambon $48

Named after the Paris street where Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel lived and worked, Cambon is a rose red shade that spells glamour. From the new Rouge Coco range of moisturising lipsticks with staying power, this should convince even non-believers that sometimes gloss isn't enough.
(Also recommended: Estee Lauder's Longwear lipstick in Stay Scarlet and Shiseido's new Perfect Rouge Sheer Matte formulas)

M.A.C Lipglass in Liqueur $38

Copper tones are the gold of winter and this shade is strong enough to wear alone or over a pencilled mouth. If it is a bit autumnal toned for you, try mauve as the new pink and coral as the new nude. Lancome's rosy Mythique shade is a flattering full-coverage option.

Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer in Blend $76

You'd expect a Los Angeles makeup company to be camera-conscious, especially one run by the grandsons of Max Factor, who took screen makeup to the masses. Sadly, a sales downturn has seen Proctor & Gamble pull the century-old brand it now owns from the US, although Max Factor will still sell overseas where business is better. Smashbox carries the family traditions forward and this oil-free primer shows why. It smoothes skin and evens tone, helping foundation glide on without soaking into pores or wrinkles. Use with concealer and you may even feel brave enough to skip the foundation.

Revlon Photo-Ready Foundation in 06 $40

More make-up based on new light-diffusing technology, the photo-chromatic pigments feel airbrush-light on the skin yet help smooth over pores and reflect light from flaws. In eight shades with SPF20. A matching powder or translucent finisher costs $38.

Lancome Ink Artliner in Black Carbon $66

A good gel eyeliner is the surest way to subtly outline the eye. Crayons are chunkier, pencils less precise and liquid way less forgiving. This creamy gem is one of the best, being smudge- and water-proof. Apply with a brush. (Also recommended: Elizabeth Arden and Bobbi Brown's colours or try Australis for a budget buy.)

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Sculpting Powder Makeup in Sable Rose $106

This compact is quite something, offering a palette of colours in powder compact form. Three natural looking tones can be picked out separately or swept together across the face, with the creamy powder seeming to vanish into the skin, while leaving it smoothed out.

Chanel Nail Lacquer in Inattendu $46

Normally toes are best bright or dark and fingers light, for ease of wear-and-tear, but lately I've been switching about. This Chanel warm nude looks fabulous on feet and hands.

Stockists: Brand counters unless otherwise stated. Smashbox from Ponsonby Rd concept store or see www.smashboxcosmetics.co.nz.