The best date night make-up trick? Play up one feature at a time

First flirty cab off the rank involves bold,brick-red,long-lasting matte lips combining with artfully applied peach blush. Our hero version of this look comes from the Khaite Fall/Winter 2024 runway,in which make-up artist Diane Kendal used a meticulously applied punchy red lip with a backdrop of fresh dewy skin and a nude eye. (This look is a tribute to Khaite founder and designer Catherine Holstein’s late mother,who always kept a tube of vermilion by her bed.)

To get the look,colour the entire lip with red liner (tryLaura Mercier Longwear Lip Liner in Plumberry,$48),then apply a matching lipstick (we loveM.A.C Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Feels So Grand,$45) using a lip brush. Blot it,then reapply. If you feel this dense matte red is too daunting,apply a tint such asBeneFit LoveTint Lip&Cheek ($42) on top using your fingertips. This softens the effect.

If your eyes are your strongest suit,try a smoky eye. Ring the upper and lower lashes as close to the lash line as possible with a soft black eyeliner such asSmashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Raven ($46),then smudge a charcoal eyeshadow around the eyes using a blush brush. Apply two coats of mascara and a pink lip gloss – we likeDior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Raspberry ($62).

For a softer eye,switch sooty for golden. Fill in the upper lash line and lower waterline with an eyeliner pen such asChanel’sStylo Yeux Waterproof in Or Rose ($50),then sweep a rose-gold shadow from lid to brow and finish with two coats of chocolate mascara.

For a lunch date,go for big,bold lashes. Begin by drawing a small cat eye on the top lid with a black liquid eyeliner such asBenefit Magic Ink Jet-Black Liquid Eyeliner,$44,before curling your lashes. If you have the skill,attach a few individual fake lashes at the outer edge,then apply two coats of volumising mascara to bind everything together (we likeVictoria Beckham Future Lash Mascara,$56) . You can afford to go a little rogue on lips with this look;think a praline shade likeCharlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution,$54.

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And let’s not forget the power of “no-make-up make-up”. Start out with a luminising tinted moisturiser likeBareMinerals Complexion Rescue All-Over Luminizer ($57). Next,line your upper lash in a flattering brown using an eye pencil drawn as close to lashes as possible and add a coat of your favourite mascara. Then apply a neutral cream eyeshadow likeTrinny London Eye2Eye in Wisdom ($34),on cheeks and lids. The finishing touch is flushed nude lips. Start withClinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey ($47) and finish with a dab of clear balm. You’re good to go!

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ASK STEPH

How do I get rid of yellow toenail stains?
This is a sign that your toenails need a break from polish. Seek out a polish-free pedicure and get your nails lightly buffed with an automatic buffer before soaking them in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water to reduce any remaining discolouration.

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