Faux Cils has been around for a few years but it is still one of the most popular options in the market. I put this down to a few reasons:

• There isn’t a lot of innovation in the mascara segment of makeup
• YSL has always had a good repuation for eye products like eyeliner
• It’s promoted in a luxury way

I have Faux Cils in blue – you see these spectres of blue that come out of the formula. This mascara does last for a long time and the colour is rich and dense. It definitely attracts lots of compliments from people like wow you are wearing blue mascara, what brand is it? Another thing I like about this mascara is how it elongates your lashes.

The mascara is EXPENSIVE. Just know that because you have to get ready to part with some cash to get it.

I think it’s worth if you like neutral, subtle makeup but if you are always doing high end looks that are vibrant, it is probably a better idea to get a cheaper mascara.

Price: $32 in the US.

MAC Lipstick in Photo – ideal for black women, African women, African-American women and Afro-Caribbean women

Advantages of MAC Photo Lipstick

Guys – I am obsessed with this lipstick. Photo is unique because it is one of the only affordable lipsticks that doesn’t just blend into chocolate skin. If you are dark-skinned, this colour will look gorgeous on you without looking staid or harsh. It has a beautiful hot chocolate colour and it literally gives you the finish that you have been looking for.

It is ideal if you want to do nude makeup but you don’t want dark burgundy colours on your lipstick palette.

You can also do the no-makeup look by using Photo because of how neutral it looks. This is a lippie that you can wear to work, but I do think it has the ability to be worn for dinner dates as well. Just watch out if your lips are flaky – you will need to scrub them before using it.

Price: $17.50 in the US, £18.50 in the UK

I love Photo for black women – this has to be in every black woman’s makeup bag if you want to go for polished and neutral looks. A must-have for sure!