BeautySA got up before the crack of dawn to take a peek inside the beauty bag of 5FM's eeeaaarly morning (as in 3am – 6am) DJ, Nicole Da Silva. Here's what we found...

What's keeping you busy right now?

Right now I'm working on some new DJ sets for the clubs, spicing up my early morning show and training to be bikini confident, fit and strong.

What's the one beauty product you simply can't live without?

Definitely eyeliner! I don't look like I've woken up if I'm not wearing any.

If we were to up-end your make-up bag, what would we find in there?

Lots of MAC. I like that their products aren't tested on animals and that you can recycle the empty containers (six) and receive a free lipstick (score!). I use their Select Cover-Up concealer, Studio Sculpt base, powder, bronzer and eye shadows. There's my new favourite lip balm called BalmBalm in tea tree – their products on top of being amazing for my lips even in Jo'burg winter, are also 100% organic with a zero carbon footprint. I only have two lipsticks, Chanel in Rouge Coco and MAC in New York Apple, both of which I only ever use on a night out. I use Maybelline Cat Eyes Colossal Volume; it was given to me, but I find that it's one of the few mascaras that actually does what it promises. I like to be prepared so you'll also find random things like Disprins, plasters, a mini fragrance, tweezers, eye drops, anti-histamine tablets, hair bands and clips in there. I'm the friend you call in an emergency.

With regards to facial skincare, what are your favourite products?

I go through phases with these. I've recently started using the Ultracalming Cleanser, PreCleanse and SPF 30 sunscreen from Dermalogica. I like them so I'll carry on using them. I didn't find their day cream great so I'm using an old favourite, Oil of Olay. I use a RégimA night cream called Rejuvoderm. It has AHAs in it so it gives my skin a mini exfoliation every night.

What products do you use on your hair?

The one product I do love is my Morrocanoil Hydrating Mask. It smells divine and leaves my hair really soft. I have too many shampoos and conditioners to mention them all. Most of them are from salons and deal with specifics. I have ones from Kerastase for heat style protection, Schwarzkopf for repair and Pureology and Paul Mitchel ones for colour-treated hair.

Which perfumes do you wear?

Perfumes are my weakness. I buy at least two whenever I travel internationally. My favourite scent of all time is CK Escape, but I've struggled to find it lately so I try not to wear it too much. I also love Chanel's Chance & Allure, Issey Miyaki and Dior's Hypnotic Poison and Addict (told you I had a weakness).

What's the best beauty advice you've received or can give to our readers?

If it's daytime, wear sunscreen, and remember that brands don't matter, just use what works well for your skin.

And how do you take care of your body?

I struggled to find a decent moisturiser that wasn't greasy and lasted throughout the day. I've started using Vaseline Total Care and it does the job pretty well. When my skin feels really dry I use Bio Oil after I shower.

What nail polish colours are you rocking at the moment?

I've got a bright turquoise on at the moment. I get Bio Sculpture gel done on my nails; my nails are so brittle and I'm too busy to maintain them. During the last six years I've managed to grow them with no issues with the gel plus it lasts almost a month, which suits my schedule.

What is your favourite go-to handbag? The one you use the most?

Can I choose two? I have a tan coloured slouchy bag with a diamante encrusted skull on it that I got somewhere along Long street in CT a few years ago and a really cute black leather and gold trim Zara clutch that looks like I'm holding a small book.