From skin care to choosing a lip colour – make-up can be daunting when faced with all of the options at once. Here are some of the basics to get a natural professional look.

Skin care

This is the most important part of a great look. Drink lots of water (1.5 L – 2 L a day) to ensure your skin stays hydrated and healthy. The three basics of a good skin care routine are: invest in a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer and a lip conditioner.

Foundation

For smooth looking foundation I recommend using a very sheer liquid foundation, similar to a tinted moisturizer. Apply a closely matched concealer with a soft bristle eye shadow brush only where you need a little extra coverage. I usually set my foundation with a mineral-based powder to help the products stay on.

Bronzer or blush

Both of these products give colour to the skin making it look fresh and healthy. A basic bronzer is one or two shades darker than the skin and should be applied under the cheek bones, under the jaw and in the temples. And a basic blush will be the same tone as your natural lip colour.

Basic eye make-up

Basic shades are one shade lighter or darker than the skin, and after you’ve mastered applying and blending these you can easily move on to more vibrant colours. I always recommend lightly filling in your eyebrows with a colour that matches your hair colour and finish by swiping on a dark brown or black shade of mascara.

Basic lips

You just need a lip pencil that either matches your natural lip or one shade darker. Without lip pencil I find lips look small and undefined. Choose a sheer lipstick that is close to your natural lip colour and just adds a bit brightness or richness to your lips.