As a beginner you will need to invest in the best brushes for your makeup application. 

With the right brushes you will be able to improve on your beauty assets and fall in love with the final results.

#1. Makeup Sponge/Beauty Blender

One of the most important blending tools you will need is a Makeup sponge or (Beauty Blender). 

These sponges are a staple for applying and blending liquid or cream-based foundation. 

The pointy end is great for covering blemishes and imperfections whilst the flat edge is great for contouring around your nose, jawline and underneath your eyes. 

Rounded sides are perfect or blending your cheeks, forehead and chin.

Tip: Remember to use it damp, not dry so you don’t waste your foundation.

#2. Powder Brush

Use a Powder Brush to apply translucent powder and mineral foundations evenly which will eliminate that ‘caked on’ or clogged finish to your face.

#3. Blush Brush

Use a Blush Brush to contour and define your cheeks with blush powder.

The brush should be dense so it holds onto the product but soft so it glides across your cheeks. Always apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks and gently build the colour so it looks soft. 

#4. Eyeshadow Brushes

A set of good Eyeshadow brushes are probably the most important brushes to have in your makeup bag as they enhance the way the eyeshadow is layered and blended on the eye. 

Tip: You will definitely need a shadow brush, crease brush, shading brush, liner brush and blending brush.

#5 All in one Brow/Lash comb

This dual brow/lash brush is a beauty must have item. To groom and smooth your brows, use the flat brush side to comb hairs upward and outward direction. 

Use the comb side to separate your lashes before you apply your mascara.

After each coat of mascara, simply run the comb through your lashes to remove any clumps.

Tip: For tips on Mascara Application click here  

Using our Contouring 101, a 5 step process, you will be able to master the popular makeup trend of the moment. 

Step 1. Coverage

Step 2. Highlight 

Use a luminising concealer as they are lighter on the skin than a standard concealer which gives a much a softer look.

Never apply darker shades around your eye area as this will make you look tired.

Step 3. Shadow

Try using a foundation or sculpting powder that is one to two shades darker around the your temples, deep in the contours of the cheeks and around the jawline.

Apply a light thin line down each side of your nose.

Step 4. Blend 

Blending is the most important part of contouring.

Work the product into your skin by using beauty blender or stipple brush.

Start by blending out the highlighter across all the high points of your face.

Next blend out the darker sections of your face. 

When blending the two parts into each other, use a dabbing motion rather than a wiping motion.

It will help blend the products into the skin whilst still keeping the definition of the light and shade.

Step 5. Glow 

Finish with a luminiser on all of the high points of your face – the ridge of your nose, inner corners of your eyes and the top of your cheek bones which will give your skin a radiant glow.

To avoid potential health issues associated with using old products, here are 11 tips to help you decide, what to keep, what to toss, and what could pose a risk to your health. 

Tip #1 When to Ditch Your Mascara

Eye makeup is especially vulnerable to bacteria, so start here when reviewing your makeup items for expiration dates.

Health risks: You use mascara near your eyes, it’s liquid — which tends to grow more bacteria — and you double dip every time you re-insert the brush into the tube, all of which increase the risk of eye infection.

When to replace: Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all beauty products and should be discarded three months from date of opening.

Tip #2 When to Lose Your Old Loofah

You might not think twice about this body scrubber tucked away in a corner of your shower — but you should.

Health risks: Some health risks are caused by beauty products that live in the shower, like loofahs, stem from the fact that they are constantly wet, which makes them breeding grounds for bacteria.

When to replace: If you notice any mold or discoloration on your loofah or similar beauty products for the bath, toss it (or them) immediately.

How to make it last longer: If you use a loofah or body brush, prevent health risks by washing it out thoroughly and then hanging it to dry. 

Tip #3 When to Kiss your Lip Gloss Goodbye

Lip gloss gets a lot of handling, especially if it comes in a pot that requires a fingertip dip to apply.

Health risks: Cold sores are one of the most prominent health risks associated with old or contaminated lip products. If you get a cold sore, toss whatever product you were using.

When to replace: Like mascara, lip gloss is a beauty product you double dip, so you should only keep it for about six months. You can also tell that lip gloss has passed its expiration date if it smells funny or you notice the colour changes. Keep lipsticks and pencils for a maximum of one year, and if they smell funny or you see mold, throw them away.

How to make it last longer: You can preserve the life of your lip gloss by applying it with a mini spatula and avoid sharing it with others. 

Tip #4 When to Dispose of Your Disposable Razor

Whether you use disposable razors or disposable cartridges that attach to a handle, the blades not only become dull but can also breed bacteria.

