The perfect winter make-up bag

winter make-up bag Now that chilly weather is here, not only will you need to change your skin care routine, but your make-up bag will need a makeover too. Here are the absolute must-haves for the season

Winter is glamorous in the way summer never can be. And, there is one word to sum up make-up for this season: polished (think: classic Celine-style rather than flashy Versace). Understated, smoky shades of coffee and chocolate for eyes, fresh berry shades on cheeks and lips are the of-the-moment palettes - the shiny fresh face of summer has been substituted for a more matt, understated look. It's time to replace your pared-down summer make-up bag and its glossy, fruit-coloured contents with an elegant little velvet number full of smouldering shades. Unless specified below, you'll find products at major department stores.

Face:
First things first. Begin with one of the new crop of skin priming moisturisers to protect your most precious asset from the harsh elements of the cold. Our picks include Estee Lauder's Idealist (£29) and Clinique's new Total Turnaround (£21). Both are the perfect antidote for sensitive, winter-ravaged skin. They gently exfoliate and have a lower concentration of alpha hydroxy acids, so they're less likely to cause the stinging and occasional redness you get from using other moisturisers. For a heavier night cream, try Gatineau's Melatogenine (£55; 0800 7315805). It's worth the investment - a jar should see you through the worst of winter and leave you fresh-faced for spring.

If your daytime moisturiser doesn't contain a sun protection factor (SPF), look for a foundation that does - remember, UVA/UVB light waves don't hibernate in winter. One of our favourites: Iman foundation in 'Sand' (£18; at Selfridges 020 76291234) is a real find for fair Caucasian skin - it also gives a natural, matt finish and has a SPF 8. Previously, this cosmetic line has been aimed at primarily African or Caribbean skin tones, but the range now includes colours that suit all complexions - a clever mixture of neutrals for fair skins and brighter shades for darker ones.

Revlon's new version of their Age Defying Foundation, All Day Lifting Foundation with SPF 20 (£11.99), is incredibly light, yet it effortlessly evens out the splotchiest of complexions. If you're one of the lucky ones with darker skin, their Early Tan shade will suit you.

Eyeshadow:
Create the smoky look effortlessly with the following eye candy:

  • Ultima II's Mono Chrome Eye Colour in Cinnamon (£12; 0800 0852716) is the only eye shadow you'll need this winter. A soft smoky coffee shade, it's perfect for creating that sultry effect.
  • Lancôme's Fantasy Tube in Apparence (£13). The shimmer and gloss look is over really, but this gorgeous nude eye gel is just too lovely to ignore. It gives a very sexy sheen that's best for evening. Although it claims to work over your regular eye shadow, it's best on its own for that flattering nude tint.
Lipstick:
For must-have berry-stained lips, two shades stand out from the crowd this winter.
  • Stila's 'Ava' from the Colour Voyage collection (£11; Ring 020 74080871 for stockists) is a sheer cranberry shade that gives lips that just-bitten look. It's natural, yet polished finish is a plus.
  • Ultima II's Spice Up (£14) has a subtle sheen and makes lips look voluptuous, yet natural.
There are plenty of coloured balms about, but make sure you go with one that's dark enough to suit the season. Kiehl's best-selling winter vesion is Black Cherry (£10; available at Selfridges), and it provides the perfect sexy hue. L'Occitane has also just launched a range of tinted lip balms (£5.95; ring 020 7290 1421 for stockists), so choose your favourite from Honey, Blackberry or Redcurrant. The other lip saver to get hold of is the transparent Carmex (£1.99), which can be worn alone or over your lipstick for protection from cold winds and central heating.

Mascara:
Believe it or not, black isn't back this season. Aubergine is, in fact, the hot shade, and several of the big name companies are doing variations on this theme. This hue is nice if you want purple-tinted lashes, but for your winter make-up bag you should also invest in a good waterproof mascara - preferably in an all-purpose shade like dark brown.

  • Boots' No. 7 Superlash Mascara (£6.30) isn't quite waterproof but is worth a mention because of its price and amazing lash-lengthening ability. ScreenFace's Individual eyelashes (£3.95; 020 7836 3995) will solve smudged mascara dilemmas forever and give your lashes a natural, full look if you're willing to go fake. Apply two to three lashes on each eye with tweezers - once you get the hang of it you may find your normal mascara is obsolete.
Powder:
Estée Lauder Lucidity Face Powder (£20; available at major department stores) has had consistent rave reviews by celebs and make-up artists for its natural and flattering cover. Our new favourite, however, is Clinique's wonderful Gentle Light powder (£17). It comes in six different shades, each with a slight shimmer, making you look healthy, not glittery.

Blusher:
If you want to make an impact with blusher, you'll need to keep the rest of your make-up subtle. The good news is that the trend for creamy blushers continues, a plus because they stay on better than powdered ones in winter. This season, try Benefit's Cheekies Cream Blush in 'Gotta Crush On You'. It'll give you a naturally flushed look, and your friends will wonder what you've been up to. Also, Ruby and Millie Face Gloss (£10; available at larger Boots stores) comes in five different sheer and lovely shades. Go easy, though - they're shiny, so use sparingly.

Fragrance:
You may know The Barefoot Doctor, aka. Stephen Russell, an alternative health expert who's a regular guest on the Big Breakfast and a weekly columnist for the Sunday Observer. In conjunction with Boots, he's launching a fragrance range this season, that incorporates essential oils like clove and sandalwood, among others. Try his Private Pleasures (£15; available in the Bathtime Bliss section of larger Boots stores), a gift set that contains candles, body lotion, incense sticks, and his Damn Sexy Heavenly Bath Essence, for solo use or for pairs.

The other big launch for winter is Coco Mademoiselle (£40 for 50ml), Chanel's first new scent since Allure was launched five years ago. It's a lighter version of the spicy Coco, but still pungent enough for winter.

Wonderful winter splurges:
Your make-up bag is nearly complete. If you've got the urge for a little treat, enjoy one of the following luxuries, perfect for taking the chill off the coldest of nights.

*Lancôme's Zen Perfumed Body Powder (£25; ring 020 7629 8867 for stockists). This is a silky powder that leaves a subtle sheen and a warm, comforting scent.

Can it be true? Nuxe's Phytochoc skincare (from £22; at Space NK 020 7299 4999) is a range that contains antioxidants extracted from cocoa beans - apparently they increase hydration by up to 40 per cent. Another chocolate treat comes from New York's Serendipity 3. Their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Body Icing (£13.50; available at Pout 020 7370 0379) is a decadent body moisturiser - the ultimate treat on a grey, winter day.

Honey is another trend in make-up this winter, so why not become a convert to its natural moisturising powers (researchers in New Zealand have also recently discovered its antibacterial properties). Comfort and Joy's Honeymoon face cleanser (£11.50; 0367 850278) is made from local, organic honey. It's a great choice since it moisturises while is cleanses, and its natural ingredients are gentle on the skin.

Guerlain's Midnight Secret facial moisturiser has transformed many a model after a hard day's night and is now available in little capsules: The new Midnight Star (£28 for 10 capsules) contains firming and light diffusing elements - perfect as a pre-big event skin boost. Get some while stocks last.

Benefit's Bathina Body So Fine (£22) is the top splurge for winter. This gorgeous silky, velvety solid balm lightly moisturises and adds a subtle sheen to skin. You'll love its black velvet puff, and the scent will leave you feeling gorgeous and lovely.