What not to do: Marinade yourself in fake tan.

Deep, bronze sun kissed skin and summer go about as well together as cookies and cream. In winter though, the cooler weather calls for a more subtle golden approach. During, apply a 50-50 mixture of your trusted fake tan and your favourite moisturiser. There is, of course the option of the gradual tanner of your choice. Either summer or winter, it is absolutely crucial to get your application spot on. When buying and applying, keep this in mind.

- Look for a fake tan that has a tint within it so you can see where your applying it. Also look for one with a greenish tinge. Sounds yuck but it prevents the tan from turning a scary Donatella Versace-esque tangerine brown.
- Before every application you obviously cannot forget to exfoliate. Concoct a cheap but brilliant exfoliator by mixing your regular cleanser or body wash with enough Bicarb Soda to make it into paste consistency.
- Rub a bit of moisturiser into dry skin areas such as ankles, elbows and knees. When applying, use tight surgical gloves and buff the tan in with your palms not fingers to avoid streaks.
- If you prefer not to use gloves, and you kinda screw up your palms into an orang-y mess, nothing works better than smearing your palms with WhiteGlo toothpaste and scrubbing them with a toothbrush. Weird but true. You can also use this on any parts of the body where you make any doo doo’s (just not the face!)
- Don't go overboard with re-application when it starts to fade a bit. All that will happen is that you will go tragically overboard Wait at least about 3 days to reapply, unless it’s a gradual tanner.
- It goes without saying, but ill say it anyway. Don’t forget to moisturise everyday after a shower to keep your tan for longer.
Here is Lindsay Lohan to visually demonstrate what will most likely occur if you choose not to follow these tips. I think the face expressions say it all.

The Mineral Takeover.

Lately, you can’t bat an eyelash without seeing a new mineral range of makeup by every Tom, Dick and Harry brand name on the market. Those inexperienced with minerals can, and mostly probably will, assume that they are all quite similar, posses the same skin benefits and general long wear. Wrong. Unfortunately, (this may not come as a surprise) many cosmetics companies lie to get your money. Often products labelled “mineral” or “mineral rich” tend to be not very pure. A good example of such con-artistry is CoverGirl’s so called mineral makeup. Their powders say “mineral enriched”, yet they contain mostly the same ingredients as normal powders and only tiny amount of minerals, just so they can say “mineral” on the packaging and hence people will flock to the product. Clever. Very clever. Just not enough for those who know how to read an ingredient label.
Pure mineral makeup should only contain 4 to 7 ingredients, none of which are talc, or oils. They give very good sun protection are quite opaque. If you like the texture and feel of hybrid mineral powders (those with pure mineral and synthetic components), than feel free to purchase them and use them to the last particle. If, however, you are looking for 100% pure minerals and their skin friendly benefits, these are two of the best in the industry;

Jane Iredale was the first brand to base their products on minerals, and funnily enough, still has probably the best mineral bases and most natural looking colours you will find. They’re quite pricey but if they suit you and you like the feel, they are worth the money. Another bonus is that Iredale has a pressed powder which is a lot less messy than the usual loose one. There is also a liquid mineral base for those with dry skin.

i.d. BareEscentuals have loose powders similar to the ones from Jane Iredale. Their shades can sometimes be too peachy or pink for the skin, but otherwise give a nice glow.

..oh and fyi, big cosmetic companies such as L’oreal etc.; mineral makeup has been around for years, so don’t claim its the newest technology just because you only now are bothered to make them.

The blue and red light at the end of the tunnel.

Here’s is a random little fact: Dermatologists and professional spas have used red and blue light therapy for over 35 years to treat conditions such as acne and premature ageing.

Here is another little fact that actually, makes the first random fact not so random indeed: This magnificent technology is available for you to use right at home; Whenever Wherever to put it in Shakira talk.

