Browsing Tag

makeup

Beauty

The beauty products I’m totally rating right now

9th September, 2020

When it comes to beauty products, I like to try new things but I’m also a loyalist—once I find something I love then I’m all about it and wear it to death. During and post-lockdown I’ve been experimenting with different beauty products and have fallen in love with a select few items that have really helped to step up my makeup game. While it’s great to trial skincare, there’s something about being able to experiment with makeup that’s even more fun. And when there’s a game-changer uncovered, I most definitely have to share it. Here’s what’s currently lifting my beauty regimen.

West Barn Co Soap Brows

If you’ve not heard of it or had the chance to try it, soap brows are definitely something for those who are on a constant quest for great, perfectly polished and shaped eyebrows. This product can be used instead of brow gel and it helps to set and smooth the brows. Definitely worth a try.

Marc Jacobs lip gloss

While lip gloss has obviously been around forever, there’s something about those from Marc Jacobs Beauty that nails the ideal gloss combination. It’s got a rich pigment, has just the right amount of shine and it’s not too sticky which means it’s actually pretty comfortable to wear. I highly recommend this, and it comes in a ton of gorgeous shades.

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid (in Vanilla or Honey)

Once I find a foundation I like then I keep going back for more. Because am I right in saying that it is so hard to find a foundation that offers the right amount of coverage, is the right texture and just the right colour. I love the way this wears; it offers that perfect finish that only a foundation can provide but it sits lightly on the skin making it really wearable. It also stays put which always earns a big tick from me.

L’Oréal Paris Paradise Primer Extatic

Achieving that falsh lash effect minus falsies can be difficult but this primer has brought me a step closer. It’s a primer for your lashes so you pop it on before you put on your mascara and voila, SO much extra volume.

What beauty products are you currently rating?

Beauty, Fashion & Beauty

How to ensure your makeup goes the distance at the races according to a makeup artist

4th November, 2019

Michael Brown is my go-to makeup artist for many an event. He’s worked with me on everything from Fashion Week to the races and many a launch, and one of the great things I’ve learned from him is how to ensure makeup lasts. For long days trackside, you want to take the proper steps to keep your face looking as fresh as it did when you walked out the door. There’s nothing worse than being all dolled up, only for your makeup to let you down because your eye shadow’s all but disappeared or your T-Zone is looking shiny. But there’s an art to makeup longevity and here’s how to do it, with tips from the man himself.

Prep your skin

As with most things, the more you prep the better the result. Michael says, “Trackside beauty needs to go the distance and it all comes down to good skin prep, so your makeup has that perfect bond.”

The combination of a long day and standing in the harsh sunlight can mean that your makeup is very visible and that means you need to ensure that you hydrate your skin as much as possible for a nice finish. To do this Michael says, “I recommend a sheet mask before you apply foundation/concealer. Sheet masks hug the skin, trapping all the moisture and goodness so that it can be absorbed correctly.” The more hydrated your skin is the better your makeup will look.

Have the right finish

All good makeup needs to look polished and if your skin has a tendency to go shiny Michael suggests using “a mattifying or blurring primer on your T-Zone to minimise shine coming through your makeup as the day goes on.”

It’s also important to ‘set’ your makeup. “[Use a] translucent powder and dab into shine prone areas with a Beauty Blender — this can really lock powder to skin. But you don’t want to be over powdering all day, as this can look dry, so invest in an appropriate primer to match your skin’s habits, such as going shiny when wearing makeup.”

Blend, blend, blend

Adopt the right technique when applying your eye makeup and you’ll find that most of the time it won’t budge. “Eye makeup generally stays put, once it’s applied, if its really pressed or blended correctly,” says Michael. “Try smudging and really blending product into eye skin, so there is a bond, rather than just dusting on top where it can easily fade.”

Dab your lipstick

A beautiful pout is perfect for a day at the races and Michael suggests opting for a long lasting lipstick which will stay in place throughout the day. “For those that prefer comfort over long wear (as they can feel dry) try dabbing your lipstick with your fingertip for application. This will bond and drain the pigment, so it’s actually in the lip, not sitting on top,” says Michael.

