Most makeup bags are a mishmash of old favourites and one or two never-wear mistakes. However, updating and refreshing your look largely depends upon how well your basics are chosen. Many women are reluctant to spend money on makeup tools, but these can make or break your makeup application, and are as important as your cosmetics to get a refined and foolproof look. Most makeup now has a best-before date, so don't hang on to old products that won't do their job properly anymore. Anything that looks or smells "odd" should be thrown away immediately, as the contents have deteriorated. Look for a box with drawers to keep everything on hand and organized.

Foundation
Your foundation is designed to even out your skin tone, rather than give colour. A perfectly matched foundation is the canvas for the rest of your makeup. Cream and liquid foundations are available.

Blush
It's a good idea to have two or three blushes in your basic makeup kit. At least one should be a neutral, cream blush for daytime wear, while the others can be more lively shades for evenings and dramatic makeup looks.

Concealer
Every makeup bag should contain at least a couple of concealers. A green-based one will neutralize redness, while light-reflective concealers bounce away dark undereye circles. A concealer stick will cover blemishes and an olive pan-stick will help to mask shadows.

Sponge applicator
While many women are happy just using their fingers to blend in their base, using a wedge-shaped, soft sponge or latex applicator will give a better, more even finish. These can be bought in packs at any drugstore. Keep them scrupulously clean by washing in mild soap, or simply throw away after a week. Synthetic and natural sea sponges are available.

Blush brush
A soft, fat blush brush gives a pop of colour to the cheeks in a very natural-looking way that is hard to replicate with fingers. It can also be used to sweep powder over the face, but ensure you have tapped away any residual blush first.

Powder
Face powder is available in a wide range of shades and textures. However, a light, translucent powder, applied sparingly just to give a matte finish and prevent your foundation from streaking or running, is usually all that is required for a fresh "unclogged" look.

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Excerpted from 101 Beauty Tips: The Modern Woman's Complete Guide to Looking and Feeling Great by Jane Cunningham. Copyright 2007 Quantum Publishing Ltd. Published in North America by Firefly Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.

 

Tinted moisturizer
Part hydrating treatment, part cosmetic, a tinted moisturizer is perfect for a natural, luminous look. Lighter than full foundation, it gently tints the skin and moisturizes at the same time. Perfect for hot days or when skin is dry and dull.

Eye shadow palette
The joy of a colour palette is that it stops your makeup bag from getting filled up with lots of separate little single-colour containers. A well-chosen palette gives you a choice of colours to work with. Look out for refillable palettes so if one shade is used more than the others you can top it up. Eye shadow pencils, liquid eye shadows and cream shadows are also available.

Mascara
Two mascaras: one black and one brown, and preferably waterproof for daytime or evening lashes. Block mascaras and liquid wand mascaras are available.

Eyeliner
Eyeliners give the eyes definition. Depending upon your choice of eye shadow palette, a coordinating liner will liven up your eyes. Kohl eyeliners will give a bold look.

Lip balm
A lip balm is probably the most versatile item in your makeup bag. It can be used to soothe chapped lips, smooth unruly eyebrows or give sheen highlighting to the cheeks.

Lip gloss
A range of lip glosses in your favourite shades gives versatility and flexibility to your look. Pick two or three to have as staples.

Lipstick
More matte in consistency than glosses, lipsticks have more staying power and colour pigmentation. If you have a lip colour you love, buy more than one as lipsticks have a habit of being discontinued.

Eye shadow brush
An eye shadow brush should be blunt at the tip, soft and full. This helps with blending and even application. Choose natural fibres where possible.

Other equipment
A mid-brown brow liner will define your brows and help you create a perfect arch. Sparkling body gel may be used on your face, but not around the eyes. Block mascara must be dampened before use. Eyedrops can be used to make eyes sparkle. Tweezers are useful for plucking eyebrows. False eyelashes are fun accessories. Eyelash curlers can create beautifully upturned lashes. A small brush can be used to style eyebrows, and an eyebrow pencil will be needed if you need to draw these on. Lip brushes can be used for more intricate application of colour than a lipstick. A thin lip pencil is used for outlining and a thick lip pencil for filling in. Tissues are useful for blotting.

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Excerpted from 101 Beauty Tips: The Modern Woman's Complete Guide to Looking and Feeling Great by Jane Cunningham. Copyright 2007 Quantum Publishing Ltd. Published in North America by Firefly Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.