PRIMER

Your busy schedule of long days at work and evening engagements means you'll need the help of a good primer, like Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base, $69. Smooth it on to help brighten skin tone and ensure your make-up lasts longer.

BASE

Perdis prefers the lightness of a tinted moisturiser for the day, but if you require more coverage, opt for a long-lasting base, such as Rimmel Lasting Finish 16 Hour Mineral-Enriched Foundation in Soft Beige, $16.95. Using your fingers or a brush, dab it onto the middle section of your face and blend outwards to nothing, he says.

MASCARA

"I always apply mascara next because it's the step that maps out the rest of your make-up," explains Perdis. "I use quite a few coats on the top lashes, but don't bother with the bottom ones - it's a strong enough look with just the top done, plus a little bit of mascara will work its way down anyway." We like Revlon Beyond Natural Defining Mascara in Black, $19.95.

EYESHADOW

Keep your daytime look simple yet fresh by applying a neutral-toned eyeshadow, such as L'Oréal Paris Color Minerals Mineral Eye Shadow in Nude Crystal, $18.95, from your lash line to the socket for soft definition.

BLUSH

To give your cheeks that "just pinched" look, opt for a cream blush, like Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy Blush, $43. Using your index and middle fingers, dab it onto the "apple" of your cheeks - the cushioned bit that appears when you smile - and blend it back along your cheekbones towards your temples.

LIPS

Finish with a sheer lipstick or gloss, like Make Up Store Lipgloss Pot in Way, $25, and a dusting of pressed powder across your T-zone to help keep your look in place for the day or night. Try Cargo blu_ray High Definition Pressed Powder, $36.


Prices and availability correct as at November 5, 2008.
Photo: Oleg Kozlov/iStockphoto.com