Health risks: Old, dull, and contaminated razors all pose a health risk in the form of red bumps, commonly called “razor bumps,” and other skin infections. You’re also more likely to nick yourself with an old razor.

When to replace: Razors should be replaced weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how often you use them and how they are stored. If your shaving products appear rusty or corroded, they definitely pose a health risk and should be thrown away.

How to make it last longer: Stretch out your razor blade’s usefulness by taking it out of the shower and letting it dry after each usage.

Tip #5 When to farewell your foundation

Many women spend a large percentage of their beauty products budget on foundations. Luckily, these products have fairly decent shelf lives before they hit their expiration dates.

Health risks: Within just months, foundation can start to grow bacteria that present health risks to your skin. Some analyses of old makeup have found traces of staphylococcus and streptococcus, both of which have been known to cause potentially serious infections. Strep, for example, can break down the superficial layers of your skin and get into your soft tissue and blood, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.

When to replace: If your foundation has separated or it feels thick and clumpy or thin and runny, it has passed its expiration date and needs to be replaced. Liquid foundation can last from six months to one year.

How to make it last longer: You can extend the life of your foundation by using clean hands, a sponge, or a brush to apply it. Also be sure to store it in a cool, dry place — not the bathroom.

Tip #6 When to sling your sunscreen 

You may be guilty of not using enough of this product or not using it often enough. Either way, you don’t want it hanging around after its effectiveness has passed.

Health risks: Sunscreen products won’t protect as well once they reach their expiration dates, putting you at risk for women’s health issues from premature ageing to the more serious skin cancer.

When to replace: Most sunscreens have expiration dates, which vary depending on the product’s ingredients and are printed on their labels or on the bottoms of the containers. Once these expiration dates have passed, you should replace the sunscreen.

How to make it last longer: To extend the life of sunscreen, store it in a cool, dry place.

Tip #7 When to rinse away your hair care

Because many hair care products contain alcohol as a preservative, you can worry less about the expiration dates of shampoos and other hair care than about other types of beauty products.

Health risks: Because you rinse them out, home hair care products don’t carry any major health risks, but they still may contain allergens that can irritate your skin and scalp.

When to replace: If your hair products look or smell funny, or if the last time you used it the “Rachel do” was on trend, it’s probably time to let them go.

How to make it last longer: Like other beauty products, hair care products will last longer if you store them in a cool, dry place.

Tip #8 When to nix your nail products

Whether you opt for the hottest look in nail colour or a clear shine, the polish you pick and the tools you use to keep your fingernails looking their best also need attention to avoid posing a health risk.

Health risks: Nail care products that have passed their expiration dates can spread bacterial and fungal infections, so pay attention to their shelf lives and look out for signs of spoilage, such as separation or cloudiness.

Dirty nail clippers, files, and other nail tools carry similar health risks, so sterilse your equipment regularly.

Keeping a separate set of files for your fingers and another set your your toes..

When to replace: Most nail polishes and other nail care products generally last a few years.

How to make it last longer: Store nail polishes in a cool, dry place, and make sure the lids are screwed on tightly. 

Nail clippers and files should be cleaned and sterilised regularly, even though you are the only one using them. If they look corroded or rusty, throw them away.

Tip #9 When to lose your loose powder

Powder has staying power — good news for your beauty products budget.

Health risks: Powdered beauty products contain the least amount of water of all makeup, so it’s harder for bacteria to grow on them. 

Less bacteria means fewer health risks. However, the brushes you use to apply the powder may carry dangerous bacteria (such as staph and strep).

When to replace: Loose compact powder, powder blush, and powder eye shadow all last for about 2 years.

How to make it last longer: Regular cleaning of the makeup brushes you use for this beauty product.

Tip #10 When to zap your zit cream

Whether chemist brands or prescription zit blasters, these hard-working health and beauty products don’t last forever.

Health risks: An expired acne treatment is not as effective as it was in its younger days. Plus, it poses health risks by exposing you to bacteria and other germs.

When to replace: Pay particularly close attention to the expiration dates on all acne products, and replace them promptly.

How to make it last longer: Store all acne treatments, from blemish creams to astringents, in a cool, dry place.

Tip #11 When to lose the liners

Unlike Mascara, eye pencils have a longer shelf life which is about a year.

Health risks: A recent study discovered that women who apply eyeliner on the inner eyelid are 30 percent are more at risk of contaminating the eye than those who choose not to. 

Experts warn that residue build-up can seriously damage the eyes – leading to infection, irritation and blurred vision.

When to replace: Old stubby pencils should be tossed out and replaced.

