Another week, another favourite posts and another 500000000 products I’ve been testing out (and my skins hating me for it, oh the things I do for this blog!) So many brands have been coming out with amazing products and I’ve discovered an amazing brand for my Aussie readers that I can’t wait to share with you next month (it’s a secret for now!)  In the meantime here are the posts you may have missed and the products I’ve been loving (and not loving!) for this week:

eBook out now!

Precision Brushes

Rimmel Retro Glam Collection Review

Saturday Swatches - ELF Studio Baked Highlighters

This week I’m loving:

*L’Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim/Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner. This eyeliner gives amazing precision lines. It is very similar to the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner but has a much firmer tip (which I like) Whilst the eyeliner isn’t the longest lasting I’ve tried it stays put for quite a while and gives a perfect rich jet black line. Amazing for giving me perfect winged liner in a flash.

This week I was disappointed with:

*Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara. I wanted to love this so bad but it just ended up not working for me. The brush is unique and the packaging is even cuter (I can’t bare to toss it!) but that doesn’t make up for how much I didn’t like the formula. This mascara irritated my eyes, didn’t give much length and clumped like no tomorrow, whilst I know loads of tricks to get rid of clumpy lashes I still prefer a mascara I can put on with no fuss.

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration (products are marked with *) in accordance with my disclosure policy, this does not alter the honesty of this review or the blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own.

I’m a huge fan of long lashes, you can bet your money on the fact that when I’m looking for a mascara I’ll look for one with the words length, not volume. Every now and then I  like to switch it up a little with super thick lashes and when I do, I go all out. So by now I’ve got quite a few tricks up my sleeve.

Curl your lashes. Pretty simple but it makes all the difference, it will curl all your lashes (including all the tiny ones you didn’t know you had!) love Shu Uemura Lash Curler (it doesn’t hold cult status for no reason, drugstore ones just don’t compare)

Dust some translucent powder over your lashes. Although usually some of your eyeshadow will “fall ” onto your lashes I really like to amp up the volume by dusting a small amount of loose powder on the base of the lashes and then applying mascara (it makes lashes look extra thick and full of volume) Standard loose setting powder will work fine but you can also use a lash powder like Essence Volumizing Lash Powder (only available in select countries)

Tightline your eyes. By applying eyeliner in between your lashes there won’t be any gaps so it will give the appearance of super thick lashes.

Prime your lashes. If you find the translucent powder trick a bit difficult (or you just want even more volume) you can use a lash primer. These are usually white and brushed over the lashes before mascara to not only give more length but volume too.

Use a volume mascara. Make sure you choose a mascara that is designed for volume instead of length. I really like L’Oreal Voluminous Lashes Mascara (One of Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist’s is a fan!)

Wiggle the wand. The major key to getting voluminous lashes is all in the application of your mascara. If you are just brushing a coat on and calling it a day, think again. Your mascara should be applied in a zig-zag motion, starting at the base of your lashes and working up. I really like to concentrate mascara at the base as it gives a thicker effect.

Use a small mascara wand (like ELF Exact Lash Mascara) as these can help to define any tiny lashes at the inner corners of your eyes making your lashes look.. You guessed it: more volumized!

If you haven’t already done so make sure you follow Makeup Tips on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, email and purchase a copy of my eBook!

I hope I helped you and if you need anything else feel free to ask.

If any product you use irritates you discontinue use immediately.

Got a beauty question? Ask Makeup Tips.

ELF Essential Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Black & Coffee

ELF Essential Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen is perfect for tightlining the eyes. The eyeliner can be used to dot between the upper & lower lashes to create a fuller effect but can also be used on its side to create a traditional liner. The tip of this product is way firmer than I think necessary so the product has to be used gently or you could stab your eyes. This product does have good staying power but can smear so I wouldn’t class it as waterproof. The packaging is a bit of a dud as the eyeliner has a tendency to leak very easily and as the outside of the packaging is matte & white it looks very grotty. Overall this is a great product if you want a budget friendly alternative to the Too Faced Three Way Lining Lash Tool.

