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The beauty products I always finish

10th February, 2017

My beauty kit is always changing as I love trying new products but there are certain essentials that are always a constant, so much so that I actually finish them quite often. I’m the kind of person who will often have a variety of different products in my bathroom cabinet but they’re not always so special that I’ll actually end up finishing every last drop. These products however, are my favourite go-tos and are the ones I end up having to replace time and time again.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Chanel Vitalumière

I alternate between these two foundations. They both achieve a really beautiful finish and I’ve been using them for years.

ModelCo LashXtend Mascara

I don’t keep mascara for more than a couple of months as I’ve heard it’s not very hygienic to hang onto it for a long time but if there’s one type I always use it’s ModelCo’s LashXtend mascara. I’m a big fan of ModelCo’s mascara as it’s not too expensive but achieves a really great finish.

M.A.C Brow Set in Clear

I use this to set my eyebrows in place and have used it religiously for awhile. It’s a great product because it goes on clear so doesn’t compete with my eyebrow pencil when I fill my brows in.

M.A.C Cremeblend blush in Something Special

I love the creamy texture of this blush by M.A.C as it makes it so easy to apply. It also has a great finish and really gives me a nice glow.

Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment

My lips tend to get quite dry so I always have a tube of paw paw ointment in my bag. I tend to apply it multiple times a day so I always end up finishing it as I’ve always found it to be a really effective moisturiser.

Shop my picks below:

What beauty products do you always finish?

Beauty

5 ways to stand out this New Year’s Eve

29th December, 2016

Instagram: @garypeppergirl

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, it’s the perfect time to go all out and really turn it up a notch when it comes to your make up. Turn up the colour, embrace shine and be sure to add a touch of drama for this one night of the year. It’s definitely the night to be bold and daring. These five makeup techniques are guaranteed to dial up your look and help you welcome 2017 with a healthy dose of glamour.

Red lip

Turn your pout into a statement-making feature by opting for a bright bold lip. A classic red is always sexy and when it comes to finding just the right shade try a scarlet with blue undertones for fair skin, orange-based brick reds for an olive complexion and on darker skin orange-reds work perfectly. If working with a bright lipstick makes you nervous you can try my easy step-by-step guide to help make it easier.

Lush lashes

It’s time to upsize your lashes and make them a stand out feature of your New Year’s Eve look. Invest in a pair of great false lashes to really amp up your eyes. Your options are endless with everything from the store bought variety that you can apply at home (I show you how here) to lash extensions that can be done by a beauty salon at your disposal.

Smoky eye

This sultry makeup look is just dying to be used on a night out. Achieving a smoky eye make look tricky but it’s actually quite simple once you know how. Why not try my smoky eye tutorial here to help you achieve the look at home? The only key is to keep shades in a similar colour scheme to achieve a seamless finish.

Pretty in pink

If red isn’t your colour try a sweet candy pink lipstick to add some colour to your pout. It still helps to liven up your look and is the kind of shade that most women will find easier to pull off.

Feline eyes

A classic cat eye is perfect for a night out. All you need is a wing-tipped liner and the help of this tutorial and you’re all set to achieve the look yourself. You’re guaranteed to get plenty of compliments when wearing this glamorous 60s inspired look.

Which beauty look will you try this new year’s eve?

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.

Beauty

Napoleon Perdis’ ultimate beauty tips

13th June, 2016

With an eponymous make up brand, countless stores and numerous awards to his name it’s safe to say that Napoleon Perdis would have a beauty tip (or 10!) to share. During his recent visit to Australia I asked Napoleon to reveal some of his top make up and skin secrets. Here he reveals the key to achieving a flawless finish, the trick to doing your make up when you’re in a rush and the one thing he wishes more Aussie women would when it comes to their make up…

What’s the number one make up mistake you wish women would stop making?

Chocolate bar contouring. I see it all over social media and I’m not a big fan. Instead I love the look of hydrated, luminous skin. A focus on subtly highlighted skin is a much more modern way to get your skin looking flawless.

For you, what are the three non-negotiables of great make up?

Cleansing – It can make or break your look; priming – not to prime is a crime; and brows are back – think big, beautiful and bold!

Napoleon Perdis Wander-brow

What’s the key to achieving a flawless finish with make up?

To keep you skin looking and feeling its best during the cooler autumn/winter months it’s all about protection, prevention and a little pampering. To achieve a healthier complexion that is even in tone, your skin care and makeup should contain beneficial ingredients like chamomile for redness and antioxidants for anti-ageing. Primers are a non-negotiable! It acts as a bridge between your skin care and makeup. Your foundation should also contain SPF for sun protection and make your skin look smooth and hydrated.