How to make it last longer: Store all pencils in a cool, dry place. 

Sharpen the pencil each time you use it. Yes it will be replaced a little quicker but your eyes are extremely important.

By making a few simple tweaks to your cosmetic bag you might be able to hold onto your youthful looks for a while longer. 

Follow these 10 tips and notice the difference!

 Tip #1 Use Primer

If you usually moisturise and then apply foundation…..try adding a layer of primer in between your moisturiser and base. 

Using a primer makes your skin look smoother instantly.

Tip #2 Switch to liquid

If you usually dust on a mineral or powder foundation…. try switching to liquid formula. Powder can be too drying, enhancing dullness and wrinkles.

A luminous-finish liquid foundation will give your skin a fresh look.

Tip #3 Blush is best

If you normally use bronzer as your blush….  try dusting your cheeks with a soft shade of warm pink. We actually lose colour in our skin as we mature and a subtle pop of colour on the apples of your cheeks will give your skin a youthful glow.

Tip #4 Its all about the Brows

If you have bare there eyebrows and normally pencil them in….try feathering colour lightly from outer edge to inner corner and back again. Most women make the mistake of applying a solid block of colour at the outer edge which looks too harsh and overdone.

Use a taupe or brown eyeshadow to colour the hair and then if you need to use your pencil to fill in the arch area first, followed by the tail.

Don’t forget to look at yourself in the mirror from the distance a person would stand in front of you. They wouldn’t be up in your grill… so stand back from the mirror and get a clear perspective!

If you can’t be bothered filling in your Brows each day consider Tinting your eyebrows or for something more semi-permanent consider trying Brow Henna.

Tip #5 Ease into eyeliner

If you usually line your upper and lower lashes in black…. try lining the bottom lashes in a softer shade and blend thoroughly. 

A thin black liquid line, buried into the upper lashes, can make lids look more open but thick bold black liner on the lower lash line can have the opposite effect, making eyes look smaller. 

By applying a softer shade along the bottom lashline it will add a subtle definition and enhance your eye shape. Experiment with a soft shade of brown, grey, or even a light blue!

Tip #6 Eyeshadow application

If you normally apply multiple shadow shades on your eyelid… try swiping a single shade of soft taupe shadow. You don’t need to do heavy contouring on sagging lids to make them appear more lifted. An all-over application of taupe with a luminous finish makes a statement, while creating the appearance of depth.

Tip #7 Conceale it

If you usually cover lines with concealer….try concealing just the dark shadows only and leave those wrinkles alone. 

Applying concealer to crow’s feet will only highlight them, which defeats the purpose. 

Apply a cover-up that’s the same shade as your skin tone along the inner corners of your eyes and blend it three-quarters of the way out, stopping before your fine lines begin.

Tip #8 Lip Service

If you usually wear lip gloss….try swapping your gloss for a lippie with a satin finish. 

Lips look soft and supple when your lipstick is balmy and creamy – not wet and glittery. Plus, gloss tends to slip and slide and settle into the fine lines around your lips, which isn’t a very attractive look!

Tip #9 Nude lips aren’t for everyone

If you usually apply the same “barely-there” shade of lipstick….try experimenting with colour! As we age, it gets harder to pull off a nude lip. 

A gorgeous pink or coral lip will brighten up your complexion instantly, but if you’re colour shy, dab (don’t swipe) it on your lips straight from the tube and blend with your fingertips or brush for a sheerer application and don’t forget to blot in between coats!

Tip #10 Luscious Lashes

If you usually apply mascara in the bathroom mirror….try using a magnifying mirror instead. 

It can be a little depressing looking at your eye area that close up, but since lashes tend to thin out with age, a magnifying mirror can help you see and coat each and every last one. 

But if you can’t be bothered putting on mascara each day consider tinting your lashes and brows or having a lash lift for gorgeous dark lashes that can up to 12 weeks.

Whether you’ve made a make-up blunder, run out of a vital product or are simply stuck for inspiration, these 20 Makeup Problems Solvers will save your life.

1. Polish Remover has run out

If you need to repaint your nails but have run out of polish remover, try coating one nail at a time with a clear base coat. 

Leave to dry for a few seconds, then press a tissue over the nail and remove it quickly – the base coat will adhere and the polish will come off in one quick move, then you are ready for a fresh coat of colour.

For tips on how to paint your nails click here

2. Straight Lashes

If you are cursed with straight lashes you can actually train your lashes to curl with a daily use of an eyelash curler. A set of eyelash curlers can make a significant difference to the way your lashes look. 