ELF Essential Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen Swatches from left to right: Black dotted, used on its side and and used traditionally. Coffee dotted, used on its side and used traditionally

Black is your traditional black liner shade. The pigmentation could be better as the colour is not jet black.

Coffee is a light brown shade which in my opinion is pretty useless; because it is so light it barely shows up when lining the eyes.

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Hey everyone! Hectic week here! I’m sick with the flu and am suffering from a bad hair cut so I haven’t been testing out any new products this week so sadly there is no weekly favourites & dislikes. In the meantime you can follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with my latest product loves, hauls and tips!

Thick & Voluminous Lashes

Powder application tip

Pimple concealing tip

Saturday Swatches - ELF Essential Triple Tip Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Night-time is when we get our beauty sleep so it’s important we go to our best efforts to make sure our beauty routine is down pat. Before you hit the hay, there is just a few things you oughta do to have your skin looking and feeling it’s best when you wake up. An ideal night-time skincare routine usually goes a little like this…

Cleanse (twice)

Remove Eye Makeup

Tone

Treat

Hydrate

Cleanse (twice)

If you’ve been wearing makeup it’s important to cleanse twice; first to remove any makeup and secondly to remove any dirt’s, oils and grime that has built up throughout the day.

TOP PICKS: Olive Oil, NUDE Skincare Cleansing Oil, *MV Organics Cream Cleanser

Remove Eye Makeup

Soak a cotton pad in eye makeup remover and hold it on your eyelid for a few seconds to dissolve eye makeup. Finish off by sliding the cotton pad down to remove any makeup from the lashes. Take a cotton tip soaked in eye makeup remover to remove any stubborn product.

TOP PICKS: Bioderma Crealine H2O, Lancome Bi Facil, Maybelline Express Eye Makeup Remover

Tone

Toning isn’t 100% essential, but if you want to use one now is the time to do so, it will remove any excess cleanser and regulate the pH balance of the skin. To use a toner spray (or pour) some onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over your face, neck & decolletage. Those with dry or sensitive skin will want to use a hydrating or soothing mist.

TOP PICKS: Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner, Witch Hazel.

Treat

If you have any breakouts now is the time to apply your spot treatment because it is the lightest and most potent formula it should go on your skin before anything else. If you use a serum now is the time to also apply it.

TOP PICKS: Skin Certified Tea Tree Oil (breakouts) Kiehls Midnight Recovery Serum, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil.

Hydrate

Apply your eye cream, lip balm and moisturiser. Pat your eye cream on and for your moisturiser gently press it into the skin, you will use less product and won’t disturb any ingredients.

TOP PICKS: Origins Gin Zing Refreshing Eye Cream, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream, *Jurlique Herbal Recovery Night Cream, *Sukin Purely Age Replenishing Night Cream,

You can also….

Use a cleansing device.

Cleansing devices are extremely popular (such as the Clarisonic and its competitors) but I personally find them too harsh for the skin and don’t recommend them. If you find they work for you, then that is great.

Exfoliate twice a week.

This helps clean any dirt, oils and dead skin cells from your pores, helping your skin look more radiant and preventing breakouts. I like to either mix a small amount of a granular scrub with a cream cleanser (or opt for a cleanser with a microexfoliant. I find the best option is to use a muslin cloth to remove cleanser as they gently exfoliate the skin.

Top picks: *Jobabo Bead Facial Cleanser, Muslin Cloth.

Use a mask.

if your skin is seriously parched or if you just want radiant looking skin a face mask is a great option. Either use a regular mask or an overnight one. To apply an overnight mask apply as you would your moisturiser and then tissue off any excess. To avoid overloading your skin don’t use any masks more than twice a week.

TOP PICKS: *Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Mask and *Origins Drink Up Intense Overnight Mask

Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This post also contains affiliate links. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

I’m Judge Makeup Tips and  I’m about to bust you for believing one of the biggest beauty myth’s out; you now have the right to relax your face.

