Want to meet some members of the Zoya family? Watch the video tutorial below.

The products!

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover. Buy it online at: Zoya.com, Zoya Polish.com (UK) and Art Of Beauty.com.au.

Zoya Get Even Ridge Filling Base Coat. Buy it online at: Zoya.com, Zoya Polish.com (UK) and Art Of Beauty.com.au.

Zoya Nail Polish in Dita. Buy it online at: Zoya.com, Zoya Polish.com (UK) and Art Of Beauty.com.au.

Zoya Armor Top Coat. Buy it online at: Zoya.com, Zoya Polish.com (UK) and Art Of Beauty.com.au.

Zoya Fast Drops Polish Dryer (also known as Hurry Up Speed Dry Drops). Buy it online at: Zoya.com, Zoya Polish.com (UK) and Art Of Beauty.com.au.

Zoya: the healthy way to happy hands! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Foltène are well known for their hair care products, and have been leading the way in preventing hair loss and improving hair growth for many years. They have recently taken this knowledge, applied it to the lashes, and introduced Foltène Pharma Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment to the market.

Similarly to the hair on your head, eyelash growth can be negatively affected by the environment, poor diet and stress. Additionally, the application of makeup and treatments like tinting and curling (with chemicals and heated devices) can contribute to the depletion of keratin (the protein responsible for good hair health), resulting in lashes that are dull, weak, short and sparse.

In contrast to the hair on your head, which can grow for years, eyelashes grow for only a few weeks. Foltène Pharma Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment targets the life cycle of the lashes and improves their appearance by extending this short growth stage.

How it works!

The active ingredients, Tricalgoxyl (derived from marine algae) and Hamamelis virginiana (a plant extract), repair, strengthen, nourish and protect each lash, prolonging its growth phase, which results in the production of a longer, fuller and stronger hair.

How to apply it!

Foltène Pharma Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment is a clear serum that comes packaged like a mascara. To apply it, simply pull the wand through clean lashes from root to tip, morning and night. This product can also be brushed through the eyebrows to boost brow growth.

Who can use it?

Foltène Pharma Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment has been ophthalmologically tested, and is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This product doesn’t contain prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance commonly found in other lash builders), which has been known to cause the iris of the eye to darken in some users.

The results!

I used Foltène Pharma Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment religiously for eight weeks on my top lashes and can see a visible difference in their condition. They definitely look longer and glossier, and my lash line looks fuller. This product also doubles as a perfect lash primer – I wore my mascara over it every day without any issues.

For stockists in Australia, visit: Foltene.com.au. For distributors elsewhere in the world, visit: Foltene.eu.

Strengthen and lengthen your lashes! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

The main purpose of a primer is to prepare the face for foundation.

In my opinion, Lancôme La Base Pro is the best primer for normal to oily complexions. It improves the texture of the skin by creating a smooth canvas and eliminating shine, which prolongs makeup wear time.

Lancôme La Base Pro is an oil-free, clear-colored, gel-like formula that glides onto the skin easily. Because it’s silicone-based it feels soft and silky to the touch, and a little goes a long way. It’s unscented, lightweight, dries fast without leaving a residue, and won’t clog pores.

I use it on models whose complexions have a tendency to develop shine quite quickly, and those with large pores or other imperfections. It mattes down the face, keeping breakthrough oil at bay, and minimizes the appearance of large pores, fine lines, and other lumps and bumps on the skin’s surface. Post application, foundation goes on more evenly, stays in place, lasts longer, and its color remains true.

Lancôme La Base Pro should be applied to clean, moisturized skin with a brush or fingertips. It can be used all over the face or to spot-treat problem areas (e.g. the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin)). For best results, wait a few moments after application for the product to fully absorb before following up with foundation. Then go ahead and apply your favorite look.

Buy Lancôme La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer online at: Sephora.com, Selfridges.com and Adore Beauty.com.au, or visit your nearest Lancôme counter.

Prime time! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

The world’s best chapstick is . . . drumroll, please . . . Dior Addict Lip Glow!

If you’re wanting the “your lips, just better” effect, you can count on Dior Addict Lip Glow.

This dreamy-fragranced, creamy-textured balm glides on effortlessly, delivering softening, smoothing and hydrating benefits to the lips, and at the same time deposits a subtle hint of luminous color.