Here are lots of little facts in a big jumble, with a few opinions chucked into the mix: Tända Skincare is the maker of at home light therapy systems or LEDs as they call them. The machines emit both blue and red light onto the skin. Let me explain before you knock it. The blue light kills ‘P.Acnes’; basically it kills the bacteria that causes mild to moderate acne while, at the same time, the red light, heals any existing blemishes and any signs of ageing. Its 100% healthy (I know they once said that about tanning beds but trust me on this one; its healthy and safe with no UV light used.) It might set you back a bit at around $400, but if you think about how much more it would be at the dermatologist, it becomes a worthy investment.

So here is tiny visual to put it all together.

Bambi called; he wants his eyelashes back.

Ahhh mascaras. Love love love. Love even more the new formulas and brushes. I feel no need for an intro, let’s just hop in; I’m excited!

L’Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes

This is L’Oreal’s version of tubing mascara. The concept has been around for a while, done by the likes of Becca and Blinc. In a nutshell, the formula forms lengthening tubes around each eyelash. Then when you’re ready to take them off you wet them with warm water and gently tug the tubes off. Sure, the concept was good, but the smarties (or skittles?) at L’Oreal went one step better and made a conditioning base. Score L’Oreal, score. It nourishes the eyelashes with Ceramide proteins plus it gives extra length and thickness while also giving something for the tubes to stick to, meaning less of your eyelashes being pulled off during removal. It gives excellent length but can look a bit clumpy at times. Still, a good mascara is a good mascara and this is definitely one of my top picks at the moment. Oh and I forgot to mention, no panda eyes in the morning. Doesn’t smudge one inch. Hoorayy!

Lancôme Hypnose Onyx Mascara
Oh how I love it. Too bad it’s virtually sold out in Sydney. I looked for it, but u can look harder for both of us. But, none the less its greatness deserves a proper review. It’s got the basic wand and similar formula to the original Hypnose, except the black is blacker (I know, right? How?) It also contains teeny tiny particles of glitter. Firstly, it is so glossy and black because it contains a higher concentration of the black pigment (oh, now it makes sense) and the glitter looks aa-mmaii-zing. It’s not the sort of big glitter you might expect to find falling off a 5 year olds fairy princess costume; it’s a much more subtle sparkle that shows when you blink. I don’t particularly love the original hypnose, but I adore this one. It’s perfect for playing up the eyes and adding a bit of interest to the smoky eye. I am, however, annoyed at Lancôme for not making more. I love it so much I’ll have to order it online.

I have to give an honourable mention to ModelCo as their mascaras have some of the best ever smudge proof formulas. Taking them off is also a piece of cake; cheese cake. Best pick for humid summers and beach outings.

Invisible Makeup

There isn’t much that looks as good as the, “Maybe she’s born with it” look. No, I’m not talking Maybelline, I’m talking fresh faced makeup that keeps people guessing if “Is she or isn’t she?” Yeah I bet you know what I mean. I know, that you know, that I know, that you know what I mean. It’s not a makeup trend to last you a week, it’s more like a skill that you learn and keep with you forever. The skilful art of applying invisible makeup. A good rule of thumb to remember; no lines should be seen anywhere. Spend more time blending then applying. Shown right is the queen of the natural look; Liv Tyler

Base
Go for a light tinted moisturiser. If you tan your body and your face looks a bit pale in comparison, choose a shade that matches your neck and blend reeeeallly well. If your skin needs better coverage than just a light tint, try Dior Hydraction Deep Hydration Tint SPF 20, which offers those with less than perfect skin a bit more coverage while still keeping with the natural theme. Chanel also recently launched the Hydramax Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 which is also a firm favourite.

Cheeks
Cream blush formulas work best as they keep with the dewy look and are easier to blend, but if you prefer a powder texture then feel free, but go lightly and blend really well. You can also go for a lip and cheek stain for lasting power. Can’t find the perfect shade of blush? Head straight off to MAC, if they don’t have one for you, nobody will. If blush isn’t your thing or you would like a bit more definition, go for an illuminator on the cheek and brow bones. A classic crème cheek colour in Coy, from Bloom looks great with most complexions

Eyes
Extend your tinted moisturizer to your eyelids so that you take away any discoloration. If you like, you can top it off with a barely there eyeshades of toffee or light peach. As for the eyelashes, add one coat of a dark brown, or if you have a darker skin tone, black mascara. Covergirl Professional All In One mascara is a bargain at around $10 and is perfect for the natural look.

