Yes, yes, we know… Being a Top Billing presenter isn't all first-class flights and lavish treatment. But it must be a treat to be this gorgeous gal's make-up artist, and if the job was mine, here's how I would recreate Jeannie D's look…

HAIR

The Jeannious is hardly seen with flat hair – it's almost always full, bouncy waves for this girl. To recreate this look, you can add some clip-in human hair extensions by Clipinhair from R1,250, to dried hair, and then use a curling wand on sections of hair – only from the mid-lengths to the ends, otherwise you might look more Annie than Jeannie.

Depending on the thickness of your hair, you'll probably divide it into anywhere between six to 10 sections. Clicks has a good selection of curling wands, priced from R150 to R400. Remember to always use a heat protection product when using styling tools – ghd Heat Protect Spray, R180, remains my favourite. If you want to add some volume to the roots, use something like Denman ThermoCeramic Self Grip Jumbo Rollers, R69 for 3.

MAKE-UP

COMPLEXION
For your foundation to stay put all day or night, start with a primer. Smashbox has a number of Photo Finish Primers (think colour correcting, 'light' for oily/sensitive skins, hydrating etc.), R330 – R370, that will also make your foundation application smoother. Follow with a long-lasting foundation like MAC Pro Longwear SPF10. If you're prone to oiliness, dab some MAC Mineralise Skinfinish compact powder on your T-zone now. Sweep some blusher over the apples of your cheeks towards your temples (Maybelline Fit Me blushers, R90, are great). Then add a few dabs of your favourite highlighter on (or just above) your cheekbones, and pat outwards in the direction of your hairline. Yardley Radiant Glo Illuminator, R99.95, is a great budget buy and works just as well as its luxury brand counterparts. If your complexion needs warming up, dust some bronzing powder on areas the sun would usually hit – tip of the nose, chin, forehead, and a dab on each cheek.

EYES
If Jeannie isn't the queen of the sultry, smoky eye, I don't know who is. If you're not sure which eye shadows would work for you, I suggest going to your nearest Inglot store (they also have counters in selected Woolworths stores) where you can mix and match different products and create your own palette – I find this particularly cool for eye shadows. For Jeannie's look, try different shades of charcoal and gray with some plum and brown to give warmth, and play around until you find the colours that work for you – the emo-kid look is SO last year so ask for help if you're unsure. Line the upper lid with a liquid liner (I'm a little bit in love with YSL Shocking Bold Felt-tip Eyeliner Pen), and use a black eye pencil to line the lower lashes. Coat with lashings of lengthening and volumising mascara – Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express, R115, is great for both.

LIPS
Don't be a prude, go completely nude… Try Catrice Ultimate Colour lipstick, R55, in The Nuder The Better and follow with Catrice Lip Appeal Lip Gloss, R50, in Juri is GAGArin.

Image: Emielke Photography