THE corporate woman represents not only her organisation's image but her professional credentials too. Suave yet striking, stylish yet minimalistic, compelling without being aggressive, good grooming and stylised make-up are an indispensable part of her persona.

"Wearing too much make-up is distracting; too little will not convey or project her power. The hair style and make-up should co-ordinate with the bone structure of her face," says make-up expert Cory Walia about the basics. Cory lists out essential dos and don'ts for women on the go.

Star Attraction - Eyes

Eyes convey your inner thoughts and character. It's very important to make sure that the eyes are done up in a powerful but not scary way. It is okay for women in the media and hospitality industry to wear dark kajal with ethnic outfits; but it's a complete no-no for a woman executive in the financial or banking industry. An eyelash curler with mascara does wonders if you want a wide, frank and truthful look - that conveys trust and integrity. Avoid the smudged look for the workplace. Instead opt for Pigment Eye Shadow by Mac and Esteé Lauder's Black Kajal, suggests Cory.

Smack Those Lips

Subtle shades of lipstick are best for a high profile executive. Remember, men feel intimidated by dark, jarring shades. Medium shades like brown, rust and flesh colours go well with dark outfits. If you smoke, make sure that the lipstick does not bleed. To ensure this, line your lips with pencil, fill in with the same liner and then colour the lips. Solid lip colours from Lancôme and lip gloss in Nymphet from MAC are Cory's picks.

Face Tricks

Be careful with blush, avoid the theatrical look and instead go in for natural shades like peach, tawny bronze and copper - these will go well with ethnic garbs. Opt for shades like beige and lilac to match Western outfits.

Foundation and loose powder are a great way to get an even complexion in minutes. Cory prefers the liquid foundation and compact because they are less visible and overbearing. His favourite is Honey from Bobbi Brown.

When You Travel A Lot

Fiona Caroline, a specialist from Christian Dior, has special tips for women executives whose jobs demand considerable travelling:

• Essentials: A bottle of cleanser, a skin toner and a moisturiser.

• If you're going into a cold climate: Take Dior Skin Eclat Doux or another good foundation/compact.

• If you have an oily skin and are going to a warm place take an oil-free foundation like Dior Skin Pure Light.

• Take an eye shadow compact that has at least four shades; it's good to mix-n-match colours.

• Keep lipsticks handy in pink, mauve and orange. Add light orange in the evening for understated glamour. Also keep a gloss that plumps up your lips.

Your Colour Chart

Conducting professional corporate make-up sessions for the airlines, tourism, hospitality and IT industries and trained at Trinity Tricolore, Singapore, beauty expert Lata Khanchandani puts together a chart to help you find the right shades for your skin