First Base.

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I am a creature of habit when it comes to the slap I put on every day. I rationalise that this is to be expected, given that I start each working day around 7am. While I am perfectly happy eating my breakfast at my desk, the one thing I cannot bear to part with in my morning routine is the make up.

As a result, I have whittled it down, to the point of sheer perfection. With the help of some friends ...

• Nude by Nature Mineral Foundation - I was iffy about the marketing (A Home and Away actress? Come ON!) But I have to say this is a great find. Talc and bismuth free. Good colour choices (if you're not lily white or ebony hued) and well priced. Good coverage, lasts at least 10 hours or more (I kid you not).
  
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - I use a shade called So Ceylon, which is sadly discontinued. But there's other goodies available online. Somewhere between a blush, highlighter and bronzer, I find a swipe of this is all I need to look less like death dressed as a public servant.
  
• MAC 187 Brush - Use it for the MSF. Use it for foundation (dry or liquid). Use it for blush (cream, if you dare). Use it for everything!
  
• Artiste by Manicare flat contour brush and bronzer brush - I like these for the Nude Minerals. See this post by Stephanie for the deets.
  
• Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - This sneaks into the 'first base' post, even though it's actually skincare. I use this under my eyes regularly, and found that applying it post moisturiser, leaving it to sink in while dressing, and then applying mineral cover on top gave flawless results! It was like super special lightweight non-cakey concealer. It works on all manner of other blemishes before the spackling of mineral foundation. Try it!

These are The Goods I use everyday - and they've served me well. I haven't deviated from this carefully coreographed bunch of products for months and for me that's quite a feat!

About face.

I've noticed a lot of women spend an endless amount of time and money on products based on which celeb is spruiking it, the hype, and the shiny packaging.

I don't claim to be immune to this - certainly not, because nothing gets my attention like a bit of carefully placed bling, or a shiny haired, poreless spokesmodel.

But I've come to realise that over time I keep going back to a group of go-to products which has withstood the test of time.

These are the goods (IMHO), and are worthy of your attention.

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Here's some of my picks ...

• Neutrogena cleansers - I like to rotate within the range. A personal favourite is the Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. I think I love it more cos you can buy it in the supermarket!
  
• Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion - An absolute winner. No nonsense. All action. I like it!
  
• Paula's Choice BHA liquid - I've tried numerous other "skin smoothers" of this ilk, and The Paula's is still the best, naff packaging and all.
  
• Kiehl's Microderm scrub - I'm sounding like an exfoliant addict now... But it's really good. And I use it (only) once a month.
  
• Neutrogena sunscreen - See my review for Primped here
  
• Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Capsules - I apply one of these maybe once a week before bed, and awaken with amazingly soft skin. And they come in delightful capsules you can stash in your travel kit! A great choice for in-flight hydration.

It should be noted here that I have combination skin. This list makes my skin sound schizophrenic. And most days it is - so there's a little something in this list for everyone!