Carry concealer

What’s the number one thing every girl should have in her bag at the races? “Concealer! You never know when you might need a little brighten around the nose, mouth or under the eye, it can be that instant fresh effect we all sometimes need,” says Michael.

So if you want your makeup to stay Insta-worthy throughout the day, it’s worth investing the time and effort to ensure that you’ve locked your look in with the right prep. A few extra minutes spent in front of the mirror will avoid any makeup dramas and keep you looking fresh faced whilst trackside.

Fashion

My week on Instagram

22nd September, 2019

I’m well and truly in the midst of spring racing now which means I’ve got a packed calendar of events over the next few weeks. This weekend I attended the Colgate Optic White Stakes Day at Sydney’s Royal Randwick whose ‘splash of red’ dress code allowed me to embrace a classic look with some vibrant touches including a red hat and a bold lip.

It’s also been the week for some fun fashion! I went from a baby blue floral pants and blouse set one minute to earthy tones whilst shooting for Lexus at the dreamy Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley the next.

Looking forward to another style-filled week!

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Beauty, Fashion & Beauty

A breakdown of all my Fashion Week beauty looks

5th June, 2019

One of the best parts of going to Fashion Week every year is handing my hair and makeup over to a professional to look after. Not only is it nice to just sit back and have someone make me up, it’s also a great opportunity to pick up some ideas for new beauty looks. Since my haircut, I’ve been looking for fresh ways to style my hair and working with makeup artist extraordinaire Michael Brown not only provided me plenty of new hairstyles, but he also gave me lots of tips and tricks for doing daytime and event makeup too. If you liked one of my looks, here’s a breakdown of what Michael used and how he did it.

Day 1

“Using colour on the eye can be scary, but when applied as concentrated pops of colour, it is modern and not overpowering. This look was made fresh with pops of pink, mainly inspired by this outfit by Aje.

When using colour on the eye, it’s best to use your go-to base eyeshadow shades as a starter, then add colour on the mobile eyelid as a pop and brightener to your usual daily shadow shades.

I used the Fenty Beauty metallic eye & lip crayon in shade Parka Princess at the inner and centre upper lash line and buffed up into the eyelid to add a rose gold base, then I added a Marc Jacobs Beauty blush in shade Lush & Libido over the top for extra pink hue to pop the eye. Teamed with a Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored gloss in shade Rio, the look came together perfectly. 

With a 25mm VS Sassoon ceramic curler through the hair, it made the look fun and playful. We normally always curl away from the front of the face, but for short hair, I curled into the face on the short length part side, so the overall look of hair wasn’t too wide.”

Day 2

“This beauty look was a bit of daytime elegance, inspired by Kate’s black dress. Always think about where and what you are attending, before going overkill on the beauty.

With hair simply pulled back into a low messy bun and lots of Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to create a lived in feel, the beauty needed to be simple yet chic.

To do this, it’s about a polished brow and a little shadow wing on the eye to lift and elevate the outer eye. My two go-to base eyeshadow shades are from Marc Jacobs Beauty, O!Mega Shadow in shades The Big O! and Perfect-O! One a shade tone and one a highlight. I use them as a base on pretty much on every makeup I do.

I then added a touch of metallic light in the inner corner and then using a darker shadow, O!Mega Daddi-O!, with a pin point brush, I applied this on the lower outer lash line and slightly wing it with the brush to create a day time winged liner. It’s lifting the outer eye, but not as dramatic as an actual liquid liner.

Using Kat Von D Signature brow pencil in medium brown to create a fuller brow and then put in place all day with Benefit Cosmetics 24hr Brow Set, the look is done.”

Day 3

“I loved this look! We were working with very neutral tones outfit-wise and starting with khaki, so I wanted the beauty to have a touch of modern colour to lift the look. We had a bit of fun!

For this look I used a copper shade of the Fenty Beauty metallic eye and lip crayon in Pretty Penny, all over the inner and mobile eye lid—these are very long lasting for long days, such as Fashion Week.

For more impact, I used a Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega shadow in shade O!MG over the top to brighten and to set.