"To apply blush just smile and put it on the apples of your cheeks" she said. A lot of the time people are so confused on where to apply blush that they believe what they want to believe. Applying blush whilst smiling to the "apples" of the cheeks can actually drag your face down. When you smile whilst applying blush once you relax your face your blush will be applied far too low, dragging down your features and making you look tired. Smiling whilst applying blush is a technique that is used for applying stage makeup as it gives the face an older effect. When applying blush you want to relax your face, apply it to the center of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards your cheekbones and temples.

BEAUTY MYTH: BUSTED! You shouldn’t smile whilst applying blush - it will drag down your appearance!

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel 01 Crystal Pink & 02 Crystal Plum

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gels are gorgeous hydrating lipglosses that appear super glossy on the lips. They give full, lust-worthy shine without looking OTT and reflect light beautifully. I’m not a huge gloss fan, but have tried my fair share of them and can easily say these are the most moisturising lipglosses I’ve tried. These glosses are not sticky, just creamy and moisturising. It is important to note that they do cling to dry patches of the lips which can make colour appear uneven. These lipglosses aren’t very pigmented so if full-colour, opaque lip products are your thing you may not like these. There are only two shades available in the Instant Smooth Lip Gel range, but they smell and taste amazing. These aren’t very affordable, but if you’re looking for a hydrating lipgloss for everyday wear then these would be great for you.

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel Swatches  01 Crystal Pink & 02 Crystal Plum

01 Crystal Pink appears as a bright red in the tube but on the lips provides just a hint of pink colour which is perfect for daytime.

02 Crystal Plum appears as a gorgeous deep plum in the tube but on the lips gives a subtle berry colour, perfect for the cooler months or if you’re just afraid of dark colours.

Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

This week has been another hectic week (which one isn’t?) I hope you all had an amazing Halloween! Sadly Halloween isn’t really a big deal in AUS (I would love to experience Halloween in the US!) did you dress up and wear really awesome makeup? I know I went a little crazy on purchasing Halloween makeup (false lashes, lipsticks, eyeliners, etc. You name it!) but haven’t really got around to playing with it! The Illamasqua “Bat” False Lashes have been tempting me for ages so as soon as they are discounted I can guarantee you I’ll be purchasing a pair (or two)

Night-time Skincare 101

Fuller lip tip

Should you Smile when applying Blush?

Saturday Swatches - Clarins Instant Smooth Lip Gel

Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

This week I’m loving…

*Beyonce Heat Mrs Carter Eau De Parfum. Queen B is currently down under in OZ for her Mrs Carter world tour and whilst I won’t been attending any of her shows I have had the pleasure of trying this perfume. If you love the thought of Summer in a bottle of perfume there is no doubt in my mind that you will love this perfume. It has a very clean, tropical scent but still smells just girly and feminine. The top notes include Mangosteen and Organic Acai, other notes include: Brassia Edua Loo Orchid, Violet Petals,  Indian Sambac Jasmine, Madagascar Vanilla, rich Australian Sandalwood and Organic Indonesian Vetiver. Last but not least the bottle is divine and looks amazing sitting on a vanity.

This week I’m not loving…

Carols Daughter Monoi Shampoo & Conditioner. I received samples of this from Sephora and being a fan of Carols Daughter products (I LOVE the hair milk!) I was excited to try this. Most Carols Daughter products I have tried smell amazing, this one does not. The scent of this product was far too overpowering and just wasn’t pleasant, so  unpleasant that after washing my hair and hopping out the shower I went back in and redone my hair with a different shampoo, just because I couldn’t handle the smell. In terms of results - it didn’t deliver amazing results but they weren’t terrible either, I found the shampoo to be quite drying on my hair and the conditioner only slightly counteracted that. For the price you can definitely find a better shampoo & conditioner.

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

Instead of looking for options to retouch your makeup have you ever thought about prepping your face so you don’t have to reapply throughout the day? If not, then now is the time to start thinking about it.