To curl your lashes, gently squeeze your upper lashes between cushioned pads at the root, then crimp them and gently drag the pads along your lashes until you reach the end. 

Once your lashes are curled gently glide your clean finger along the edge to soften the curl before you apply your mascara.

For information on lifting your lashes click here

3. Patchy Powder

If you apply powder with a light touch to freshly moisturised skin, or on top of freshly applied foundation using a clean sponge, it should look flawless. 

Your foundation and powder both need to look flawless and match your actual skin tone if it doesn’t its the wrong colour. 

Try dusting a sample of the powder on your skin in natural daylight before purchasing it, if it doesn’t blend with your natural skin tone it is the WRONG colour!

4. Foundation turning Orange

If your mascara is flaky this normally means its too old and the oils that give it a creamy consistency have dried out. This can be made worse by pumping the wand and pushing air into the dispenser. 

It is recommended you replace your mascara every 3 months. To temporarily revive an old mascara place the mascara into a glass of warm water for a few minutes then roll the mascara in between your hands.

For tips on how to apply Mascara click here 

6. The Dreaded Pimple

Hot date OMG! The immediate solution is to transform the blemish into a beauty mark! First, soothe the blemish by dabbing it with a gentle astringent on a clean cotton bud. This will dry out excess oils from the skin and help the beauty mark last longer.

To create your beauty mark, dot over the top with an eyebrow pencil – this is better than using eyeliner as it has a drier texture and so is less likely to melt and smudge. finally, set your beauty spot with a light dusting of loose powder.

For tips on how to make a pimple vanish click here

7. Melting Lippie

If you’re out and about, and your lipstick is starting to melt, dust over the top with a little loose powder. This will give a slightly drier texture and help the lipstick stay put for longer. Using loose powder will also create a lovely matte finish.

For tips on how to ace your perfect pout click here

8. Smudged Eyeliner

Tidy your under-eye areas by dipping a cotton bud in eye make-up remover, Whisk it over the problem area to remove smudges, then re-powder the area. A little loose powder over eyeliner will combat the smudging that occurs as the wax in the pencil melts.

9. Red Skin Tone

If you have redness in your skin tone it can be toned down by smoothing your skin with a specialised green-tinted foundation. You can also use a green-tinted concealer stick for smaller areas.

10. Cleaver Concealer

Nowadays, skincare benefits aren’t limited to skincare products. In fact, many make-up products now contain UV filters and skin-nourishing ingredients to treat your skin as well as superficially improve its appearance. 

When you want to conceal a flaw apply concealer with a light touch to the areas that need correcting or toning down skin redness. The green pigment in the cream has the effect of cancelling out the redness in your skin.

For tips on how to apply your concealer click here

11. Bleeding Lippie

Using a lipliner, will prevent your lippie from bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth. Trace the lip outline, then apply your lip colour with a brush. 

A drier-textured matte lipstick is less prone to bleed than a moisturising variety. To help your lippy adhere lightly dust your lips with powder before you start your application process.

12. Disappearing Foundation

If your foundation seems to sink into your skin on hot or humid days, the trick is to apply it to cool skin. Do this by holding a cool, damp washcloth on your skin for a few minutes, then apply your foundation using a damp sponge.

Don’t use your fingers as the natural oils from your skin will leave a streaky finish. Set it with a light dusting of translucent powder.

13. Pearly Whites

To make your teeth look whiter, avoid coral or brown-based lipsticks as the warm colour will emphasise the yellow tones in your teeth. Clear pink or red shades will make them appear whiter.

For tips on how to ace your perfect pout click here

14. Bloodshot Eyes

Heavy night? Look like something the cat dragged in???? For a temporary fix, use eye drops to bring back the sparkle to your eyes. 

Eye drops contain ingredients that will reduce the swelling in the blood vessels, decrease redness and reduce dryness and itching.

15. Foundation Faux Pas

One of the most common mistakes most woman make is not blending their foundation. If you can see the edges of the foundation on your chin, jawline or hairline, using a damp cosmetic sponge (or damp beauty blender) blend and soften the edges. Do this in natural light so you can check the finished effect. Apply your powder once you are happy with your results.

16. Yellow Nails

17. Droopy Eyes

To help lift droopy eyes, sweep a light toned eyeshadow all over your eyelid. Then apply a slightly darker shadow with a clean cotton bud under your eyes, sweeping it slightly upwards. 

Apply extra coats of mascara on the lashes just above the iris of your eye to draw attention to the centre of your eye rather than the outer corners.

18. Unruly Brows

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for hassle free lash application and you will batting your lashes in no time.