What’s your favourite product in your range?

Definitely my Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer. Whether you are a makeup minimalist or prefer a more dramatic look, it’s important to nourish and nurture the skin with primers. This will ensure your makeup glides on easily and looks fresh all day. Primers hydrate the skin, absorb excess oil and keep makeup on for longer and is suitable for all skin types. With calming ingredients such as chamomile, yarrow extract and vitamin E it’s a great way to keep your skin looking and feeling smooth.

AP-Pre-Foundation-Skin-Primer-Gold---9322111143140

As Perdis says, “not to prime is a crime!”

What’s the key to achieving a great make up look when you’re in a rush?

Always start your make up look by applying mascara and brows first. Not only does it frame your eyes, but when you are pressed for time, you can ensure you have your essentials on. Add a hint of concealer around the eyes and any area of discolouration. Next swipe a creamy lipstick on the lips and cheeks. Double duty beauty!

What are some of your favourite make up trends of the season?

Natural is cool. Keep your base minimal not mask-like.

Coloured lashes. Makeup is a form of self-expression so I love to see women have fun with their look. Blue lashes are so hot right now and really brighten up the eyes.

Strobing not contouring! I not a big fan of chocolate bar contouring and prefer when the skin looks lit from within. Think golden luminosity on the top of the cheekbones and cupid’s bow.

How do you think the way Australian women approach make up differs from other women around the world?

In Australia there is a certain freshness I adore with the textures kept quite real and understated. I really appreciate how Australians have an understanding of what’s modern. They can have a flawless and easy going day look and switch it up for night by adding on a bright lipstick or bold lashes.

What’s the key to long lasting make up?

To keep your make up on for longer, its starts with correct cleansing and priming. Next choosing the correct foundation for your skin type and setting your base with a small amount of powder.

To keep your lipstick looking flawless all day prep the skin with a lip balm, apply a generous coat of lipstick and line lips last. This will ensure your lip line stays crisp and helps to prevent bleeding.

Which celebs do you think are doing really great things with their make up looks at the moment?

I do love Margot Robbie’s look. She has let her beauty shine through and has let her skin do all the talking. She really nailed her make up at both the Oscars and the Met Ball.

I’m a big fan of Rooney Mara also as she takes her look to the dark side with bold brows and a signature deep plum lip.

Perdis loves Rooney Mara’s signature plum lip; Margot Robbie’s fresh look at this year’s Met Ball

What’s your philosophy when it comes to make up?

Cleansing and priming your skin can help keep your look on longer, no matter your skin type. Choosing the correct primer means you can get away with wearing less make up, plus it keeps your base on for longer. There is a primer for almost every skin type from oily to dehydrated and the best part, they are undetectable.

What’s one make up technique you wish women would master?

I would love to see more women experiment with a bit more colour. Make up really is art and a great way to express your style and mood! A sweep of blue mascara can really brighten up the eyes. A bright pink or deep brown lipstick can add drama and interest to your look in a matter of seconds.

Photography: Napoleon Perdis, Forbes, Brit.Co

Beauty

The new makeup kits that I’m loving (and they’re so easy to use)

18th August, 2015

I love the results I get from having my makeup done by a professional, however it’s sometimes a little tricky to achieve the look at home on my own. Enter Liz Jones. Liz has done my makeup numerous times and I’ve always been pleased with the results. And now she’s made it easier to achieve some of my fave beauty looks at home with her new range of makeup kits. There’s three to choose from – Daytime Face, Smokey Eye and Bronze Face and each contains all the products you will need to achieve that particular look. They’re really easy to use and they’re great for travelling as you’ve got all the products you need in the one kit. I spoke to Liz about launching her new line, her fave beauty trends and asked her to reveal her best makeup tips…

What was the inspiration behind your new line?

I wanted to use all the knowledge I had gained over the years and share it. I knew that harmonising colours to achieve certain looks was really quite difficult. I wanted to make creating a certain look really easy.

What was the process like to get the kits from idea to the finished product?

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s so difficult to get the tones and textures that you know will work and the best quality. I went through a number of manufacturers and it took over two years to develop the makeup products. Then to create the kits themselves became a nightmare because it was a new shape instead of standard circles or squares, it took many years to get it right.

What’s the number one rule for great makeup?

Respect your own face, learn what suits you and highlight your best features. At the same time, have fun with makeup it should always be something that makes you feel good.