Velvet Noir Mascara from Marc Jacobs Beauty is my go-to Mascara for all my makeup looks, I love how thick it makes lashes, but no clumps! I used this in a few layers, to really contrast from black lashes to copper lids and finished the look with a Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored gloss in shade Rah Rah.

A new look for hair is a modern take on the beach wave. We used a straightener to curl the hair, using the tool in a vertical manner, so it creates almost a barrel curl.

But, with the VS Sassoon Straight to Curl brilliance, you can still do this, but also create a new look ‘flat wave’ effect, by using the tool in a horizontal manner, creating up and downward bend movements through the hair, so hair is more mermaid-like and flatter to the head, rather than round curls.”

Day 4

“This look has some edge to it, mainly inspired by the outfit itself.

I wanted hair away from the face, but not totally slicked back flat, it needs some height to appear more effortless. With the VS Sassoon Digital Hot Air Styler and 3D ceramic paddle brush attachment, I brushed and smoothed hair, all back, into position.

I then sectioned a small part of the top front to mid of hair and clipped, while I then styled the sides back into a slick style using the Moroccanoil Thickening Lotion first. Then I added some styling gel to hold and have a ‘wet’ look appearance, tucked behind the ears.

The top clipped section was then very slightly back combed on the underside, then I added Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to the roots and lightly through the hair. With this piece I wanted more of a dry appearance—it was placed back over the head, and finger combed through the rest of the hair to form a blend.

Because the hair was edgy, I wanted a stronger cheekbone, so I used the Kora Organics Clear Quartz Luminizer, dabbed into the upper cheekbone and then the Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Bronzer in Tan Tastic! Under the cheekbone to create this effect.”

Day 5

“As it was the last day of #MBFWA, we wanted a slightly more casual vibe, but still something fun and different to finish off the week on a high note. So why not crimp!! 

After convincing Kate that I wouldn’t crimp the whole hair—we hate overkill—it was a subtle effect that turned out to be a talking point. And later that day, Kate pulled her hair back for the closing show with the crimp still seen, but creating a different vibe again.

I used for this the VS Sassoon Total Crimp tool and adding a light crimp to sections of the hair, in line, or at random, is a modern way to crimp for fun and texture.

I then added another Fenty Beauty metallic eye & lip crayon, (they seriously last so long) in the shade Sunfrost across the eyelids and paired lips to the eye look by using the Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored gloss in Sugar Sugar over a nude lip liner. I am loving a slightly lighter gloss just in the centre of the mouth at the moment, it creates a fuller mouth! 

Then I brushed up the brows and we were done!” 

Fashion

5 of my favourite things this month

21st February, 2019

How’s your February going? I’ve been in the midst of attending lots of work events whilst also trying to squeeze in as much beach time with the girls before summer officially ends. That said, there have definitely been a few things that have caught my eye this month and made it onto my favourites list. I’ve rounded them up for you in case they end up becoming a new favourite for you too…

TDE personalised suitcase

I love The Daily Edited and have a range of great bags and accessories from them but I fell hard for their new range of carry on luggage. Not only is it great quality but the personalisation just gets me every time. And with my initials on my bag there’s no way I’m going to miss my suitcase when I’m in transit. Big tick of approval.

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The Slow Mode ‘Cleopatra’s Bling Astrology’ earrings

I recently got these earrings from The Slow Mode and I’ve found them to be so versatile. I like that they’re a little bit quirky but are also simple enough to be able to wear with so many different looks. Plus I like the ethos behind the brand and how it focuses on working with artisans all turning their back on fast fashion and instead focussing on producing things consciously.

Benefit Precisely My Brow pencil

After my recent chat with Chloe Morello I’ve been all about my brows and discovering this pencil has been a game-changer. It’s so easy to use and the result is so natural. I also like the fact the tip is really fine so I can fill in my brows and end up with a really precise (hence the name) finish.

You on Netflix

I’m always on the look out for a new show to binge watch and heard about Penn Badgley’s new Netflix show so decided to check out it. Well, it had me on the edge of my seat. If you want a drama that has you gripped from beginning to end then I highly recommend checking it out.