It leaves the mouth plumped-up and shiny, and, like magic, looks different on everyone. How, you ask? Well, even though the balm goes on clear, due to its customizable color technology it works with an individual’s own unique chemistry to create a perfectly personalized shade. How’s that!

Simply apply one coat to naturally enhance your lip color, or layer it for a more obvious pop of pink. It’s gorgeous, both on its own or under lipstick.

The formulation contains SPF 10, and the pretty package is so portable that the product can be slicked on easily without a mirror.

Go on, treat yourself! Every girl deserves a little stick of luxury.

Buy Dior Addict Lip Glow online at: Sephora.com and Selfridges.com, or visit your nearest Dior counter.

Best chapstick: Dior does it again! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

I love The Lip Balm by La Mer!

Features and benefits:

• Reduces roughness, soothes and softens.
• Forms an impenetrable barrier, which protects sore lips and helps them heal.
• The texture is not too heavy or too light, it’s just right!
• Lightly infused with a hint of mint, which is refreshing and uplifting.
• Gives a slight cooling sensation to the lip on application.
• Works perfectly beneath lipstick.
• A little tin of luxury.

Buy it online from: Creme De La Mer.com, Selfridges.com and Creme De La Mer.com.au.

Dior’s Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm is divine!

Features and benefits:

• Rich, creamy composition that is comforting and highly nourishing.
• Relieves dryness and flaking.
• Leaves lips looking plump, well hydrated and healthy.
• Softly fragranced with rose.
• Contains SPF 10.
• Perfect pre-lipstick primer.
• For lips that look like they are longing to be kissed, wear it alone without lipstick.
• Packaged in a cute, vintage-inspired pot.

Buy it online from: Dior.com and Selfridges.com, or visit your nearest Dior counter.

I adore Lucas’ Papaw!

Features and benefits:

• An Australian icon.
• Cures chapped lips, leaving them moisturized and shiny.
• Lasts forever and a little goes a long way.
• Lightly fragranced.
• Has antiseptic properties so can be used on cuts and abrasions, and for a variety of skin conditions, including sunburn.
• Can be applied liberally all over the body.
• I keep this in my kit and handbag. It’s a one-stop First Aid shop. I use it on myself and on models at shoots and shows.
• Available in a tube and tub.

Buy it online from: Drug Dispensary.com, Cult Beauty.co.uk and Addicted 2 Lip Balm.com.au.

Planning to pucker up under the mistletoe? Prepare your pout! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Lanolips 101 Ointment is my favorite natural lip balm. It’s:

• hyper-hydrating;
• 100% pure and natural;
• colorless and odorless;
• not sticky, but leaves a subtle sheen on the lips;
• so safe it can be used on the mouths of new-born babies (… as well as on the pouts of babes born long ago );
• made from medical-grade lanolin, which has mega-healing properties; and
• a marvelous multi-tasker – fixes dry lips and cracked heels, soothes sunburn, softens cuticles, tames wild brows, and even lubricates squeaky hinges, etc. Who knew!

Interesting fact! There are some major misconceptions about lanolin. It is actually a natural by-product of the wool industry and is extracted from the fleece of sheep after they have been shorn. Using lanolin is no more cruel to animals than drinking milk or eating honey.

Minor drawback! In cooler climates the formulation can harden slightly, which makes it difficult to squeeze from the tube. To remedy this, simply put the tube in your pocket for a few minutes or hold it in the palm of your hand briefly to warm it up.

In addition to Lanolips 101 Ointment, a sister line of Lanolips Lip Ointments is available. These are a tint and treatment in one with added sun protection, and currently six shades are on sale (Apples, Dark Honey, Mulberry (limited edition), Rhubarb, Rose and Sunshine). As an extension to the range, Lanolips also offers a gentle alternative to a lip scrub. The product, Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid, is infused with organic lemon oil which has natural exfoliating properties.

Lanolips 101 Ointment is my pick of the bunch. I call it the “makeup artist’s little helper” and keep it in my kit for models who need maximum lip hydration.

Buy Lanolips online from: Boots.com, Victoria Health.com and Adore Beauty.com.au.

PS. At this time of year, tubes of Lanolips make great stocking stuffers!

I love Lanolips! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Oh, the woes I have had with finding a mascara that doesn’t blink down! I am very busy during the day – often too busy to catch a glimpse in the mirror, and it’s not until I’m finally home in the evening that I notice I have black smudges and flakes of mascara beneath my eyes – a fantastic look. Not! I have started to rub under my eyes during the day to clean up the offending matter, but am wary about pulling and stretching the skin! I don’t want to encourage premature lines and wrinkles. How I would love a mascara that stays put! I have tried many (some make my eyes itch – a gripe for another day!), but I’m yet to find one that doesn’t end up below my eyes.

