Browsing Tag

tips

Beauty, Shop

Little known makeup tricks you might not know

12th August, 2023

Over the years I would have spent numerous hours getting glammed up for shoots, getting ready for the races and prepping for events so I’ve managed to pick up some great tips from the professionals along the way. There’s nothing quite like watching a makeup artist at work, simply because they’ve got some amazing shortcuts and tricks that are definitely worth copying and pasting into my own beauty routine. Also they have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of cosmetics so I inevitably end up with some great recommendations for everything from the best lipstick to foundation that achieves a flawless finish. Plus all the makeup tricks they’ve shared, I’ve tested in my day-to-day routine and they 100 per cent work.

Here are a few things that have definitely changed my makeup routine…

Freeze your eyeliner

This is one of the best eyeliner secrets that I have been told! If your eyeliner is getting crumbly pop it in the freezer. After just 15 minutes the eyeliner tip becomes firm which allows you to apply the liner smoothly.

Use concealer on and around your lips

Prepping lips is super important (especially during winter). Applying concealer to your lips will create a neutral and even template for your lipstick. Apply concealer around the border of your lips to prevent your bold lipstick from bleeding.

You can use illuminator on more than just your cheekbones

A touch of illuminator on your cheekbones will give you a healthy glow and is a quick pick-me-up for tired skin. However did you know it can also double as a shimmering eyeshadow when applied to the eyes? Try it the next time you want show-stopping eyes on a night out.

Dust out towards your hairline with blush

To perk up your skin brush blush out toward your hairline and create big strokes in an upward motion by following the natural lines of your face. The colour will give your skin a healthy glow. To spread the colour evenly be sure to use a soft blush brush.

Use white eyeliner pencil as an eye shadow primer

If your eyeshadow tends to vanish prime your lids with an eyeliner pencil first. The white eyeliner will create a contour for the eye shadow to stick to which will extend the wear of your eyeshadow. The eyeliner will also give you guidance as to where the eye shadow should go.

Fashion, Shop

The basics every woman should own

30th October, 2022

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There are some principles that I maintain when it comes to fashion. I always invest in quality pieces, everything has to be versatile and work back with what I already own and the end result always has to be polished. However by far the one thing that I can’t get dressed without is an arsenal of good basics. These are the building blocks of most of my looks. I can add accessories to liven things up or pair them with great jacket but ultimately they form the basis of almost everything I wear.

Over the years I’ve found that there are key basics that my wardrobe just wouldn’t function without. Essentially most of my outfits are aided by any one of the below items on a day to day basis and having them on hand means less outfit dilemmas for me. It’s been a process of trial and error, but this is what I’ve found are the building blocks of a great wardrobe. Feel free to add to the list!

A white t-shirt

The perfect white tee is a necessity. It’s something that you’ll reach for in your wardrobe time and time again. It pays to go in search of one that’s the right fit, length and cut to ensure that it suits you perfectly.

Singlets in staple colours

Grab one singlet in white and one in black and I guarantee that you’ll end up wearing both repeatedly. Much like the white tee it’s the perfect item for layering and will become a welcome addition to your closet.

Oversized cardigan

A cosy cardi in a neutral tone (I particularly love grey but white, navy and black are also good options) is guaranteed to see you through winter and the tricky trans-seasonal period when the weather can be a little unpredictable. Invest in one made from quality wool or cashmere and I guarantee you’ll have it for seasons to come.

V-neck jumper

I’ve found that out of all the different jumper styles out there the v-neck is the most flattering. When it comes to jumpers the same principle for the cardi applies—choose one in a neutral tone and made from wool or cashmere. Personally I always buy jumpers a size or two bigger because I don’t like anything too tight.

Lounge pants

It’s time to elevate your lounge wear. When I’m at home I live in either cotton, cashmere or wool lounge pants and I’ve found that they can easily go from being in the house to out without having to do much. This is great for those times when I just need to quickly duck to the shops and don’t really feel like changing.

Jeans

Whatever your denim style, a pair of lived in jeans that you can turn to constantly will give you plenty of outfit options when it comes to dressing for your down time. There are plenty of options available out there (I’m definitely a skinny jeans girl) so make sure you try on as many pairs as possible until you find the perfect fit. If you need a little help denim shopping check out my guide here.

Leather pants

While they may not be for everyone, I wanted to add them to the list as these are definitely one of my staples because they’re just so comfortable. I’ve found that a pair in a leggings style are the most versatile but there are so many different variations that it pays to hunt around for one that will work with your wardrobe the best.

Great underwear

I recently posted about how important underwear is to an outfit so make sure that you stock up on comfy, flattering underwear. Look at your lingerie drawer and be honest with yourself —is it filled with quality pieces or are you still clinging to your old faithfuls that are hanging on by a thread? If it’s the latter it might be time to consider an upgrade. You don’t necessarily need anything fancy but it definitely has to be able to work with multiple garments and provide support in all the right places.

What are some of the wardrobe basics you can’t live without?
Fashion

My tips for sale shopping

26th December, 2016

Sale time! This is a great time of year to bag a bargain and restock your wardrobe but it can also be the time when you may end up splurging on things on impulse and end up having lots of items sitting at the back of your wardrobe for the rest of the year. This is why it’s important to have a shopping game plan when it comes to hitting the sales. Here’s what I always do when it comes to sale shopping in-store or online.

Compile a shopping list

A bargain isn’t really a bargain if you end up snapping up something that you had absolutely no intention of buying in the first place. This is why I always inspect my wardrobe and compile a list of things I need so I know exactly what I need to buy when I’m trawling my favourite online stores or browsing my favourite boutiques.

Be prepared to try on things

The crowds are crazy during the after Christmas sales so make things easier on yourself when you go to try things on by wearing an appropriate outfit. This means wearing something simple such as a dress that you can take on and off quite easily and also shoes that you can easily slip in and out of without too much fuss. Leave the strappy sandals at home and opt for a pair of slides instead.

Don’t settle for second best

The rush of trawling through sale items and finding something drastically reduced is understandable for those who love to shop but it’s also the time to be discerning. Only snap up things that truly fit the description of what you want and not something that is just close enough. If the neckline isn’t right on a dress or the pair of designer shoes you’ve tried on pinch your feet it’s best left on the shelf. You only want to buy things that you will definitely be able to wear.

Always know the returns policy

Make sure you protect yourself from buyer’s remorse by being aware of a store’s returns and exchanges policy. You may find that you need to take something back in the event it doesn’t fit or doesn’t work with your wardrobe and you don’t want to be caught by surprise to find that you’re unable to do so.

What are some of your sale shopping tips?