Prep:

The first step to any makeup application is good skin so ensure you have a good, strict regime in the evenings and a nice, simple cleanse & moisturise in the morning. Before any makeup application I like to prep the skin with a light oil-free moisturiser, during in the day time I use one with sunscreen (such as Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 or Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisturiser)

Prime:

After a good skincare routine it’s time to apply primer. I like silicone based primers as they really help to make makeup last longer my favourite is Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer but if you have oily skin mattifying primers are a great option (such as Smashbox anti-shine) Make sure to let it sit for a good minute or so before applying your foundation or your makeup may look patchy.

Apply:

For your foundation (and the rest of your makeup) try opting for a long-wearing formula as these are specifically designed to be used without the need for retouching/reapplying. I love Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (is full coverage but can be sheered down if mixed with primer) you can also set your face with a translucent powder but I find this is when things start to look cakey. If you really want to set your face use a finely milled powder (such as Too Faced Primed & Poreless) and apply it with a powder puff (not a brush or it will apply unevenly) and dust off any excess with a clean powder brush.

Retouch:

If you still find you look shiny in the middle of the day, try oil blotting tissues; they absorb excess oils from the skin so you don’t look shiny or greasy. I don’t recommend re-applying powder as it can look cakey. and it can oxidize with the oil on your skin.

If you haven’t already done so make sure you follow Makeup Tips on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, email and purchase a copy of my eBook!

I hope I helped you and if you need anything else feel free to ask.

If any product you use irritates you discontinue use immediately.

Got a beauty question? Ask Makeup Tips.

They say it takes a woman seven different foundations until they find a great one, I guess that explains why I have over five favourites. Foundations are one of my favourite products to test out so when I kept on getting requests for a review on this particular formula I knew I had to try it.

LOreal True Match Foundation N1 Nude Ivory & N2 Vanilla

The packaging of this product varies per country. All bottles contain 30ml of product (the standard foundation amount) In the UK and AUS this foundation is packaged in glass bottle allowing you to see how much product you have left. The bottle also comes complete with a silver pump which makes dispensing product very easy and prevents you from contaminating the product with your fingers. In the US this product is packaged in a small glass bottle with a silver lid, the product requires pouring which cannot only contaminate the product, but can also make it difficult to dispense a small amount of product.

The formula of this foundation is quite thicker than most liquid foundations I’ve tried which does make it a bit difficult to blend, the foundation also sets quickly which can also be a hassle.  I found using a foundation brush gave the best results and buffing over it with a buffing brush helped to blend it easier.  The finish is demi-matte, so it still has a bit of a glow to it so that skin still looks healthy (and well, like skin) but isn’t dewy or greasy, I would say this foundation would be best for those with combination skin. The staying power is okay, nothing to write home about but not terrible either. In my opinion a good primer is the key to long lasting makeup.

I found this foundation to be a bit drying so if you have dry skin this may not be good for you. This foundation also clung onto my dry patches like no tomorrow so I can only use it when my skin is hydrated at its best (and even then I have to use a REALLY good moisturiser & primer underneath)

In terms of coverage this foundation is definitely a winner. Even though I have perfect skin (well so I’ve been told) I still love a good coverage base. This foundation provides a medium coverage, it isn’t very buildable (simply because the formula sets quickly) but can be easily sheered down with a stippling brush or when mixed with moisturiser.

LOreal True Match Foundation Swatches N1 Nude Ivory & N2 Vanilla

Finding a good foundation is a difficult challenge, sure I’ve come across some amazing formulas, but the most difficult challenge for me is finding a shade that matches my super fair, almost porcelain skin-tone. I have neutral toned fair skin and most foundations on the market are far too dark for me or just too pink or too yellow. The issue with drugstore brands? They usually have a pathetic shade range, five shades which are meant to suit “all”  skin tones. LOreal claim this foundation “matches skin tone and texture” I usually find these claims are a gimmick and this is no exception. In the US this foundation has a staggering 33 shades and the UK isn’t far behind with 22 shades. In Australia, there are only 11 shades available, which is disappointing. I thought shade N2 would be a perfect match for my skin tone, but unfortunately it was far too dark. I ended up purchasing the shade N1 (which isn’t available in AUS) as I quite liked the formula, it is a better match, but still requires some blending to prevent it looking too dark. I dislike how LOreal have the whole “neutral, warm, cool” thing going on with their foundations as I’m a believer everyone should use a neutral toned foundation.