Willow Swim

We are always at the beach during summer so I’m always keeping an eye out for cute swimwear for the girls. Willow Swim’s range for kids is adorable and I love the fact that they come with sleeves for extra protection. I’ve got the above suit style for the girls and they both love them. I don’t like anything too loud when it comes to swimsuits so I like the subtle pastel shades and the cute prints.

What’s on your top 5 this month?

Beauty

The key to good brows according to beauty vlogger Chloe Morello

13th February, 2019

With over 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube following her every beauty move, it’s safe to say that vlogger Chloe Morello knows a thing or two about makeup. So it’s no surprise that Chloe recently teamed up with cult beauty brand Benefit to create her very own Brow Wardrobe Kit. With so much emphasis being placed on a good set of brows, I thought it would be great to get Chloe’s tips, tricks and must-haves for getting them just right. Read on for the products she uses on a daily basis, what she does to tackle an over plucking mishap and her number one trick for achieving killer brows at home with minimal fuss.

What’s the key to good brows?

Spend time on them! Nurture them! It’s probably my favourite part of my makeup routine as it’s one of the most transformative. I can use multiple products and each do something different. My brow pencil will create the shape and add the faux hair effect, my Benefit Gimme Brow+ holds the hairs in place and plumps them up for a full finish, and Benefit High Brow is amazing to enhance the arch and give a lil’ glow!

What are some mistakes people often make when it comes to their brows?

I find people draw in the inner part of the brows and I find that looks harsh. I used to draw the little square edges at the centre of the brows too and I wish I didn’t! Now, before moving on with my makeup I generally buff the inner part of the brows out just to ensure it looks natural. Or use a brow powder like Benefit’s Foolproof in that area instead of a gel or pencil.

What are the essentials of a good brow tool kit?

I think a powder such as Foolproof is a good base product as you can choose the intensity of your brows quite easily. With powders I can achieve a very soft look if I pick up a small amount on a sponge applicator, and if I use an angled brush – spritzed with setting spray – I can achieve a very glamorous and intense brow effect. So it’s quite versatile.

You also definitely need a brow gel to hold the hairs in place. Gimme Brow+ is special because it not only secures your work but it also adds depth, colour and plumps up the hairs using its gel fibre technology! I really LOVE this product.

A pencil such as Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow is good too, because its so lightweight and easy to throw in your handbag or travel bag. The precise, micro fine tip makes it easy to fill in gaps quickly, or you can spend some more time carefully etching hair like strokes for a fuller look.

What’s the worst brow mishap you’ve ever had?

I used to create that very intense boxy look to the inner part of my brow that I mentioned above, which I am glad I stopped doing!

What’s your brow maintenance routine?

I take vitamin supplements to ensure my hair is healthy. Luckily that works for brows as well! I pluck strays very sparingly and then use my Chloe’s Brow Wardrobe kit to create a daily brow look dependent on my mood. If I have a casual day, I use Foolproof as it’s quick! If I have day time events like meetings and lunches I use Precisely, My Brow and GimmeBrow+ to get my ideal ‘full’ brow look. And for evenings and glam affairs I use Kabrow, Gimme Brow+ and Highbrow for a polished, sleek and elongated brow!

Chloe’s new limited edition brow kit with Benefit

Which celebs in your opinion have the brow thing nailed? Why?

Rosie Huntingon-Whitely has my dream brows; they’re very full, with a subtle arch. When she lightly shades them and brushes them up they look so stylish and effortless!

Can you take us through the steps of how you do your brows every day?

I generally use Benefit Precisely, My Brow in shade 3.5 to etch hair-like strokes from about 1/3 of the way in, to the tail of the brow. I feel I overplucked my brow arch last year so I’ve been straightening my arch out with the pencil by carefully adding a hair stroke or two there until the hairs grow back. Then I use Gimme Brow+ in shade 4 to intensify my natural brow hairs and hold them in place. I love to use upward flicking motions to get a plush look. Highbrow is the perfect brow finisher; its a subtle but buildable brow bone highlight that defines my eyebrow shape and adds a glow which really makes my brow pop.

What’s your number one tip/trick when it comes to achieving great brows at home?

