By Arleah Baingan

I know somebody who has a full schedule week-after-week yet every time I meet with her she would always look her best. Hair in perfect coif, makeup is flawless and dress coordinately beautiful. Of course, she is a woman who has accumulated tons of beauty know-how through the years. Impeccable style after all is not acquired overnight. And so, she became sort of an inspiration to me, with all my leanings to makeup and accessories. (I gush over her stash, really!)

But we’re not talking about total makeover here. Instead, I’m going to recommend makeup essentials for women who are always on-the-go, me being one of course.

Ready to update your makeup kit? Let’s start soon.

When you have to be out all day and you need to just keep the contents of your bag to a minimum, then first thing you go through is your vanity kit, right? The good news is, you only need five beauty essentials to keep you looking your best all day.

* Moisturizer is a must for any woman who faces a long day ahead. It keeps your skin supple, resists aging and helps the makeup glide smoothly on your face. Think multi-tasking when you are always on the go. Look for a brand that offers more than moisturization. A tinted moisturizer instantly gives glow to your face, evens out skin tone and even protects you from the harmful UV rays.

For those who are not really makeup mavens, moisturizer brushed with powder is tops.

* Foundation is a must for a woman who is busy with work (and play!) all day. It shields your skin from the elements and at the same time makes you look fresh all day. New foundations give your skin a dewy finish. It gives you all natural glow without the heavy feeling. Lightweight foundations are usually in cream formulation. Just apply it like a moisturizer and you’ll get the coverage that you want. But creams are best used by women with normal type of skin. For those with oily skin, go for the cake. You can have a precise application and better coverage too. Use sponge, lightly dampen it then apply in a downward manner.

Apply from the outside going in on the under eye area to not stretch much the skin and cause wrinkles. Remember, the skin in this area is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face. You may also use a lighter shade on this area to conceal uneven skin tone (this area is normally darker) and bag the bags.

Combination skin needs two type of foundation. For the T-zone, use cake foundation for better oil control and coverage. For the rest of the face, use a lighter foundation.

* Mascara can instantly update a look and give it character. The eyes after all can convey so much emotion so highlight this part as often as you can. You can do away with the eye shadow and eyeliner if you’re pressed for time but be sure to load your look with mascara. Full-volume types (such as Neutrogena’s black/brown shade) are most recommended. Curl the lashes first then amp the length with this tool.

* Blush, if you must! This is an instant pick-me-up for a weary look. Cheek stains are the rage now so grab one for yourself. Its lasting effect will save time and effort. Use your middle finger for maximum effect. I have tried applying it with a sponge but the warmth of the skin makes the color glow more. To apply, dot on both cheeks using middle finger. Start with small circle until it covers the apple of your cheeks. The effect is just marvelous.

* Lipstick of course is a basic requirement. Semi-gloss is your best choice if you want a young-ish look. But matte formulation has the longest staying power so this is a more suitable choice for hour-after-hour meetings. There are sparkling lipsticks that promise to stay put for eight hours. It has luminous finish that adjusts to the type of illumination that strikes it. Check that one out. One of my favorite lipstick brands is Mary Kay because of its interesting colors and finish.

Thin lips have an ally in lipsticks that give your pout the “plump” effect.

Tip: The darker your skin tone, the bolder the colors should be. Choose from plums, chocos, reds and cherries if you’re tan. Fair complexioned women must prefer tints and even gloss will do.