Thanks LMM, I look forward to your help!!! Fiona.

Dear Fiona,

You are not alone! Panda eyes are a common phenomenon, but unfortunately there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. There are many reasons why mascara can flake and smudge. The quality of the product and the formulation are factors to consider, but often what works for one person doesn’t for another, so it can also be somewhat personal (with things like eye shape and lash size playing a part). For the basics on mascara malfunctions and some handy tips and tricks, read on.

Smudging.

An oily eye area is a common reason why mascara smudges. Basically, the oil dissolves the mascara (which is typically made of wax and pigment), causing it to smear and leave behind those characteristic black blotches. An oily eye area can be caused by natural oils in the skin, or product residue that has been left behind after cleansing or moisturising, for example.

A tell-tale sign that oil could be the issue is your eyelids getting shiny throughout the day. To keep the oil at bay and help your mascara last all day, oil-proof your eye area (both top and bottom lids) with a layer of matte eyeshadow, matte loose powder or eye primer. Also, think about the products you are applying in and around the eye area that could be contributing to your mascara’s demise. Eye cream, foundation, sunscreen, etc. could all be culprits, and the reason your mascara is sliding off your lashes. To help your mascara keep a strong hold, avoid getting these products on the lashes, try applying them more sparingly (particularly around the eyes), or set them in place with a sweep of matte loose powder before you apply your eye makeup.

Flaking.

If your mascara is flaking, the first thing to check is its age. Mascaras that are past their use-by date often dry out, which increases their tendency to flake. The general life expectancy of a mascara is 3 to 6 months (depending on how often you use it). If age isn’t the issue, it could be the amount you are applying. Always wipe the brush off on the neck of the tube or a tissue before you apply it to your lashes. If you apply too much, the excess drops off once it dries … leaving flecks on your face. Another thing to make sure of is that you are removing your mascara properly at the end of each day. If you’re not, any remnants left on the lashes will cause future applications to clump, flake and fall.

Bottom lash blues.

Most people claim that their upper lashes are the main offenders when it comes to mascara misadventures, but the lower lashes are also prone to fallout. The main reason mascara mishaps occur along the bottom lash line is because a standard mascara wand was built for the longer, denser top lashes, not the smaller, sparser lower ones. Basically, the brush is too big for the lower lash line and invariably too much product is deposited on the lashes. This excess either ends up smudging when it’s still wet, or dries and falls off, taking up residence beneath the eye. If you are struggling with getting your mascara to stay on your lower lashes, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara could be the answer to your prayers. The brush and formulation have been designed with exactly this issue in mind. Read my review for the lowdown: The latest hit in my kit: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara.

Make a great mascara even better!

If you are absolutely in love with your current mascara and think it’s perfect in every way, apart from the odd smear and flake here and there, you might want to consider Clarins Double Fix Mascara. This product is a clear lash sealant which makes any mascara flake-free and smudge-resistant in less than a minute. Bear in mind though, that it is a waterproofing agent so you will need a good eye makeup remover to take it off. To see whether it might be a suitable option for you, read my review: Clarins Double Fix Mascara.

Having said all that, I do have some favorite long-wearing mascaras that I would love to introduce you to.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara.

Sometimes waterproof mascaras are a good option for people who have trouble with mascara smudging, and those who live at the gym or in hot or humid climates. Diorshow Waterproof Mascara not only makes the lashes longer, thicker and curvier, but smudge- and swim-proof too. Due to its waterproof nature it’s more difficult to remove than the regular version (which I also adore), but a good makeup remover will dissolve it in next to no time. This mascara has an oversized brush with millions of bristles, which allows you to reach every single lash no matter how long or short. Maneuvering it can take a bit of practice, but once you’ve got it down you won’t look back. When you’re learning to use this wonderful wand there is a tendency to apply too much, but it’s nothing a few strokes with a lash comb can’t fix.

Buy Diorshow Waterproof Mascara online at: Sephora.com and Selfridges.com.

Clinique Lash Power Long-wearing Mascara and Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-smudge Curling Mascara.

