For maximal coverage for scars and blemishes, try a formula that is more sticky and paste-like in texture. This type of formula is ideal for when you're attempting to conceal oil-prone areas, as liquid concealer is not thick enough and won't give the coverage desired.

Application Tips:

• When covering up acne or older scars, use a q-tip to pat on the paste concealer. You only need a tiny amount to cover the area and the small application are of a q-tip is perfect for this. Using a q-tip will also reduce any acne-producing bacteria from contaminating your concealer brush.
• To apply the concealer, use a stipple motion rather than a wiping motion - doing so ensures you don't wipe off the product you have placed on your face. Blend the outer edges of where you placed the concealer. Set the application with a dusting of translucent powder.
• If you're trying to cover up a scar that is still healing, concentrate some moisturizer on top of the scar, as its texture will tend to be dry and crusty. This will help to smooth the surface of the scar and you can follow the steps above in applying concealer immediately with ease.

See more tips on perfecting the skin here.

Don't be intimidated - modern eyelash curlers no longer resemble medieval torture devices! Eyelash curlers can make a world of difference, especially for those who desire a wide-eyed look. For my lashes (like most Asian eyelashes) that tend to grow straight downward, a eyelash curler is an absolute kit essential! I like to use the one displayed below as the flatter edge allows me to get right at the root of the lashes. Check out these helpful hints for maximizing your own lash potential:

1. Use the curler in a pumping motion starting at the base/root of the top set of lashes.

2. Continue this pumping motion as you bring the eyelash curler away from you in an upward motion (try to think of it as curling the lashwards upwards to open them up).

Curling the lashes this way helps to give the curl a more natural look. If you tend to curl the lashes just at the base, the lashes tend to shoot straight up and appear less natural (when viewed from your side profile).

3. Last but not least, finish with mascara. After curling the eyelashes remember to set the curl with your fave mascara. Hold the mascara wand at the base of the lashes, and wiggle the wand upward and away from you. One to two coats are usually enough.

4. You can use either clear mascara to define the bottom set of lashes, or after you have applied mascara to the top lashes, use the excess on the brush to lightly glide over the bottom set. Avoid using too much mascara on the bottom lashes, as they are naturally thinnerthan the top set. If you go too thick on the bottom set, you can risk looking like a clown or getting a 'spider-like' effect.

Q: How do I minimize my under-eye circles with make-up? My concealer just doesn't seem to cover it.
The usual recommendation for concealing dark circles around the eyes is to look for a concealer that is (no more than) two shades lighter than your skin tone colour. For light underye circles, this trick should be enough. For more prominent circles, I prefer to use a shade of orange or peach colour concealer, depending on the client's skin tone.

Use a light application and build layers. Concealer that is too cakey around the eyes will look to obvious and produce a reverse raccoon eye effect. After the peach concealer is applied, follow with your skin-tone coloured concealer or foundation to blend the area with the rest of your skin tone. Set the area with a light dusting of powder and voila!

Recommended products
MAC Select Cover-up in Peach

Where to find: your local drugstore
Price: $12 regular price ($9 on sale)
Review: love it

I have been a devoted fan of liquid eyeliner ever since my friend, Chantele, first introduced it to me in high school. From day one, I have loved L'oreal's Lineur Intense for its precise application ability and for its staying power. The fine brush tip gives you total control over the lines you draw: either use a light hand for a thin line, or a heavier hand for a thicker line. The waterproof and sweatproof formula lasts throughout the day and is perfect for the wedding applications I do. L'oreal Lineur Intense is a classic and a definite kit necessity!

For tips on how to apply, see here.

The choice in make-up brushes out there is endless. If I had to narrow it down to only a few (I could only trim it down to six), here would be my 'essential' brush kit:

1. Powder Brush / Bronzer Brush
A large, natural-hair fibre brush that is used for applying powder or distributing bronzer all over the face. With loose powder, press the brush against the product and then tap twice to get rid of excess powder. Follow the natural contours of the face and blend using the brush.


2. Blush Brush
A medium-sized natural fibre brush that is used for distributing colour to the cheek area. Blush brushes can come in different cuts, including a tapered or a full edge. I prefer a rounded fuller edge for the one I regularly use.

Two ways to use the blush brush:

• Start at the ears and concentrate colour from the hollow of the cheek in towards the nose (don't go further than two fingers in).
• Smile and highlight the apples of the cheeks.

3. Crease Eyeshadow Brush
A pointed-tip eyeshadow brush made of natural fibres that allows for precise application of eyeshadow into the crease of the eye. I find these especially useful on Asian eyes for creating definition and dimension around the eye.


4. Tapered Blending Eyeshadow Brush
A second eyeshadow brush made of natural bristles that is great for blending eyeshadow colours, applying base colours, and applying a highlighting eyeshadow shade atop the browbone.



5. Angled Eyebrow Brush
A slanted natural bristled brush that is useful for sketching in eyebrows with eyebrow powder. If used wet, an angled brush can also be used as an eyeliner brush when mixed with eyeshadow. Be sure to clean the brush between each application, as the eyes are very sensitive.

6. Lip Brush
A synthetic fibre brush that is used to apply lipsticks or lip glosses. Using a synthetic bristled brush allows for maximal product transfer from the product to your lips; a natural bristled brush would absorb the product rather than distribute it.