Browsing Tag

tricks

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.

Beauty, Shop

How to rescue your lips this winter

23rd June, 2016

 

Chilly weather can often mean that my lips get really dry and are often in dire need of some TLC. These are the tricks I have learnt over the years to bring chapped lips to life in winter!

Add some moisture 

The wind and cool air can take its toll on your lips so make sure you add moisture back throughout the day. Quench your thirsty lips with a lanolin-based lip balm. Lano Lanolin’s balm is blended with pure lanolin and a bit of banana extract which mimics the skin’s natural oils to protect your lips. As a bonus it also has a subtle sheen.

A trick I learnt awhile ago was to apply balm to the lips prior to washing off makeup. Facial cleansers can dry out your lips which can in turn cause  and cause chapping.

Exfoliate regularly

Just like you would exfoliate your face to get rid of dead skin the same applies for your lips. First, create your own lip scrub using brown sugar mixed with olive oil or honey to bind the mixture together.

Apply to your lips and using a soft toothbrush (make sure it’s a new one and not the one you use to brush your teeth!) rub it into your lips using a circular motion. As the skin on your lips is quite thin be gentle and don’t rub too vigorously. Leave the scrub on for a minute then wipe it off using a damp washcloth. Aim to do this at least once a week.

Pucker up pink

When the weather is dreary a little colour is the perfect solution for a lift to your complexion. I like to choose a pink which is a shade or two lighter than my natural lip colour.

If pink is not your thing, you can try something more minimalist with Napolean’s lightweight gloss and lipstick hybrid which offers a sheer, natural looking finish.

Magic gloss

If your lips are quite dry avoid matte lipsticks as it can sink into your lip lines and make them more pronounced. It is better to opt for a lip-plumping gloss if you suffer from dry lips.

If you prefer something less sticky, go for this gloss from Red Earth which contains vitamins to smooth and soothe lips.