These are both known as tubing mascaras and are formulated from flexible polymers. They go on slightly wetter than their traditional counterparts; but upon drying, the lacquer adheres tightly to the lash and forms an almost rubber-like tube. These mascaras tend to be great length-builders but don’t dramatically increase volume, so if you want long, defined lashes, great. However, if show-girl is more your gig, then maybe not. The other fabulous thing about their composition is that they are soluble in warm water. So, while they withstand sweat, tears and the wrath of chronic eye-rubbers during the day, they can be easily rinsed off with ample quantities of heated H₂O at night. This is welcome news for those who suffer from easily irritated eyes and fragile lashes. Admittedly, this formulation can take some getting used to. The first time I used it and saw all the lash-shaped tubes floating down the sink, I thought my lashes were falling out. Clearly this wasn’t the case, but for a minute or two I was seriously concerned.

If you like long, pretty-looking lashes that last, try Clinique’s Lash Power. The brush is just the right size, and allows you to get into the base of the lashes and plant pigmentation right where you need it. Many people just focus on the tips of the eyelashes, but for optimal length you must deposit mascara near the roots too.

Buy Clinique Lash Power online at: Clinique.com, Clinique.co.uk and Clinique.com.au.

If you have trouble with standard formulations weighing down your curl, try Estée Lauder Double Wear Curling Mascara. The brush is slightly curved to fit the shape of the eye, which allows you to access the roots of each lash and wiggle the wand through to the ends with ease. This long-lasting, lightweight formula leaves the lashes looking sleek, glossy and undeniably curvaceous.

Buy Estée Lauder Double Wear Curling Mascara online at: Estee Lauder.co.uk.

A miscellaneous mascara tip!

For added length and curve (that even Beyoncé would envy!), curl your lashes with eyelash curlers before you apply your mascara. Want a recommendation? The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is my favorite, hands down!

Sometimes there will be instances where no matter how you try to troubleshoot, your mascara won’t play ball. Don’t take it to heart – you and it were just never meant to be. Toss it in the trash and continue on your mascara-finding mission. There will be a match for you out there somewhere. Remember, there are always other options too. For example, false lashes or lash tinting could prove to be more suitable.

Hope this is helpful!

Love lots with pink polka dots, Little Miss Makeup.

Note: I sent Fiona my three favorite long-wearing mascaras, and she road-tested each of them for a month. Keep reading to find out which one she crowned “Best Mascara 2011″.

Fiona’s verdict!

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara.

“Unfortunately this mascara wasn’t for me – it was my least preferred of the three. By the end of the day, it left a greasy kind of residue under my eye.“

Clinique Lash Power Long-wearing Mascara.

“This was my stand-out favorite! I loved the small brush and its liquid consistency. It didn’t smudge or flake, and with two coats my lashes were transformed from drab to fab!!! This mascara was easy to apply, and each coat seemed to just glide on. The brush was easy to control and made touching up the longer lashes at the outer corner of the eye a breeze. I will be purchasing this one from now on. Thank you, LMM!“

 Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-smudge Curling Mascara.

“This mascara was my second choice. I loved the fact there was no smudging, but I struggled with the size of the brush. It made me blink a lot, and I kept bumping the wand into the side of my nose! A great product though, and the fact it washes away easily is a bonus. Initially my eyes were a bit sensitive to it, but that could have been more about my application technique than the formulation itself!“

Do you have a makeup issue that I might be able to help you with? “Dear LMM . . . “ is a new series I am running, but you must be a member of Little Miss Makeup Club to participate. Join today by subscribing on the homepage!

“Little Miss Makeup, my mascara flakes and smudges!” is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

BECCA Beach Tint (or BBT as I fondly refer to it) is a beautiful 2-in-1 lip and cheek tint that imparts the perfect flush of color. Bag it!

Why BBT makes the cut!

These days, more than ever, space inside makeup kits and cosmetic bags comes at a premium, so to justify its inclusion, the product itself not only has to be out of this world but so does its packaging (unless you have lots of free hours to dedicate to decanting, that is). BBT makes the grade on both counts. It comes housed in a handy little tube which is lightweight, hygienic and easy to use. Another bonus: it bounces, which means no more broken blushers on the studio (or bathroom) floor. We’ve all been there! Just because it’s in a small tube doesn’t mean you will use it up fast. It lasts. It’s a tiny tube of concentrated color, and a little goes a seriously long way.