Lips
If your lips are naturally rosy just finish them off with a moisturizing lip balm. If you like a bit more colour, go for a gloss that comes from the same shade family as your blush. If you like more the slightly nude lip, blend the tiniest amount of your tinted moisturizer out from the edges of lips in and finish with a soothing balm.

Beauty Sleep; not a myth like Sleeping Beauty.

After a hard days’ work of study, work or whatever unpleasant things we must do, waxing included, a long shower and a good night’s sleep are oh so good. Sure the next morning you’ll feel great, but why wouldn’t you wanna look better too... You would? I had a feeling. Which is why I took the time to make a little check list for you.

• At night our skin becomes all superwoman-y and regenerates, hence why we have separate night creams and serums which are more concentrated in active ingredients. In order for these ingredients to be able to seep into your skin, you must take off the old dry skin on top. Make friends with your scrub tonight. Puuh-leasse go for one that’s gentle and organic based, your skin will thank you. Bloom makes a mean little (read; good) apricot scrub you should give a try. Benefit also has a honey scrub with a really good texture you could use as an exfoliating mask too.

• Don' forget to scrub your body or dry brush it before the shower then slather it with heavy duty moisturiser while your skin is still steamy and damp so it retains more moisture. While in the shower give your tired little tresses a bit of TLC with a conditioning hair mask.

• Put it in first thing after you shampoo and do all your exfoliation and shaving while the mask does its work. I used Terax Original Crema to bring my hair back to life after my well trusted hairdresser decided our relationship and my hair could take the weight of a terrible bleach job. “I’m sorry hairdresser, it’s not me, it’s you.”
  
  
• After you come out of the shower, comb a bit of leave in conditioner through the hair, roughly dry it 70% and tightly pin it into a semi high bun. No hair ties, we don’t want any severe kinks in your soft, wavy, touch me hair the next morning. Giving your hair a bit of a shine boost with serum or hairspray the next morning is optional.
  
  
• If you want brighter skin overnight look no further than vitamin C. Look for the pure liquid capsules that you can cut open and use as a serum, otherwise, go for a serum containing a potent amount of vitamin C, such as Avon’s Anew Vitamin C Serum. If you want more hydration and glow, massage a layer of rosehip oil into the skin. I swear by the Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil. If you have problem skin go for a moisturiser containing salicylic acid and then apply at least a 5% benzyl peroxide cream only directly onto any spots, (I can’t stress the importance of ‘directly on’ enough). Love your bronzer more than McDonalds? Mix your night cream with fake tan to get a natural glow.

Now just take the compliments graciously.

...A pocket full of Posies

Up on attending the media night of the new Benefit boutique at Paddington, I come bearing pretty pink-y blush-y news. The best selling lip and cheek (or nipple, as I’ve been told) stain Benetint has a little sister, Posie Tint. Oh there will be sibling rivalry, indeed. Posie Tint, 30 years in the making, is a more subtle, pink based colour, as opposed to Benetint's redder, rosy undertones. The Posie Tint is also a gel, making it easier to blend than its older sibling. The Posie is great for that dewy look as when I applied it I noticed it had a subtle glowy, shimmery effect on the cheeks. Prefect product for the “oh I can’t be bothered but I still wanna look alive” days. I have drawn a little (and very basic) colour diagram to show the difference between the two stains.


Oh and incase your wondering, the Benefit boutique looks like a big candy store with Benefit products left right and centre. It’s not your usual make up store, they have a “beauty bar” where you can get all your facial waxing and tinting done while you sit up (read: no spillage of dye into your eyes). They also have another room downstairs called the Pretty Room where they do all the body waxing in private. After you’ve been waxed tweezed and tinted, you can get all your redness covered up at the beauty tables. Oh, and I must make a mention of the pretty little pink “Posie” cakes made in the honour of the Posie Tint; they were yum-o and the perfect shade of pink like the stain itself.