What’s your fave makeup trend at the moment?

Coming into summer is The Bronze Face made famous by J.Lo. It’s a fresh but polished look and you can always amp it up by adding a red lip.

Liz Jones, makeup artist and the brains behind the Liz Jones makeup kits

What’s one beauty product you can’t live without?

Probably my Daytime Face kit. When I’m in a hurry it’s a lifesaver

What’s always in your kit?

Good foundations, loose powder and a great moisturiser. It all starts with achieving great looking skin. Even if you have problem skin, with the right products and application you create a pretty flawless appearance.

What’s the key to a great smokey eye?

The right colour tones and blending. A smokey eye needs to be finished well and have intensity, that’s why the eye shadows you use matter so much. I have only put two eye shadows in my Smokey Eye kit because they are strongly pigmented and you don’t have to layer and layer to get the result.

What’s the key to a great day time look?

Balance and subtlety. A day time look should contour and highlight the face without looking overly made up. The tones should invigorate the face and give an overall polished look.

What’s the key to a bronzed glow?

Getting the right bronzer that’s not too ‘grubby’ and that you can layer up for more intensity without it making the face look dirty or leaving stripey lines. The main criteria when I created my bronzer was to make it a fine texture that could be layered easily and of course a bronze colour tone that wasn’t too dark and heavy. When applying, consider the main areas for bronzing such as the cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, around the temples and blending across the forehead and chin.

What’s the secret to long-lasting makeup?

Looking after your skin. If your skin is really dehydrated they it will just absorb all the makeup and leave a dry cracked residue. Equally if your skin is really oily the makeup won’t adhere properly to the skin so find a good toner that shuts down the pores and reduces oil flow. I also find that a great loose powder under the eyes, around the nose, chin and forehead seals the base in places where you don’t really want shine just smoothness. Eden by Nars is my tip for a great loose powder that matches most skin tones…one day I’ll make my own!

Liz Jones makeup kits are now available from theiconic.com.au and lizjonescosmetics.com

Beauty

The key to good makeup? It’s all about the base…

2nd June, 2015

I’ve been lucky enough to work with different makeup artists over the years and the best tip I’ve ever received is that starting with a great base is key. If your skin doesn’t look right your makeup won’t sit well. I think it’s important to look after your skin and really cleanse it and keep it clean. Having good skin makes it easier to apply makeup as you don’t have to spend so much time trying to fix mistakes because you already have a clean, fresh palette to start with. For me, I really like to blend my foundation to get a seamless finish and probably spend most of my time when I’m applying makeup getting it right. A good base (and good makeup for that matter) is also about having really good brushes. Applying makeup is all in the brush. If you have some great tools then it makes the process a lot quicker.

Tell me – What’s your number one beauty tip?

Photography: Sophia Athas

Beauty

My eye makeup kit

10th March, 2015

My eye makeup kit (you can tell which items are always on high rotation!)

As you can tell from this previous post I’m a big fan of a smoky eye, so much so that I’ve mastered being able to do my own statement eye makeup at home. I’ll usually do my own makeup for most events so I’ve managed to put together an edit of my favourite eye makeup essentials over the years and have narrowed it down to a few key products. Here’s what’s in my kit:

(from L-R)

MAC 252

A great brush for shading eye shadow. I think having the right brushes is key in achieving a good result with your eye makeup.

MAC 224

This brush is great for blending eyeshadow. It allows me to get a nice precise finish.

MAC 239

I use this particular brush to also shade my eyelids. I can’t apply eye makeup without it!

Amy Jean Brow Definer

Amy Jean is a great brow stylist and this is from her makeup collection. I use this for applying brow powder to my brows.

Designer Brands Eyeliner

This eyeliner does a great job and the best bit is it’s budget-friendly so it won’t break the bank. I also love Lancôme and MAC eyeliners.

ModelCo Lash Xtend Lengthening Mascara

This helps me get nice, long lashes! I think a great mascara is key.

MAC Brow Set

Have you noticed how brows seem to be having a moment? I make sure to keep my brows well groomed and this helps to set my brow powder.

Amy Jean brow palette

Perfect colours for shading and achieving a good, strong brow that would make Cara Delevingne jealous!

Shu Uemera eyelash curler

It’s a cult beauty product and no wonder – it achieves an amazing curl which makes for some great lashes!

MAC eyeshadow in Mulch

This is one of my essential colours for doing a bronzed smoky eye. I use this colour in the crease of my eyelid to contour my eyes.

MAC eyeshadow in Romp

I use this as the base shade for a smoky eye and apply it to my whole eyelid.

