To look like a goddess, dripping drop-dead glamour, is not just about an amazing wardrobe and great grooming. SUJATA ASSOMULL goes on a quest for make-up products and beauty tips that keep the radiance always alive

What make-up products can you squeeze into your itsy-bitsy evening bag? Some handy tips on bagging the bare essentials

With fashion turning glamorous once again and the party season knocking on the door, making make-up last through an evening can be a worry. Often, we walk out of the door feeling like we just stepped out of the beauty pages of a magazine. By the time we arrive at the venue, it looks like we forgot to put a face on. That's when you wish you could have carried your entire make-up kit with you. With evening bags being hardly large enough to carry a mobile and keys, this is out of the question. Of course, you need to carry some products for touch ups but make sure there are enough to last you a whole evening and that these are compact enough to fit into your purse. Remember that many make-up products can be used for more than one task. Also, before you put your make-up on, do some prepping to ensure that make-up stays in place longer.

As for what you should carry in your bag - the first and most simple must is some tissue. If the skin gets oily, you can dab yourself with it and if your lipstick and eye shadow run, tissue will insure that you instantly clear it up. According to make-up guru, Cory Wallia, the items that a woman should carry in her bag are "Bronzing compact, kohl pencil, shimmery lipstick or liquid lip colour and a crème pencil highlighter". Sounds like an odd choice but there is sound logic behind each one.

Think of your handbag contents as your image survival kit. If you cannot fit all these products in, make your partner carry the house keys!

L'Oreal Color Fresco Crème Eyeshadow, Rs 425, at outlets throughout India. Christian Dior Addict Lipgloss in Caramel Apple, Rs1040 and Elizabeth Arden Kohl Bag by Maneka A, price on request.

Eye Effect

Don't neglect the windows of your soul

Late nights are just unavoidable. We all know that sleeping early is paramount to your health but sometimes there is nothing we can do about it. The skin around the eyes is ultra sensitive and so needs extra protection. A telltale sign of a night owl are puffy eyes and dark circles. These are the windows to your soul, so ideally they should be bright, sparkly and alert - no matter what age you are.

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Skincare

Do not think you are too young to use eye treatments. Start now and you can help slow down the aging process. First-timers should opt for a gel and not a creamy eye product, as they are lighter and have a cooling effect. Try Garnier's Soothing Under Eye Gel, if you do want to splurge on something expensive.

Make-Up

This is the time to have fun. If you want to look bold and beautiful, go for it now. As make-up artist, Divya Chablani says, "Colour is very in right now, so if you can carry colour, go ahead and use bright eyeshadows or try a coloured mascara." And always, always remove your eye make-up before you sleep.

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Skincare

Always wear sunglasses when you go out, or else you will squint, causing premature wrinkles. "By now you must be using a separate day cream, night cream and eye cream," says Divya. Shiseido's The Skincare range is best suited to women of this age. Also sleep is a must, or eyes will become puffy. A trick to help reduce puffiness is to sleep with at least two pillowss under your head.

Make-up

By now, concealer is a must. Clarins Instant Light Perfecting, acts as a light reflector, helping dark under-eyes look lighter and bags smaller.