Overall I think if you have combination skin and are looking for a good coverage foundation on a budget then this foundation would be great for you.

Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

MUA Academy Colored Mascara Swatches

MUA Academy Colored Mascaras (top to bottom) Shade 2, Shade 3, Shade 6, Shade 7

MUA Academy Colored Mascara is a budget friendly mascara that comes in a wide variety of colours. I love coloured mascaras but often have a difficult time getting them to work on my dark lashes. These mascaras do require some work to get an intense effect, if you are willing to spend the time to make them shop up the end effect is fantastic. I find the wand on this mascara contributes to the difficulties in application and I definitely think there is room for improvement in that particular aspect. The formula is fiber-based which is designed to makes lashes look extra long & thick but does have a tendency to look clumpy (and can also irritate sensitive eyes) The only shade that comes available in a waterproof formula is black.  Overall I think if you are interested in trying coloured mascara but don’t want to dish out the big bucks for one or are willing to spend a little while to ensure colour shows up on the lashes then these would be a fantastic option for you.

MUA Academy Colored Mascara Swatches Shade 2.Top: 2 Coats applied in a zig-zag motion. Bottom: product applied using tip of the wand.

Shade 2 is a mint green shade, personally my least favourite out of the range as I found it was  trickier to apply and had the least amount of colour pay off.

MUA Academy Coloured Mascara Swatches Shade 3.Top: 2 Coats applied in a zig-zag motion. Bottom: product applied using tip of the wand.

Shade 3 is a bright turquoise blue shade and one of my favourites out of the range. The shade makes eyes appear whiter and once colour is built up with the tip of the wand the shade appears super intense and vivid on the lashes.

MUA Academy Coloured Mascara Swatches Shade 6.Top: 2 Coats applied in a zig-zag motion. Bottom: product applied using tip of the wand.

Shade 6 is an electric purple shade and another favourite of mine. Purple really helps to bring out any green in the eyes so would look amazing on people with green or hazel eyes. Once applied with the tip of the wand the colour looks super vivid.

MUA Academy Coloured Mascara Swatches Shade 7. Top: 2 Coats applied in a zig-zag motion. Bottom: product applied using tip of the wand.

Shade 3 is a bright pink shade with just the right amount of pink not too make your eyes look red or to wash out your complexion. This shade would look amazing on all skin-tones (especially darker skin) and is (another) one of my favourites. It does require quite a bit of work like the other shades but the end result looks super bold.

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Another week and another closer to Christmas (yippie!) This week I’m off to attend the beautydirectory Star Awards which recognizes excellence in Australian beauty writing I’ve entered a few categories  so fingers crossed! Hopefully I’ll also be attending a few other events to learn about some new products that I can share with you. I have a whole week of posts scheduled  up & ready to go so don’t fret that you won’t get your Makeup Tips fix!  Also make sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with everything going on with Makeup Tips and whilst you’re at it follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to!

"How do I retouch my face without it looking cakey?"

LOreal True Match Foundation Review

Tip for a Supermodel glow

Saturday Swatches: MUA Academy Coloured Mascaras

This week I’m loving…

*Bourjois Bronzing BB Cream. When I saw the new bronzing range from Bourjois I was dying to try a few products. The Bourjois Bronzing BB Cream looks seriously scary and intimidating for us girls with fair skin, sadly this Bronzing BB Cream was too dark on its own…. BUT it works amazing as a gel bronzer, I love to mix a little in with a foundation that’s a little light for me and it gives a gorgeous bronze glow,  it also looks amazing buffed in with a natural hair brush as a bronzer (I like to buff it in a three motion, around the hairline, temples, under the cheekbones, around the jawline and underneath the chin) it also looks really beautiful when mixed in with a little body lotion to give an allover glow. Next I’m dying to try the Bronzing Primer!