Delegate 5-10 minutes to your brows so you can enjoy it! It’s my favourite makeup step as I find it the most transformative. Get to know your brows and you’ll see how many options there are and just how much of a difference beautiful brows can make. I also recommend sitting at a table so you have a flat surface to rest your elbow on, it really helps to steady your hand which helps with precision and preventing mistakes.

Chloe’s limited edition Chloe’s Brow Wardrobe Kit is available now

Beauty

The key to a great spring racing beauty look

25th October, 2018

Along with my outfits I like to plan my beauty looks whenever I’m off to a big spring racing event. Hair and makeup is often the final finishing touch that can make or break a look so generally I like to have an idea of what I’m going to do ahead of time. And this is often based on the colour or colours I’m wearing and also the cut and neckline of my dress—the bolder the look, the less I do in terms of hair and makeup and vice versa.

I think the one thing that’s important to remember about any racing event is that it takes place during the day. This means that whilst you should look polished you should also leave the heavy, ultra glam makeup at home and instead opt for an understated, fresh faced approach. Less is more should be your motto. I always start with a healthy base so I like to treat my skin in the lead up to big events like Derby Day and Melbourne Cup. This means scheduling in a facial (or a few if my skin needs some extra TLC) and really taking care of my skin in the lead up to the event by being religious with my skincare routine and making sure I wear sunscreen to avoid any pigmentation or damage. I’ve always been of the frame of mind that having good skin is the best base you can have.

When it comes to my makeup I tend to wear it quite sparingly. This means I choose one feature to highlight whether it be my eyes or lips. Usually I’ll find myself going for a bold smoky eye and a neutral lip but if I find the outfit I’m wearing needs a little punch then I might go for a colourful lip instead. I  stick to neutral tones most of the time as I find it’s a guaranteed way to stop my makeup from competing with my outfit and I tend to favour a lot of mascara to play up my eyes and give them a dramatic effect. Along with my makeup I always ensure that I factor in a mani and pedi in the lead up to a racing event. I always go for either a dark burgundy/wine colour or a light white/pink for a neutral finish, it just depends on the colour I am wearing and what I think will complement it the most. A perfect mani is always a guaranteed shortcut to looking polished so I do this religiously.

I’ve always been quite low maintenance with my hair and generally I don’t stray far from this for racing events. If I’m wearing something with a dramatic neckline that needs to remain the focal point such as a high neck, you’ll either find me with my hair in a sleek low bun or slightly more relaxed bun with a bit more volume at the top. It’s honestly one of the easiest styles I’ve found I can do and it’s always guaranteed to work. If my look is quite simple then I might go for a little more drama with my hair, in which case I’ll wear it down with a slight beachy wave and a little volume. Most of the time I prefer to keep things low key on the beauty front and just let my outfit take centre stage.

What’s your approach to spring racing beauty?

Beauty

Beauty pick of the week: Charlotte Tilbury contour wand

5th July, 2018

Contouring can seem like a daunting prospect at times but this Charlotte Tilbury wonder product makes it so much easier.

Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand, $60

Whilst I don’t do Kim Kardashian scale contouring because hey, she has professionals helping her achieve that, I do like to do it myself from time to time. If I’ve got a work event or occasion to go to then I like to amp up my makeup a bit more for a stronger, more impactful look.

The best thing about this wand is that it’s really easy to apply and blend, and if you don’t get both of those things right it can make contouring go very awry… Luckily though, the cushion applicator dispenses just the right amount of product and makes it easier to target specific spots on my face.

I team this product with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand and the overall effect is a more sculpted finish, with that lit-from-within glow.

If you’ve been wanting to try contouring yourself but were afraid to because it seemed to complicated then this is a great place to start. It’s seriously super easy to use and I consistently get a great result every time.

What’s your current beauty obsession?

 

Beauty

My beauty pick of the week: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand

21st June, 2018

Like its name says this gorgeous highlighting wand achieves the ultimate, I-could-walk-down-the-red-carpet-right-now glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, $60

I’ve sat in more makeup chairs than I can remember and the one thing I love about it is every time I walk away I have the most amazing glow. If I could permanently have someone doing my makeup everyday I’d totally be on board with it but alas it’s me doing it most days so I need products that are quick and easy to use. So, how to achieve a glowy skin effect without a million and one products? Well, I have become a huge fan of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand for that very reason.

