beauty essentials

from yahoo..

The number one must-have for women of any age is a good moisturiser preferably one with an SPF. Even if you have naturally oily skin, it's still important to use a moisturiser at least once a day (just make sure it's oil-free). It's best to have separate face and body moisturisers as the skin on the face is more delicate but if you're really trying to reduce the number of products of your bathroom shelf then opt for a facial moisturiser and use it sparingly on the rest of your body.

Equally as important as a good moisturiser is a specialist cleanser, which should be used morning and night before moisturising. Some soaps tend to dry out already dehydrated skin so make sure you choose a cleanser that's right for your skin type whether it's a cream, foaming wash, mousse, lotion or liquid soap. Most brands have cleansers for dry, normal, combination and oily skin.

A slick of lip gloss gives any face an instant lift so make sure you always have your favourite on hand. If you suffer from dry or chapped lips (especially in winter), it's best to get a gloss that also includes a lip-treatment or moisturiser. A coloured gloss is the best if you want it to take you from day to night.

According to Aerin Lauder, vice president of advertising for Estee Lauder cosmetics, the eyes are where most women usually start to show age the most. A good eye cream can work on lines and dark circles and if used regularly can take years off your appearance When applying eye cream, pat it on rather than rub it in as the patting provokes the blood vessels around the eyes.

Tweezers are essential to keep your brow tidy between waxings and you'll be surprised how often you use them.

Another can't-live-without product that you use more often than you realise is your nail file. Keep one in your desk drawer, one in your handbag and a stash at home.

You can get away without a mascara if you use your eyelash curler daily. Also a great way to freshen your look between work and a night-out. A heated one is even better.

Every woman needs a signature fragrance which can give her an instant confidence boost. To make the scent last longer, spray a fine mist over your hairbrush. Trust us, it works!

Foundation is not just a beige liquid that you use on your face before colour. Foundation can be tailored to your individual skin and fashion needs. Allie Clark, national colour stylist for lux brand Christian Dior, says it's best to use a foundation brush or your fingers when applying foundation. Oil-based foundations are better for dry skin and need to be shaken for a smoother application. Matte formulas are better for a more oily skin, as most are oil-free. They also tend to even out the texture of the skin - hiding acne scars and blemishes.

Bronzer is one of those wonder products that can be used as an eye shadow, blush and powder as well as it's original purpose. Make sure you get one that is the same tone as your natural colouring though because you don't want to end up orange! If you're using your bronzer as an eye shadow and blush, don't go overboard and apply it with the brushes you would usually use for your eyes and cheeks.

bronzed!!!!!!