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.

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

Black mascara is makeup’s little black dress – it can be worn by everyone. 

Unlike other makeup, great looking mascara has little to do with colour and alot to do with application.

Follow these simple steps and transform your face instantly.  

Step 1. Curl your eyelashes with a lash curler. (optional)

Step 2. Tap the mascara in the palm of your hand to mix – never pump the mascara wand as this pushes air into the mascara tube causing the formula to dry out.

Step 3. Remove the wand and drag the excess off as you exit, less is more, you can always apply a second coat rather than one thick goopy coat.

Step 4. Starting at the base of the lashes wiggle the wand left to right in a zig zag motion at the base of lashes towards the tips. (It’s the mascara placed near the roots – not the tips – that gives the illusion of length)

Step 5. Pull the wand up and through lashes, wiggling as you go. This is key because it separates lashes giving the appearance of fuller longer lashes.

Step 6. During application a good trick is to keep your mouth slightly open as it stops you blinking so much during the application.

Step 7. Brush through with an old mascara brush or eyelash comb to remove any clumps. Allow a few minutes to dry before applying the second coat (if required).

Step 8. Optional: close one eye and place the wand on top of your lashes at the base and then pull the mascara wand through to the tip of your lashes. Repeat on other eye.

Step 9. Once dry you can apply a second coat if necessary.

Bright Idea: Instead of throwing out your old mascara wands thoroughly cleanse them, wash and dry them then use them for an eyebrow comb or eyelash brush. 

Works a treat to comb mascara clumps from your lashes. And that’s a lot cheaper than buying one!

The right colour together with a good application can transform your face and in the process your whole outlook!

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to luscious lip colour application.

Step 1. Protect

Treat your mouth as you would the rest of your face: moisturize and protect it daily. 

Choose a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply often.

Step 2. Prime

Prime your lips with a lip primer or some foundation, using a make-up sponge so you can reach every crevice on the surface of your lips.

Step 3. Dust

Lightly dust over the top of the foundation with some translucent powder, to ensure your lipstick will stay put for longer.

Step 4. Line

To prevent bleeding, use a skin tone lip pencil tracing just outside the perimeter of your mouth (no need to fill in). 

Start with the cupid’s bow on the upper lip, then draw an outline on your lower lip.

Step 5. Fill in

Using a lip brush, fill in the outline with lipstick; this helps get a more precise definition. 

Open your mouth and brush the colour into the corners of your lips.

Tip: To get nude lips, which look fantastic with smokey eyes, cover your lips with concealer or foundation before applying gloss.

Step 6. Blot

In between coats it is a good idea to blot over the lip surface with a folded tissue. 

For extra staying power, tap on translucent loose powder in between coats.

Step 7. Recoat

Apply another coat of lipstick, and then add a little gloss if you want a high gloss finish.

If a matte finish is what you are after blot your lips with a tissue to remove shine.

Old makeup loses its quality and can even cause irritation and infections if it’s used past the expiration date. 

Cosmetics lasts a long time, but not forever…so here is a quick guide on the shelf life of your makeup products…