I like using highlighters to accentuate my features however I’ve never been able to find one that’s just the right consistency. This liquid highlighter is great as it’s easy to apply and blend (it comes with a sponge applicator at the tip) and is really easy to work into the skin. I don’t end up looking streaky or too overdone and achieves just the right kind of luminosity.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a highlighter that delivers just the right level of sparkle without looking like you had a run in with a glitter pen then definitely give this wand a go. I am amassing quite the collection of Charlotte Tilbury products because they’re so easy to use and the finish is always spot on and this product is no different.

What beauty product are you currently obsessed with?

Beauty, Lifestyle

Girlboss Q&A: Courtney and Kimberley Treacy, Founders of The Lip Lab

13th June, 2018

Sisters Courtney (left) and Kimberley (right) are the founders of multi-million dollar business, The Lip Lab

The search for the perfect shade of lipstick can be a neverending quest for most women and it’s this very problem that inspired sisters Courtney and Kimberley Treacy to start The Lip Lab. From a single salon to now 14 locations in Australia and overseas including Canada, Singapore and the Philippines, The Lip Lab has taken customisation into the beauty arena with great success. Being able to create a custom lipstick (right down to the texture and scent), lip gloss, concealer and foundation has taken the guesswork out of buying staple cosmetics and instead turned it into a creative and fun exercise. Here I chat to Courtney and Kimberley about successfully breaking into an overcrowded beauty market, the one thing that drives them and the biggest turning point in their careers.

What inspired you to start The Lip Lab?

We saw a gap in the market here for personalised, custom blend products and thought it was a great time to start something in Australia. At the time we opened we were the only people doing custom blend on this level. Everyone we showed our idea to loved it as much as we did and this is how we knew we were onto a winner!

What were some of the big learning curves you faced in the beginning of getting your business up and running?

There were a few learning curves—staffing was hard, as we were trying to find staff who shared our passion and commitment.

Our trademark has been a learning curve also. Knowing what we know now, we would have approached our opening differently.

What’s it like working with family?

Funny enough, it’s actually great! Kimberley mainly works from her salon in Camden still, whereas I work full time on The Lip Lab. Once a week we meet at our warehouse, where we grind the numbers and work on strategies to move us forward—be it new products, international openings and basically just a good catch up on what’s happening in the business.

We are great friends and see each other every day, as well as constantly texting and calling each other, so I guess we are lucky!

The Lip Lab allows you to customise your own perfect lipstick shade

What’s been the biggest turning point in your career? Why?

A plane trip to Dallas to see a supplier of our mum’s salon, where we discovered the concept in a store there… The lady there gave us a contact, and the rest is history!

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

We both draw inspiration from many people. For example our supplier in the USA has been very kind to us and has mentored us along the way, always helping us with things we had no idea about and guiding us in the right direction.

Our mum is very entrepreneurial and has started a few businesses from scratch. She has always just dived in the deep end, and always seems to make it work. I think we’ve just always had that approach that if you don’t have a go, you’ll never know!

How do you start each day?

Courtney: It’s chaotic! I try to wake before the girls are up (Dempsey 6, Evie 5) – and spend at least an hour working out by myself whilst the house is still quiet. I find it’s the best time to plan my day, and focus of the positive affirmations that I’ve been practising lately.

Breakfast and getting kids ready is a hectic race every morning and once I have the girls at school I head to our Paddington store to either work with customers, train new staff and new store locations.

Kimberley: Like Courtney, I work out each day, but I find that the gym is the best place for me! Both my boys visit the crèche whilst I do my work out (Maddox 4, Caynan 3), and I usually eat healthy food on the run before dropping the boys at pre-school as I work within my own salon five days a week.

For me not working out isn’t an option – if I don’t do it I feel sluggish, and off for the whole day! I’m a big astrology follower so checking my outlook for the day is high on my list when I wake up, and scheduling social media for my salon before the boys wake.

Mixing up a custom shade

What drives you?

