Makeup is truly a girl’s best friend. It hides, corrects and livens aspects of the most frequently observed part of the body, your face. At some point, everyone needs or desires to receive eye contact and a well made up face can help draw this attention. Even if you have flawless skin, makeup can magically make subtle enhancements to your natural beauty.

The good news is that there are so many makeup options to choose from; the bad news is there are so many makeup options to choose from. So, what if you were going on a trip and could only carry a small makeup pouch with just a few items, what should you include?

Foundation. Your foundation can make or break your look! So, buy the best you can afford and be sure it’s right for your color skin tone and skin type (e.g. normal, oily, dry or combination). If your skin has few imperfections, you should still apply foundation to give a smooth, radiant and finished appearance, especially for your evening look or if you are a career women - just select one with less coverage. Quick Tip: To determine the best color foundation for you, test three colors along your jaw line.

Lipstick or Lip Gloss. Whether you are talking, smiling or puckering up for a sultry kiss, having great looking lips is a bonus. Using a lipstick or lip gloss in a hue that is flattering to your skin tone can add just the right pizzazz to your appearance. In addition to making you look more alive, vibrant, younger and sexy, lipstick or lip gloss has functional value. It adds moisture to your lips and can make your lips look fuller and more defined. Quick Tip: You don’t have to invest in an expensive lipstick for it to look good.

Eyelash Curler. Your eyes should be the focal point of your face. When used properly, an eyelash curler can give your eyes the WOW factor – making them look larger, brighter and more open. Don’t let this strange looking contraption scare you from trying it out. Once you get the hang of it, curling your lashes will only take a minute or two and you’ll see a remarkable difference. Try the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, which retails for about $19, a bit expensive, but well worth the investment. Quick Tip: Be sure to curl your lashes BEFORE you apply mascara to avoid clumping.

Mascara. Once you’ve curled your lashes, mascara adds the finishing touch. The great thing about mascara is that there are a variety of types that have different effects, such as thickening or lengthening. Cant decide on a mascara? An all-time favorite mascara is Cover Girl, or try Lancôme Deficils. Quick Tip: Pumping the mascara wand repeatedly into the tube dries out mascara more quickly.

Angle Brush. A high quality angle brush can serve dual functions to enhance your natural beauty. Use it as a brow filler to create striking eyebrows and as a tool to add a soft line around the eyes. It’s designed to be easy to use and create precise lines. The MAC 266 Small Angle Brush is a popular choice. Quick Tip: For heavier coverage, hold the brush towards the bottom of the wand (like you’d handle a pencil); for lighter coverage, place your hand further up the wand.

Eyeshadow Pot. You’ve got your angle brush, so now what? You’ll need the right color eyeshadow pot to pull everything together. Everyone is unique. If you need to enhance your brows, select an eyeshadow pot close to your brow color to create a natural look. Ladies with full brows can use the eye shadow to line their eyes and create a more intense look. Or, you may desire the effect of both options. Quick Tip: For a sharper, darker look, wet the angle brush before dabbing it in the eyeshadow pot. The bottom-line is that your foundation sets the stage of your makeup application, and then, it’s all about the eyes and dazzling lips. Don’t think you have to limit yourself to only these products, but have them in your arsenal at a bare minimum.

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Annette Harris is the president of Harris ImageWorks, LLC a professional image consulting business based in the D.C. metro area. Services include personal shopping, wardrobe management, closet audits, color, style & figure analysis, and personal brand development for both men and women. Corporate and group seminars are also offered. www.harrisimageworks.com