Cosmetics

Australia is known for its ethnic diversity. From Indigenous to blonde, Mediterranean, Asian, Celtic and dark-skinned, Australian multi-cultural beauty embraces all races, skin tones, hair and eye colouring and exudes a fresh and natural appeal, which reflects the vibrant, laid-back spirit of the country. Black beauty When world-renowned make-up artist Bobbi Brown first started working […]

Question: Answer: Yes! Try the L’Oreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact, $32, which gives you 16 hours of colour in two clicks. Apply the base coat and follow with a conditioning top coat balm, both contained in a gleaming mirrored compact.

Diet, exercise and sleep are the long-term habits that lay the foundations for looking good. But sometimes you just need a quick fix to look better straight away. Savvy cosmetic choices and easy tricks of the beauty trade do the job for a lot less pain than going under the surgeon’s knife. 1 Mist your […]

Question: I can’t seem to stop my lipstick from bleeding. Any advice? Answer: It’s worth taking the time to prepare the lips. Start with a lip primer to plump up and soften lips. Make-up artist Noni Smith likes to use a colourless wax product around the lips to seal and fill in little cracks. She […]

Question: I’ve tried many foundations and I always have the same problem. The nose area becomes shiny and has a blotchy look. What am I doing wrong? Michelle, Lara VIC. Answer: Preparation is essential. Start with a regular skincare regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising. Exfoliating will help to minimise uneven, flaky skin and maximise […]

Question: I never wear eyeshadow because I don’t know where to apply it, what colours to use or how many. Can you tell me what to use for the best effect? I have light-blue eyes. Vanessa, via e-mail. Answer: Richard Dean of Max Factor suggests some very simple rules to follow for foolproof, flattering eye […]

Question: Could you please tell me what makes a lipstick long-wearing? I’m so confused by matt/demi-matt/cream/gloss formulations. Please explain! Sonia Schwartz, via email. Answer: “The longest lasting lipsticks are matte,” says Poppy King, colour designer for Prescriptives and former lipstick creator. “They have a high level of pigment and no shine. Pigments come in a […]

Question: How do I keep my eyeliner from smudging? I wear good foundation and concealer, but my eyes look like they have been out all night, while the rest of my face is glowing! Anna Cosic, via e-mail. Answer: “To start, you need to determine if it’s actually your eyeliner or your mascara that’s smudging,” […]

Question: I go off to work each morning wearing foundation and makeup, including mascara. I find throughout the day my mascara smudges just a bit under my eyes. Can you please tell me why it’s smudging? Am I wearing too much foundation? Lyndy, via email. Answer: Mascara smudges around the eye due to too much […]

Question: Hope you can help! Can you tell me what make-up ranges have a foundation that does NOT contain SPF? I get an allergic reaction even to the ones with only 5% SPF and it would seem that every foundation i pick up in the stores has a SPF in it. I have been using […]