Is your dressing table cluttered with five-year-old lipsticks, cotton balls and bottles of lacto calamine at different stages of use? If so, it's time to clean up and make way for the essentials, says Meher Castelino

MIRROR, Mirror on the wall, who's the most gorgeous of them all?" If the answer is you; then you are doing just fine. If not, then your dresser probably doesn't display the right ammo.

You know the rule: If it's in front of you all the time, you're more likely to use it! To make sure that yours is the face that will launch a hundred sighs, start at the base.

Your make-up will make you look great only if your skin is in good shape. Cleansing is the key to a clear skin, so make sure that the right cleansing lotion gets pride of place on your dressing table.

Block The Sun
A sun block is another dresser must-have. Apply this before your make-up. Try First Defense Advanced Antioxidant lotion from Elizabeth Arden with SPF 15 or the Clarins Multi Active Day Cream Gel. For a mature woman, Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Plump Perfect Moisture cream with SPF 30 will be ideal.

Keep a fresh pot/stick of foundation or concealer. These help even out your skin tone and hide imperfections. But remember, your foundation should never be older than 10 months from the date of manufacture. Yves St Laurent's Radiant Touch comes in a flowing brush pencil. Nina Ricci's Flawless Control has just the right amount of moisture and turns powdery on application. It's a two-in-one product and ideal for hot Indian weather. If you prefer a creamier base then go for Yves St Laurent's traditional liquid Line Smoothing Foundation.

Instant Sex Appeal
Your dresser should never be without a good blusher and a few basic eye colours. Use the blusher sparingly to add a healthy glow and the eyeshadows for the instant sexy perk-up. The Clarins Sheer Blusher is nice and light. Basic blue, gold, rust and bronze eye shadows from Lakmé, Cover Girl, Christian Dior, Shiseido or Nina Ricci should do the trick. Eye pencils in neutral colours like black, brown and navy should be part of the equipment. Check that the eye pencils glide smoothly without hurting the delicate skin. Never leave home without wearing mascara - it's like a bra to your eyes! It lifts and accentuates your eyes.