This week I’m not loving…

Goody Quik Style Brush. When I saw this a few years ago I wanted it straight away but had completely forgotten about it since they were impossible to purchase in Australia. When I saw these brushes at Ulta I had to snag one up straight away and I should of known better. If this product isn’t a gimmick then I don’t know what is. It is a fantastic idea in theory but I didn’t find it dried my hair any quicker than usual, plus it started to smell a little musty after a while and the microfiber “bristles” were always moving around and sticking out of the place. I think this is an overpriced gimmick and I’ll be sticking to my regular paddle brush from now on.

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

Eyeliner often seems like an extra step in your makeup routine, but it can make all the difference. Just a hint of it smudged in between your lashes or a clean line swept across your lash line can glam up your look, add more definition and make your lashes look thicker. Nowadays there are loads of formulas on the market instead of your regular ol’ pencil and they can create heaps of different looks.

Great for experimenting with bright eyeshadow colours as eyeliners and creating softer looking eyeliner. When dry it can be difficult to apply but when used with water (or a mixing medium) the same application technique as gel liner can be used.  Either use a standard eyeshadow or cake eyeliner. Top picks: Regular eyeshadow, E.L.F Studio Makeup Lock & Seal, MAC PRO Mixing Medium Eyeliner

* Can be used wet or dry.

* An easy DIY option.

* Soft, smudgy finish.

* Hundreds of shade possibilities.

* Not very pigmented

* Not suitable for tightlining or waterlining.

* If used dry or with water staying power is poor.

Great if you’re a beginner or just want a 2-in-1 product that can be used as an eyeshadow as well as an eyeliner. If you want an eyeliner to use on the waterlines of the eye or want a soft looking eyeliner than a pencil formula is your best bet. Top picks: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Eyeliner, Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Pencil Eyeliner

* Easy to use formula great for beginners

* Can easily be smudged to create a softer finish

* Can be used all over the eyelid as an eyeshadow

* Available in waterproof formulas

* Average pigmentation

* Suitable for tightlining and waterlining (kohl formulas work best)

* Not great for creating precise lines

Great if you want a thin, precise line close to the lashes and like to experiment with different eyeliner looks. Not great for beginners as the liner can’t be easily smudged. Usually not a wide variety of shades available but usually has great staying powder. Top picks: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and Physicians Formula 2 in 1 Lash Boosting Serum Eyeliner

* Not great for beginners

* Fantastic for creating precise lines

* Good staying power

* Tends to have a glossy finish

* Perfect for winged eyeliner/graphic eyeliner looks.

* Unless a three dot variation is used tightlining can be difficult.

* Not suitable for use on the waterline (it will burn your eyes!)

Basically a hybrid of gel and pencil liner. Good staying power and able to create precise lines but can also be easily smudged (before the liner sets) and used as an all-over eyeshadow/base. It can be used to tightline and waterline the eyes with a flat liner brush and usually has great pigmentation. Top picks: Essence Gel Eyeliner (only available in select countries), Stila Smudge Pots

* Matte Finish

* Great for precise lines

* Fantastic pigmentation

* Can be easily smudged

* Once set, has great staying power

* Can be used as an allover eyeshadow or as a base for eyeshadows.

* Many brands offer a wide variety of shade options

* Suitable for tightlining and waterlining

Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

When it comes to dry skin the key is to nourish and hydrate it with rich, moisturising oils, treatments and creams. You may not need a better moisturiser, you may just need to step up your skincare routine.

Cleanser

First up is your cleanser, if you are using a foamy, frothy cleanser I suggest you stop right now. Foaming cleansers can be great for oily and acne prone skin but they aren’t so great for dry. Most foaming cleansers contain sulfates to give them that rich lather but these tend to be extremely drying on the skin and don’t provide any benefits, even foaming cleansers without sulfates are still no good for dry skin. Instead opt for a cleansing oil (this will help to balance out the oil production in your skin) or a creamy cleanser. 

