Primer
Prepping your skin is well worth the effort as it will not only ensure your make-up stays put for longer, but will help create a smoother base and blur fine lines. It may not be cheap, but this Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (£28/50ml) is a winner.
 

Eye primer
If your budget can’t stretch to a primer for the whole face, then an eyelid primer is a must. This e.l.f. Eyelid Primer (£1.50) will help prevent eye shadow creasing and will keep it smudge free. Plus it’s a bargain! 

Foundation
A tinted moisturiser is a great lightweight alternative to foundation, but if you want that extra coverage opt for a creamy foundation. We like Maybelline Instant Anti-Age The Eraser Foundation SPF 18 (£9.99/20ml), which is a great price, anti-ageing and lovely to use.

Blush
No make-up bag should be without a lovely rose or peach toned blusher. We like Marks & Spencer Perfection Satin Finish Blusher (£9.50/6g) which comes with a lovely highlighter to create a scupltured look. 
 

Mascara
Sparse lashes need a helping hand, so it’s worth investing in a good mascara. We likeL’Oréal Lash Architect 4D Mascara (£10.99/10.5ml), which was voted winner in our 2011 Beauty Awards. It’s a clever false lash effect mascara that works to lengthen, volumise and define lashes in one easy step.

Lipstick
Can really knock the years off, so it’s a must. Try a creamy formula like Max Factor’s Colour Elixir Lipstick (£7.99). A little goes a long way and it has great staying power