Facial oils

Facial oils are a great way of achieving smoother, softer skin. Even those with oily complexions can benefit – the skin's over-production of oil is a sign that your skin is lacking in oils to keep it hydrated, so adding a facial oil into the mix can actually slow sebum production and lead to a more balanced complexion.

Moisturise

A vital part of your three-step skincare regime, make sure you moisturise every single day. Even if you suffer from slightly oily skin, your complexion needs moisture to stay smooth and supple. After cleansing and toning, apply a deep-penetrating moisturiser and allow it to sink in overnight.

Lines & Wrinkles

Lines and wrinkles are caused when the skin loses elasticity due to the slowing of collagen production, usually around the delicate eye area. Fine lines can be treated with anti-ageing facials and a quality skincare regime, but prevention is much better than the cure when it comes to skincare, so protect your skin by eating well, drinking plenty of water and protecting your skin from free radicals.

Eat your Greens

Forgive us for sounding like your mother, but do eat your greens, dear. Hero greens like spinach, cabbage, watercress and kale are packed with antioxidants (we've touched on those already) and vitamins A, C and E, as well as iron. They also contain B vitamins, great for giving your complexion a healthy glow.

For blemish-prone skin, we recommend a diet rich in greens, including watercress, spinach, collard greens and apples. The Vitamin A in these leafy greens helps normalize the production of oil, while the quercetin in green apples helps reduce mast cell activity, which leads to inflammation and breakouts.

Revive your complexion this Winter

Winter is here and with it comes along cold, dry winter air, indoor heating and long, hot showers that can dry out your skin, affecting your complexion. In addition to stepping up your skincare routine over the season, there are a few steps you can take to revive your complexion with your makeup routine.

Prime

• For extra nourishment in the cooler months, apply Radiance Primer to energise the complexion with a luminous dewy finish or Rejuvenating Primer to hydrate and soften tired skin.
  

Apply Foundation

• For effortless-looking skin with subtle radiance apply Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation or for a polished, velvety matte finish apply Matte Skin Shine Proof Foundation with a non-drying formula ideal for Winter. Apply to the centre of the face, blending outward using fingertips or a brush.

Conceal & Set

• Apply Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer over foundation by blending with a patting motion, gradually building up coverage as required for a flawless finish. Then set the face with a powder Blotting Powder Perfector for a soft focus look to even out imperfection.
  

Contour

• Bronzing Skin Perfector is a must-have for the season for a natural sun-kissed glow.  To contour, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your hand and blend onto the forehead and under the cheekbones into the hollows of the cheeks using a polishing brush.
  

Highlight

• Luminisers such as Shimmering Skin Perfector enhance the complexion with light-diffusing particles that reduce imperfections. To apply over foundation, blend along the orbital bone and sweep past the high parts of the cheeks. Continue by highlighting the bridge of the nose, cupids bow of the lip and inner corners of the eyes using fingertips. 

For Extra Colour

• Sweep a soft toned Mineral Blush over the apples of the cheeks for a flirty flush to finish the look.

Will European trends be a hit down under?

This season the Northern Hemisphere has embrace a couple of 80s classic as part of a new look beauty revival. Would you wear coloured mascara? Do you think the trend will catch on here come 2014?

Carla Bruni fronts the latest campaign from jewelry brand Bulgari’s “Diva Collection”

Carla, the Diva – After taking a break from modeling, Italian-French beauty Carla Bruni fronts the latest campaign from jewelry brand Bulgari’s “Diva Collection”. Terry Richardson photographed the singer-songwriter and former first lady of France in the opulent line which was inspired by Roman luxury. Carla trades in a moody stare for vibrant smiles in the colorful snapshots. (Image credit – Vogue UK)

How to make your eyes look bigger

Using makeup to make your eyes bigger is a lot easier than you think! For those of you out there who have small, close set (but still beautiful) eyes try following these tips:
1.       Apply Eye Shadow in light beige or fawn to entire lid.
2.       With a darker shade make a > sign on the outer corner of your eye by placing half of the shade in the crease and half on the lash line. Be sure to keep the dark shadow on the outer corners of your eye.
3.       Use a black eye pencil  to line your upper and lower lash line keeping the liner on the outer corners only. The lower lash line should be very thin and tight on the lash line. For the upper lash line, start at center of your lid with a very thin line and as you bring the line to the outer corner make it a bit thicker.
4.       Use a lash thickener on the outer corner of your upper and lower lashes followed by 2-3 layers of  Water Resistant Mascara on the outer lashes to make them really pop.
5.       Apply Highlighter or a highlight Eye Shadow like diamond into the inner corner of your eye.
6.       Fill in your brows using a Brow Pencil. Keep the thickest part of your brow (the part closest to your nose) lighter and the arch and tail darker

Six Bridal Beauty Essentials

“The key to avoiding wedding day beauty emergencies is planning ahead” explains the bridal beauty experts from the Knot.com. We couldn’t agree more! Be sure to pack these six beauty essentials in a small makeup bag that can be easily accessed in between the ceremony, pictures and the reception: 

 

1. Water Resistant Mascara - It’s natural to get a little emotional on your wedding day so it’s best to be prepared. With Water Resistant Mascara you can feel free to shed a few tears during your vows or the maid of honor’s speech without looking streaky.

2. Moist Hydration Mist - The perfect pick me up after a ceremony in the sun or a dance marathon, Moist Hydration mist is a must-have to feel refreshed and renewed.

3. Extra Lip Product - Whether you pick a nude or a red lip remember to keep an extra lip color handy to avoid fading throughout the day.

4. Radiant Fix Hairspray - Avoid unruly frizz and flyaways by keeping Radiant Fix Hairspray available for quick hair touch ups.  

5. Luxury Hand Cream - Between holding hands with your new hubby, carrying your bouquet and shaking hands with guests at your reception- your hands can go through a lot on your wedding day! Keep them soft and moisturized with Luxury Hand Cream.

6. Protecting Powder SPF 30- If you’re planning on an outside ceremony or photo session

don’t forget to apply SPF throughout the day!

How-To Fix Common Beauty Blunders

The Dos and Don'ts of Makeup Brush Cleaning

Spring cleaning- whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that sometimes a thorough scrub, soak or cleanse is desperately needed. This week we are taking a deeper look at ways to clean, organize, and tidy up your beauty routine. First up, a look at the Dos and Don’ts of brush cleaning!

Cleaning your brushes is a crucial step towards clean, healthy skin. When we apply our makeup with brushes, the oils from the face get in between the bristles and can generate bacteria growth and germs. Keeping your brushes clean (especially your foundation brush!) will reduce your chances of break-outs and increase your chances of clearer skin! Here are our top tips on how to clean makeup brushes

Brush Cleaning Dos

• Do wash your brushes at least every 2 weeks to avoid bacteria build up.
• Do use a gentle shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to deep clean your brushes.
• Do clean your brushes after each use with Brush Cleaner when working with clients.
• Do gently re-mold each brush into it’s original shape if necessary.

Brush Cleaning Don’ts

• Don’t completely submerge your brushes in water. This can cause the wood to swell and crack. It can also loosen the glue that holds the brushes in place.
• Don’t dry your brushes upright. This can trap water in the base of the brush which can cause rotting of the wood.
• Don’tallow water to enter the barrel of the handle. Water trapped in the barrel can rot the adhesive, leading to an unpleasant odor and brush hair loss.
• Don’t squeeze the bristles dry as this can alter the shape of the brush.