I love extra virgin olive oil, NUDE Skincare Perfect Cleansing oil and *MV Organics Cream Cleanser. I also like to use a muslin cloth to remove cleansers as they gently exfoliate the skin (so will help to clear up any dry patches/flaky spots) in the mornings a simple wipe with a face wipe should be enough to gently cleanse your skin (followed with a gentle moisturiser)

Treatment

To really increase the hydration in your skin treating it with a serum/facial oil is your best bet. Opt for, antioxidant packed facial oils (such as Rosehip or Argan) or really step it up with a serum that has a combination of oils (like *Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate) use one to two drops after cleansing and gently massage into the skin (patting works well too but I find massaging gives the skin extra plumpness & radiance as it helps to stimulate blood flow)

Moisturiser

Last but not least it’s time for your moisturiser! Again, opting for antioxidant, oil packed products are your best bet and moisturiser is no exception. For moisturisers I love Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day & Night Cream, *Sukin Moisture Replenishing Night Cream and *Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Antioxidtant Moisturising Cream. Once a week skin can also benefit from a hydrating face mask (try *Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Mask)

If you haven’t already done so make sure you follow Makeup Tips on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, email and purchase a copy of my eBook!

I hope I helped you and if you need anything else feel free to ask.

If any product you use irritates you discontinue use immediately.

Got a beauty question? Ask Makeup Tips.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick (left to right) La Paz & Peloponnese

NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks are matte lipsticks that feel comfortable on the lips (for a matte lipstick anyway) and have great staying power. As the finish is completely matte with no shine whatsoever they tend to look dry on the lips. Sadly these lip colours do not apply evenly and “drag” when applied; colour often appears dark in some areas and sheer in others. These lipsticks do cling onto dry patches and flakes which gives an unattractive finish and they are also quite drying so a good lip balm and hydrated lips are essential. The shades I tried were from the Fall 2013 Collection (which have a lot of glitter, which you can feel when these lipsticks are being applied) so it is a possibility the other shades perform better. Overall I didn’t like these and when it comes to NARS I expect great quality and products that deliver amazing results, especially for the price. Instead  I would recommend the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils which I found performed much better as they were less drying, didn’t cling onto dry patches as much and applied much more evenly.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick Swatches (top to bottom) La Paz & Peloponnese

La Paz is a deep, purple berry shade with silver glitter; it has average pigmentation but applies very unevenly. It would suit all skin tones from the lightest to the darkest. I would love this shade if it wasn’t for the unevenness in application and the horrid silver glitter.

Peloponnese is a unique 90’s style shade. It is a brown, bronzey shade with gold shimmer, NARS describe this shade as a “Ginger Pink” This shade looks surprisingly great on medium to dark skin tones but doesn’t look very nice on fair skin.

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*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own

This week has been super, super, super busy! I got back from Sydney a few days ago and whilst I had an absolute blast I’m still super glad to be home (there is nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed and having access to your entire makeup collection now is there?) I attended a beautiful Philosophy event at Point Piper which had breathtaking views where I got to learn a little more about the brand & the new launches (I receive so many questions about their products!) I also attended the Beautydirectory Star Awards in the historic Queen Victoria Building, it was great to be in a room full of so many talented people in the beauty industry and meet loads of people, I also had a few meetings to talk about my blog & some brands. Lastly, I have so many new products to test out so I cannot wait to share them all with you! Make sure to follow Makeup Tips through Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Newsletter to keep up with latest product loves, hauls and tips!

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Saturday Swatches: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick Fall Collection 2013

This week I’m loving:

*Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi. As it comes into Summer here in Australia; open sandals, peeptoe heels and of course thongs (aka flip flops) are being pulled out of wardrobes & shoe boxes and being worn. Winter has been the cause of dry feet and Summer is when calluses tend to be a problem. I’m personally not a fan of “cheese grater” style foot files and I usually find that standard files aren’t very effective. This product is the best of both worlds and gives me super soft, healthy looking feet for the warmer months and will no doubt be a staple for me this Summer.

I haven’t been trying out too many products and I’ve been relying on my favourites so no dislikes this week!

*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own