Its oil-free creamy gel texture makes it super easy to blend, and it works well on all skin types. Unlike other cheek tints (where there is a need for speed to avoid stripey stains), you get plenty of time to blend the edges before it sets. The finish is long lasting and water resistant, so it wears perfectly in hot conditions, making it my go-to product for balmy days at the beach or long days under studio lights. BBT is available in seven fruit-salad-inspired shades, and each is scented with a fragrance that matches its name. Truly delicious!

Model wearing BECCA Beach Tint in Watermelon.

At the beach!

When I’m on holiday I tend to rock the minimal-makeup look, so my favorite way to wear BBT is straight over a layer of sunscreen.

After you’ve applied your SPF, squeeze a smidgeon of BBT onto your fingertips and, using feathery strokes, blend it over the apple of your cheek and over the cheekbone toward the hairline. Keep adding more, little by little, until you achieve the desired color intensity. For a coordinated look, pat some onto your lips too. Next, slip into your bikini and slap on a hat. You’re ready to hit the beach!

On the job!

When I’m on a shoot, I like to squeeze some BBT onto the back of my hand and work between there and the model’s face. That way, the product is always in reach and I can control the amount I’m applying. To achieve a subtle hint of well-blended cheek color, apply BBT with a foundation brush and, for best results, apply it directly on top of foundation that hasn’t been powdered (see the video below).

BBT on its own gives quite a sheer finish, but can be layered with other products for more intensity. To create depth, layer it beneath powder blushers and bronzers, as well as lip balms and glosses.

My color picks!

Peach (a warm orange-pink) looks fresh and fabulous on pale complexions, while Watermelon (a bright pink) gives the cheeks of golden-skinned girls a healthy and gorgeous glow.

Good things come in small packages. When it comes to BECCA Beach Tint, never a truer word has been spoken.

Buy BECCA Beach Tint online at: BECCA Cosmetics.com, BECCA Cosmetics.co.uk, BECCA Cosmetics.com.au and Adore Beauty.com.au.

The latest hit in my kit: BECCA Beach Tint is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

One of the most common questions I get asked is how to make small eyes look bigger.

In my opinion, one of the simplest ways to create big, beautiful eyes is to apply lots of mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

Sounds simple, right? In theory it is, but up until now it has been a logistical nightmare for many. Here’s why. Big brushes and little lashes don’t mix.

Many of the mascara applicators on the market today are massive, and while they do a fabulous job on the top lashes – giving the user a false lash effect in a few simple strokes – maneuvering a monster brush over the lower lashes, which are smaller and sparser, can be a nightmare. Even with a well-practiced hand, black smears beneath the eye and clumpy, overloaded bottom lashes are commonplace.

But thanks to Clinique, those days are over. Meet the latest hit in my kit: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. It’s genius! Simply use your regular mascara on the upper lashes and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara on the lower ones. Too easy!

I have road tested Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara on a number of photoshoots recently, and I’m happy to say I’m hooked. Actually, it was love at first swipe!

The small brush, which was specifically designed for the lower lashes, is super easy to manage and allows the user to achieve a mess-free mascara application every single time. Due to the precision-perfect bristles, even the littlest, hardest-to-reach lashes can’t escape. The formulation is long-wearing, flake-free and smudge-proof, so finally you can kiss under-eye mascara malfunctions goodbye.

For a wide-eyed, womanly gaze, try this dynamic duo: Clinique High Lengths Mascara (up top) and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (down below).

Go for it, girls: bring your lower lashes to life with Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara! Buy it online at: Clinique.com, Clinique.co.uk and Clinique.com.au.

The latest hit in my kit: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

I have tried hundreds of powders over the years, but my favorite one of all is Face Powder Matte by Shu Uemura. Not only is it part of my own daily makeup routine, I also use it regularly on shoots.

Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte:

• Is a lightweight, loose powder which improves the staying power of cream and liquid foundations and helps minimize shine.
• Has a super-fine texture so it mattifies the skin without caking and causing dryness.
• Gives a semi-matte/matte finish but leaves the complexion looking soft and not over-powdered.
• Contains no shimmer or sparkle, so you can choose whether or not you want to add radiance to the face.
• Is available in a wide range of colors (and both warm (pink) and cool (yellow) complexions are catered for). My favorite shade is Colorless, which, as the name suggests, is translucent. Because it becomes invisible upon application, it can be used on many different skin tones and it doesn’t alter the color of the foundation beneath.

Application tips!

