I don’t typically have a full face of makeup because there’s usually a little person hanging on to my knee for dear life (there ain’t no hood like motherhood), but when I plan to, I make sure it stays. Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing has done the job for me for years, and a little bit goes a long way.

Image: Instagram (@smashboxcosmetics)

It all depends on what stage my brows are at — groomed, or ones that closely resemble Frida Kahlo’s. I fill them with Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Wiz and tame them down with The Body Shop’s clear eyebrow gel that I’ve been using for 13 years now.

Image: Instagram (@anastasiabeverlyhills)

I’m all about flaunting that melanin magic, so I want a light foundation that enhances my skin, not to cover it. I use a damp beauty blender and mix Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 420, with a drop of The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to give me that extra glow.

Image: Instagram (@fazgaffa)

I’ve heard so much about Tarte’s Shape Tape that I bought it on a recent trip to the US and I understand the hype. My dark eye rings may be the size of the African continent (thanks to my little toddler), but Shape Tape gives the illusion that I’m that put-together mum I’ll never be. Good news: the concealer is now available locally at Sephora.

Image: Instagram (@sephorasg)

Laura Mercier’s Blush Colour Infusion in Grapefruit has a way of waking up my skin with its gorgeous hue of coral red. It’s a buttery matte formula that’s sheer, but buildable.

Image: Instagram (@lauramercier)

I have to hold back to make sure I don’t look like a victim of Midas’ but Nars’ The Multiple in South Beach (an OG) is hands down, my ultimate fave.

Image: Instagram (@fazgaffa)

One of the best things about being Indian is the lashes we have. Benefit’s Bad Gal Bang Mascara does the trick for me but if I need extra oomph, I layer it with Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Splashes™ 4-in-1 Waterproof Mascara.

Image: Instagram (@benefitcosmeticssg)

Laura Mercier’s Invisible Loose Setting Powder is incredibly finely milled and my face doesn’t get shiny as quickly as it does without it.

Image: Instagram (@lauramercier)

In my bag you will find a cornucopia of odds and ends that it takes to keep a little human alive, a sachet of Matcha I can depend on, and a bright fuchsia lip colour. My current favourite is ColourPop Cosmetics’ Maxed Out.

Image: Instagram (@naturally.hope)