THE key to looking good but not being broke is simple: Invest in a fabulous item and let it carry you from day to night.

Just by changing the colours of your makeup, you can dramatically alter the effect of your look.

Headed out to party? Try a sensuous, dark-lipped tone, like what Hamizah (left) is wearing.

If it's a lunch appointment, go relaxed and muted, like Lijia (right).

It is important to buy a quality product that lasts.

Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Plump-Perfect lipstick is $31 and well worth the money.

It has a voluptuous colour and full volume, preventing the appearance of vertical lines on lips.

For effect, add some blusher.

Use Colour Intrigue Cheekcolour ($43) for a radiant, natural look.

To add sparkle to your eyes, brush on the Colour Intrigue Eyeshadow ($31), which has a rich, true colour, is crease resistant and silky smooth.

Ceramide lash-extending mascara ($34)  helps you flutter your eyelashes bashfully. Infused with Ceramide Triple Complex and Keravis, it helps lengthen, define and revitalise lashes.

Elizabeth Arden products are available at OG, Robinsons, Takashimaya and Metro.

Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick, $31. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, $34. Hamizah wears a white tube top ($139) with silver pants ($349) from Calvin Klein Jeans. Lijia wears a black polo tee ($119) and floral skirt ($269) from Calvin Klein Jeans.

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 29, 2008.