You may wonder if it is okay to go only for lip and eye make-up and miss out on foundation, concealer and powder. Actually, the trend continues to be the natural look for the skin, with a sheer texture and no shine. So, if you have clear skin and an even colour tone, do up only eyes and lips with make-up. It all depends on your skin tone. You may leave out foundation, but after cleansing, tone your skin with chilled skin tonic or rose water. This helps to add a glow. Or, take ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply on the face for a few seconds at a time to add a glow. For oily skin, apply a mild astringent lotion, especially when the weather is hot and humid. It helps to close the pores

Black lined eyes continue to be in and so does liquid eyeliner. In fact, liquid eyeliner is best for achieving the dramatic look for the eyes. First apply a light shadow over the eyelid and a dark one in the crease of the eyes. Light grey on the eyelid would look glamorous. Apply a line of black eye liner close to the lashes on the upper lid. A useful tip is to smudge the liner and then apply it again. Extend the liner outwards and slightly upwards, beyond the outer corner of the eyes. Use plenty of mascara. In fact, black shadow on the outer corners of the eyes can also help to achieve the same look. For the lower lid, apply liner as close to the lower lashes as possible, but start from the middle of the lower eyelid and take the line towards the outer eyes. If you wish, you can go for smoky eyes, a trend that is still in. For smoky eyes, line the eyes with eyeliner. Then smudge it with a sponge-tipped applicator, so that it is not a harsh line. You can also apply dark eye shadow over the eyeliner for a smudged effect.

Mascara should be applied in two light coats. Apply one coat. Allow it to dry. Comb out the lashes with an eye lash comb. Then apply the second coat and repeat the procedure.

The latest buzz word now is eyelash extensions, which are becoming popular. They are attached on natural eyelashes, one by one, and make the lashes look thicker. Of course, you need to have them attached by a trained make-up artist.

Whatever the colour of your lipstick, taking daily care of the lips is important for smooth application. Dramatic red for lips is still very much the trend. The question arises – whether to use matte lipstick or gloss. I would say, avoid highly glossy lipstick and also a very dry, matte one. A creamy effect would be better than both. To wear red lipstick, first line your lips with a pencil that matches your red lipstick. Obviously outlined lips are no longer in the trend. After outlining the lips, fill in with the pencil. Over this, apply the bold red colour with a creamy finish. Use a lip brush to fill in with colour. If you want to define the lips further, use concealer or foundation to dot the lips at the centre of the upper lip. The bottom lip can also be traced with the concealer. Then, dab a little clear gloss. If you wish to tone down the red effect, wear a delicate shade of red lipstick, or a red with pink tones. Many make-up artists recommend a primer, rather than a lip liner to cover the lips. A lip-liner or primer helps the lipstick last longer. If you have thin lips, wear lighter shades of red and keep to glossy lips. Fuller lips would look good with red and a matte lipstick. Where other colours are concerned, for darker skin, go for plum, wine or burgundy lipstick colours. For fair skins, use beige, pink or orange undertones. A dark complexion looks good in bright colours. Avoid very pale colours. For normal Indian complexion, go for warm earthy colours, like coral, wine, plum, strawberry, orange, tangerine, red and shades of red. A dark pink or rose-red would look good too. Even brick-red may suit.