What are your fave eye makeup essentials?

Photography: Tamika Keioske

Beauty

My pre-event beauty prep

2nd March, 2015

When I’m getting ready on a day-to-day basis my beauty routine usually only takes 15 minutes! However if I’m going to attend a big event, I usually like to get some beauty treatments done beforehand to make sure I’m event-ready.

The facial

I love to get facials in the lead up to an event so my skin is looking its best. I always go for an antioxidant peel with blueberry extracts at The Clinic in Sydney’s Bondi Junction. They do really beautiful facials and I always leave with my skin feeling really refreshed and rejuvenated.

The spray tan

I will get a spray tan prior to an event but nothing too crazy – I just like a really light subtle shade. I go to Bronzalicious at Neutral Bay or the Sydney CBD as they do a really natural looking tan. I find that a spray tan is a nice finishing touch to an outfit.

Hair and makeup

If I’m attending a big event such as the Melbourne Cup I always prefer to just get a professional in to do my hair and makeup. However if I’m in Sydney for an event I’ll get my hair done at Valonz in Paddington, they always do a really amazing job. I usually prefer a simple hairstyle and will usually just either get a blow dry or pull my hair back in a sleek bun.

Photography: Tamika Keioske

Beauty

Beauty looks to steal from London Fashion Week

27th February, 2015

When it comes to the shows, the clothes obviously take centre stage but the runway is also a great source of beauty inspiration. While there are some looks that look more at home on the runway than real life, there are definitely plenty of beauty looks worth stealing from the catwalk. These looks from London Fashion Week are definite trends to watch for…

There’s something to be said about no makeup makeup. Christopher Kane sent seemingly bare faced models down the runway with luminous skin, perfectly groomed brows and just a hint of shine on the lips. A no fuss look to try when you want to go a bit more natural with your makeup.

The models in the Erdem show rocked 60s mod looks with a side swept fringe and simple bold black eyeliner. If you’re looking to change up your hair, sweep your look to the side and simply pin back with a bobby pin.

The Topshop Unique show was all about slightly messy unstructured waves. With a deep side part and slight texture throughout, it was a different take on messy bed hair.

This look from the Burberry Prorsum show is a great one to try on a night out. It’s about slightly glossy candy lips (great if you’re not in the mood for a bold lip), a slightly metallic smoky eye and just a hint of luminiser to accentuate the cheekbones. Simple but still glam.

Photography: style.com

Beauty

What’s in my makeup bag?

5th February, 2015

Like most women, I love trying new beauty products. The products that I’ve fallen in love with have all found a permanent home in my makeup bag. Over the years I’ve also picked up a few beauty product recommendations from makeup artists I’ve worked with and these have made their way into my beauty collection. I like to be out the door quite quickly (plus being a mum I don’t have all that much spare time to spend doing my makeup these days!) so I’ve edited down my collection to these must-haves…

From top to bottom:

MAC Large Powder Brush #150

MAC Duo Fibre Face Brush #187

MAC Small Duo Fibre Face Brush #188

Rae Morris Kabuki Brush

I am all about good, quality brushes. I think they make the job so much easier! These brushes are all important for applying my base, contouring and applying finishing touches like bronzer and powder.

YSL Touche Eclat

I’m not surprised this is such a cult beauty product – I can’t live without it! I use this as a highlighter and apply it to my brow bone, on the bridge of my nose and on my cupid’s bow.

MAC Pressed Powder

I apply this to my t-zone to avoid shine throughout the day.

MAC Creme Blend Blush in Something Special

This helps me to get a lovely flushed look on my cheeks. It’s not too overpowering and gives a nice subtle effect.

MAC Strobe Cream

I love a bit of MAC strobe cream as a luminiser. I sometimes mix it with my foundation to give my skin a bit of a dewy effect.

St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Gold

I apply this to my cheekbones as an illuminator. It really helps me to achieve that luminous skin effect.

Napoleon Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

If I want my makeup to last all day I absolutely always use a skin primer before applying my foundation.

Bobbi Brown concealer

This concealer is great as it’s really creamy and is really easy to blend with your fingers.

Napoleon Mosaic Bronzing

I am all about contouring and I use this bronzer to enhance my cheekbones. It also gives a nice “I’ve just been holidaying on a tropical island” glow.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

I focus on trying to make my skin look fresh so I love this foundation as I think it gives a really nice finish. I think it’s a really beautiful consistency too so it glides on perfectly.

What’s are the top items in your makeup bag?

Photography: Tamika Keioske

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