• For a natural finish, apply Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte over the top of your foundation with a large fluffy brush (like M·A·C’s Large Powder Brush 134). If you prefer a more powdered look, press it onto your face with the powder puff provided. Cool trick! Dust the powder-loaded brush or puff over the back of your hand before you touch your face. This will remove any surplus powder and result in an even, more controlled application.
• Typically, the forehead, nose and chin are the oiliest parts of the face, so foundation tends to wear off these areas first. To prevent an oil slick, powder your t-zone more heavily than the rest of your face!
• To make blending easier, prep your eyelids and cheekbones with a layer of matte, loose powder prior to applying a matte eyeshadow or blush.

With Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte, you can simply set and forget! In my opinion it’s the best face powder on the market!

Buy Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte online from: ShuUemura-USA.com and ShuUemura.co.uk.

The power is in the powder! is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

1. Exfoliant: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

• Amazing facial exfoliator.
• Simply add water to convert the powder into a creamy, non-abrasive paste.
• Removes dead skin cells, leaving the face soft and smooth.
• Gentle enough to use every day.
• Hot tip! For a flawless-looking complexion, exfoliate your face prior to moisturizing; then apply your foundation.

Online stockists: Dermalogica.com,  AdoreBeauty.com.au and RY.com.au.

2. Eye makeup remover: Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover.

• Excellent eye makeup remover.
• Takes off the darkest, smokiest eye makeup in a few sweeps.
• Cleanly wipes away waterproof formulations.
• Great for sensitive eyes.
• Hot tip! Because it is a duo-phase liquid, shake well before use.

Online stockists: Sephora.com, Selfridges.com and AdoreBeauty.com.au.

3. Moisturizer: Créme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream and Créme de la Mer Moisturizing Lotion.

• Two fabulous facial moisturizers.
• Choose the cream if your skin type is normal to dry, or the lotion if your skin type is normal to oily.
• Both formulations leave the face well hydrated without any greasy residue.
• The ultimate foundation base!

Buy La Mer online from: CremeDeLaMer.com, CremeDeLaMer.co.uk and CremeDeLaMer.com.au.

4. Satin Foundation: M·A·C Face and Body.

• A staple item in the kits of makeup artists worldwide.
• Broad color range.
• Super-lightweight texture.
• Adjustable, buildable coverage. Apply one coat for natural, baby-like skin or layer it for a more plastic effect.
• The best dewy finish foundation money can buy!
• Hot tip! Use it body-wide for an overall even skin tone.

If you prefer a matte finish, read my recommendations here: Best matte foundation.

Online stockists: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.

5. Mascara: Diorshow in Black.

• Gives a false lash effect.
• Courtesy of the large brush you can achieve extra-long, high-volume lashes in a single swipe.
• Strongly pigmented, flake-free formulation.
• Hot tip! For mega-length, curl your lashes with eyelash curlers before applying your mascara.

Online stockists: Sephora.com and Boots.com.

6. Gel Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner.

• For precise application and control, apply it with a short-bristled, thin-tipped eyeliner brush.
• Glides on easily.
• Long-wearing and smudge-proof.
• Hot range of colors. My fave shade is Black Ink – a strong, dramatic black. For a softer look, choose Sepia Ink (a rich brown), or Granite Ink (a gorgeous gray).

Buy Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner online from: Sephora.com, BobbiBrown.co.uk and BobbiBrown.com.au.

7. Powder Eyeshadow: Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow.

• Large range of shades and textures.
• Intense color payoff. I couldn’t live without Matte Black (M 990)!
• Finely-milled pressed powder, which is easy to blend.
• Hot tip! Combine your favorite single shadows in a personalized custom palette.

Online stockists: ShuUemura-USA.com and ShuUemura.co.uk.

8. Matte Lipstick: M·A·C Lipstick in Ruby Woo.

• The best long-lasting, matte red lipstick on the market!
• A timeless classic.
• Loved by makeup artists, models and celebrities alike.
• Hot tip! Rock out in your power pout!

Online stockists: MACCosmetics.com, MACCosmetics.co.uk and MACCosmetics.com.au.

9. Natural Powder Blush: Nars.

• Great selection of natural shades that work on any skin tone. I love Zen, a versatile neutral beige.
• Use alone for a subtle hint of color, or layer it for more depth and intensity.
• Perfect for contouring the cheekbones and adding warmth to the face.

Buy Nars Blush online from: NarsCosmetics.com and MeccaCosmetica.com.au.

