For some, make-up is an art form that allows a woman to express her creativity and make the most of her features while others are bewildered by the pots and potions that guarantee a flawless visage. Whichever category you fall into, a little help goes a long way in helping you put your best face forward. In a city that relies on quick-fixes, whether it be instant noodles or even cash at the click of a button, these make-up add-ons make that beauty routine so much easier.

If you’re hankering after fuller lips but can’t stand the thought of painful implants, try lip plumpers. “It’s a non-surgical, temporary and instant way to get a terrific pout. These come in come in either a gloss or cream formula and contain ingredients like the fruit of the red pepper plant, used for making cayenne pepper or Tabasco, and cinnamon oil or even caffeine. They work by causing an inflammation of the lips and stimulates the flow of blood to this area, making your lips look more luscious,” says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Apratim Goel. The effect lasts for only a few hours but people with known allergies should be careful.

Undiluted essential oils and other ingredients can cause burns and dryness especially for those who have sensitive or dry lips, cautions Dr Narmada Bharis, MBBS, DVD, Assistant Medical Coordinator, Kaya Skin Clinic. “Only those with normal, healthy lips should try this. Make sure you spot test the product and only invest in reputed brands,” advises Dr Rohini Wadhwani, Medical Director, Skin Essentials Permanent Hair Reduction and Advanced Beauty Clinics. Meeta Awatramani, Training Manager, Clarins recommends their Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector to add volume to your lips. “For a quick pick-me-up for your face, try a face mask like the Neutrogena Deep Hydrating one, which imparts a healthy glow, eliminating the need for a blusher and foundation if you have good skin,” adds Wadhwani.

For the really pressed-for-time folks who would rather do away with their make-up kit altogether, semi-permanent make-up is another option. Also known as micro-pigmentation, this is another non-surgical treatment that involves tattooing colour on to your eyelids, lips, eyebrow and skin and is especially useful for those who are allergic to certain ingredients used in cosmetics. “This make-up cannot be easily erased although the colour fades over a period of two to three years as the pigment is only inserted into the upper layers of the dermis. A topical numbing agent is applied prior to this,” explains Goel. It helps fill in sparse eyebrows, define eyes and correct lip imperfections. Dr Ram Malkani of the Dr Skin EMD Clinic suggests staying away from this treatment if you are allergic to dyes. Ensure that the needles used are properly sterilised.

To add instant drama to your eyes, try false eyelashes which can be used by everyone, even those who wear contact lenses. “However, one should refrain from using them if they are prone to sensitivity that could be aggravated due to the glue that is used to stick the lashes on. And while removing the false ones, one must use a gentle yet effective eye make-up remover to dampen the glue so the lash can be peeled off easily. After this, you should use your regular eye care products,” says Awatramani.