Makeup Must-Have

Backstage at fashion shows and before high-wattage events, amkeup artists reach for certain products again and again. Here are a few that we've noticed as of late:

• Lipstick: Nars, Dolce Vita, $23
  Winning a coveted Best of Sephora 2006 for Best Lipstick, Dolce Vita is the perfect shade of natural for everyone. It's the new universal neutral.
  
• Eye Pencil: Three Custom Color, Light Clarifier Pencil, $14
  The super creamy formula goes on without tugging or pulling. It's a must to transform tired eyes.
  
• Mascara: Dior Show Mascara, $23
  Also winning a Best of Sephora 2006 award, this mascara goes on rich and thick in one coat. So if you're looking for instant lash extension sans the trouble, this is the tube.
  
• Eye Shadow: Lorac Enlighten Eye Shadow, $16
  The go-to eyeshadow, always appropriate and always beautiful. It has just enough color to brighten up eyes and make eyes look polished with minimal effort.
  
• Blush: Urban Apothecary, Crush Mineral Blush, $18
  One sweep of this translucent, natural orange shade with a subtle pink undertone, applied to the apples of your cheeks looks young, flirty and modern.
  

Keira Knightly

A glamourous twist on everyday brown, subtle bronze shades can enhance without looking over-the-top. Take Kiera Knightly, in custom Vera Wang, with vintage 1960's Bulgari jewelry, Roger Vivier clutch and glamourous, bronze makeup. Create her sultry gaze for the 2006 Academy Awards by layering shades of chocolate shades. Dark powder shades tend to sprinkle down on the face during application, so put on eye makeup first. Get the Look: Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Pencil in Noir Expert 01, $11, Urban Apothecary 3d Eye Shadow Palette in Success, $25, Paula Dorf Perfect Brow, $18, Nars The Multiple in Palm Beach, $36.50, DuWop Venom Gloss in Buttercup, $18.