Courtney: Being a single mum, I want to give my girls the best in life that I possibly can and show them that nothing is impossible. Knowing that everything I provide them has come from my own hard work alone is uplifting and pushes me very day.

Kimberley: I’m a perfectionist and I enjoy seeing everything I’ve set my heart on come to fruition. I’m very hard on myself in both a professional and personal sense, and it drives me daily to see how much further I can push myself!

What are some tools – whether it be a gadget, an app, a favourite site – that help you manage your business?

We love Get Timely for our online bookings, which has been a total godsend! It has freed up our phone lines so that customers are able to book online, and can book any time of the day or night. We use it purely for the appointment book, and market via MailChimp and SMS.

iPhone Calendar is a lifesaver, and both Microsoft Office and our MacBooks gets used constantly. Appswise, we love Shade Scout which allows you to spotlight colours in any photo and find makeup in the exact Pantone shade family. You can also try the makeup on in real time without ever opening the packaging. You just use your front-facing camera to start a video feed, and the shade will virtually appear on your face.

We also love [photographer] Kenneth Willardt’s book The Beauty Book and the apps Bellashoot, Nail Snob and Plum Perfect!

What do you think has been the key to your success?

Hard work and not giving up. It would have been easy to give up so many times, but we ploughed on.

Offering a product that was not only of a high quality, but a fun and interactive experience, is also helpful. We really researched this product before we launched and fine-tuned it, to ensure that customers would get the best experience and product

Where do you hope to take your business in future?

We have sold three licences under a different name in Canada, the Philippines and Singapore, and have just secured a huge deal in the Middle East. We are looking to expand in India and Pakistan (over 400 enquiries so far) and eventually Europe, USA and [more locations in] Asia.

Towards the end of the year we will be launching a Blend Your Own perfume series in store, which is exciting as it will cater not just to women but will also offer men’s fragrances as well.

The Lip Lab’s range of lipsticks

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career?

Keep your cards close to your chest before you open, so that when you do no one can pull the rug out from under you! We are currently working on a totally new business that is not makeup and, although we are busting to show everyone, we have to wait until launch day and trademark objection dates have passed until we shout it from the rooftops!

How do you stay driven? 

Regular meetings with each other and setting goals/ having a vision board works for both of us.

What’s your working style? I.e where do you love to work? What’s your most productive time of day?

Courtney: I’m very ‘by the seat of my pants’, in that I’m rather cruisey. I love the days I head to Paddington as I can also have a sneaky shopping day on the side, but I also love the days I can work from home!

The hours between 6AM and 9AM are my most productive times where I return emails, plan my day and get ready for the onslaught ahead. If I am at home, however, I do get distracted easily… And by 10AM, I’m off catching up with friends for coffee and then lunch.

Kimberley on the other hand is regimented down to the minute. She loves to be at the salon, seeing clients and working on her business. She is productive all day, from the time she wakes up until when her head hits the pillow. She multi tasks so much more easily than I do!

The sisters are still very hands on when it comes to the day to day operations of their business

What’s your number one social media tip for someone starting a business?

Make sure you have someone good doing your social media. We used some staff for a while to save on costs, and it didn’t look sharp or stylish. It’s worth every cent, especially when you look back over posts and see the difference.

Also try and do some one day courses in social media so you are across what is current and what works. Find out when your audience is watching and following you, so you’re posting at the crucial times and stay engaged with your followers.

Finally don’t limit yourself just to social media as you may be missing out on a whole demographic of people who don’t use [social media] platforms.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to anyone starting a business, especially in the crowded beauty market?

Firstly know your market, and what it is that they want. Is there a need for your product? Are there other similar products? If so, how can you stand out?

Secondly, network!

Finally… plan, plan and plan some more! Write down everything you want to achieve, and refer back to it often. We look back at what we wrote three years ago and we are on track 90 per cent of the time. There’s been a few ideas we’ve discarded along the way, and others we’ve honed and improved upon. Always surround yourself with good solicitors, accountants and PR/social media people… It will always pay off in the end!

Looking for more career inspiration? Check out my Girlboss Q&A with The Daily Edited founder, Alyce Tran