10. Lipgloss: Lancôme Juicy Tube in Melon.

• Neutral-colored gloss.
• Smells divine.
• Accentuates the pout, making it appear larger and fuller.
• Leaves the lips feeling hydrated but not sticky.

Buy Juicy Tubes online from: Boots.com and AdoreBeauty.com.au.

The best in beauty: My top ten product picks is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

Meet the perfect makeup base … Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. It visually smooths lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores leaving the complexion flawless and radiant.

The Formulation.

A silky-textured, oil-free, pale pink paste which, upon application, forms an invisible veil over the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or under foundation.

The Packaging.

A small, red glass pot with a plastic screw-top lid. It comes complete with a spatula so you can decant the product hygienically. Beauty bonus! Zero waste. The wide neck means every last remnant can be scraped from the jar. (Note: Due to the consistency of this formulation, a pump dispenser or tube was not a practical packaging option.)

How It Works.

When applied to the face, Acacia Micro-Pearls expand in response to the natural moisture levels in the skin and plump out imperfections, resulting in a visibly smoothed complexion. Soft-focus pigments give the skin a subtle glow, and Vitamin E and plant extracts offer anti-aging protection.

How To Use It.

1). Cleanse, tone and moisturize the face.

2). Take a small amount of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch on the spatula provided, and using a patting motion, blend it onto the skin with your fingertips. Target the trouble zones, that is, the areas of the face where there are wrinkles, fine lines and/or enlarged pores. Truly, less is more! A pea-sized amount of product will be enough to cover your entire face.

3). Let it settle into the skin for a minute or two, and then apply your foundation over the top.

My Application Secrets.

• Want smooth skin from forehead to chin? Mix Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch with a liquid foundation, and then apply it to your face.
• Goodbye, tired eye! Gently pat Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch around the eye prior to applying concealer. It fills in fine lines, disguises dark shadows, and makes blending concealer a breeze.
• Ace as an eyeshadow base! For crease-free eyeshadow, prepare your eyelids with Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch prior to applying your eye makeup.
• Lineless lip contour! To soften lines on and around the lips, dab on Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch before you apply your lipstick.

The Price.

It’s a beauty bargain! RRP $32 US for 15 ml. Yes, that’s the standard volume of an eye cream, but trust me … a little goes a very long way.

My Advice.

Get some! Shop online at: Clarins.com, Clarins.co.uk and AdoreBeauty.com.au!

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Complexion perfection? is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog

If your mascara smudges easily and you end up with panda eyes part way through the working day, Double Fix Mascara by Clarins could very well be the answer to your prayers. This clear, lightweight gel not only holds mascara in place and improves its wear time, but also waterproofs the lashes and adds shine. Additionally, it can be used to tame wayward brows.

Double Fix is the perfect companion product for your favorite mascara, which may not be available in a waterproof formulation. And even if your mascara claims to be waterproof, it may not quite live up to expectations. One simple coat of Double Fix, and in minutes you will have mess-free lashes that repel tears and resist rain.

Lights! Camera! Action!

From a professional perspective, Double Fix works fabulously on outdoor photo shoots in hot, humid climates, as well as on set under the heat and glare of studio lights. In these conditions, traditional mascaras used alone can become sticky and easily smear or run. Double Fix also withstands the rigors of the runway (including multiple outfit changes), making it a model and makeup artist’s best friend.

Behind the scenes.

It is a common backstage practice to build the lashes by layering different types of mascara. After curling the lashes with eyelash curlers, makeup artists often apply a volumizing mascara, followed by a lengthening mascara, then Double Fix to finish. The result … high-volume, waterproof lashes with extended length and extra curl. Lush!

How to apply it.

Double Fix comes packaged exactly like mascara, except that the wand is coated with a transparent gel which dries quickly upon application. It’s very simple and easy to use:

1. Curl your top lashes with eyelash curlers.

2. Apply a generous coat of your favorite mascara.

3. Comb through your lashes with a metal eyelash comb to remove any clumps (if necessary).

4. Apply a fine layer of Double Fix (ensuring you wipe any excess product off the wand first).

5. Comb through your lashes with a metal eyelash comb to separate them (if necessary).

6. Repeat steps 2–5 on the bottom lashes (if desired).

7. It’s time to go swimming!

Buy Clarins Double Fix Mascara online at: Clarins.com.

Clarins Double Fix Mascara is a post from: Little Miss Makeup's Blog