Unrequited love for make-up

Here's a revelation. I like makeup, and I am envious of those people who are able to apply them effortlessly and look really fabulous in the end! Make-up doesn't really like me all that much, no matter how much I am so into it. My skin gets dry and irritated if I wear them too frequently. And yes, I'd definitely need the best treatment for adult acne and loads of moisturiser to help me recover. So, in my case, less is really more!

Brush Up!

If you are an amateur with makeup (like me), these tool tips from Beauty Heaven will definitely come in handy when you are trying get your gear together for a good makeup kit.

Top tool #1: Eyelash curlers
All of our resident experts said eyelash curlers, eyelash curlers, eyelash curlers! One even swore blind that they boosted the effect of mascara by at least 50 per cent. So only slightly important for creating that lush lash look.

beautyheaven loves: Ardell Heated Eyelash Curler

Top tool #2: Foundation brush
For flawless foundation, always apply with a brush. It’s a make-up must-have for the experts.

beautyheaven loves: Red Earth Foundation Brush

Top tool #3: Eye brush
Wondering why your smoky eye is more Rocky Horror than smokin’ hot? It’s probably because you’re using the little applicators that come with the compact (perfect for a touch-up but not the real deal). Start blending with a good quality brush and you’ll be amazed at the difference. We promise.

beautyheaven loves: Clinique Eye Shadow Brush

Top tool #4: Brow brush
Brows frame the face. Fact. And if you can’t quite get to the brow bar (or face a pluck), a quick brush of your brows will leave you good as new in no time. Just don’t go getting obsessed. It’s not like we are. Not at all.

beautyheaven loves: Serge Louis Alvarez Eyebrow Brush P2

Top tool #5: Big bronzer brush
The bigger the better according to make-up guru Yolanda Lukowski. That way, you get a more natural coverage. Her top tip? “You want to sweep it over the face, not on concentrated areas, also dust quickly over your decolletage and shoulders too.”

beautyheaven loves: Bloom Retractable Bronzer Brush

Top tool #6: Nail file
Ladies don’t bite. They don’t tear either. So make sure you always have an emery board to hand – we love them; there’s a gorgeously old Hollywood glamour feel about filing your nails. Wouldn’t granny be proud!

beautyheaven loves: Fing'rs 2 Black Files

Top tool #7: Toothbrush
You can tell a lot about a girl by her shoes and her smile. Snap up a battery operated one (plonked right between electric and manual pricewise) and dazzle everyone with your pearly whites.

beautyheaven loves: Spinbrush Pro Clean – Medium Brush

Top tool #8: Tweezers
As make-up pro Elsa Morgan says, “polished brows give a lovely lift to a face at any age.” Slanty, pointy, the choice is yours. Of course, if you’re indecisive – like us – you’re best bet is to go for dual-ended.

beautyheaven loves: Manicare 2 in 1 Tweezers

Top tool #9: Rosewater
Hair and make-up artist Nicole Groch swears by rosewater. According to the pro, it’s great over and under make-up as it refreshes, restores, tones and hydrates the skin. All together now: good skin = good make-up.

beautyheaven loves: Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Top tool #10: Clean hands
Your hands are your best tool – as Yolanda says, “you can do anything with 10 fingers to blend make-up with!” But always keep them clean: grubby grime and bountiful bacteria are never going to be the shades of the season.

beautyheaven loves: Dettol Healthy Touch Moisture Liquid Hand Wash

I have 4 out of 10, so I guess I better do a bit more shopping to complete the set. Not that I am complaining eh? LOL.

Still on L'Oreal

This is the newest addition to my makeup stash -- L'Oreal's Touche Magique Concealer. It's not a really a newly released product by L'Oreal, but I have been seeing it so much on eBay and have read great reviews on it, that I decided to check it out myself. And I am glad I did! I oftentimes get really dark circles under the eyes, and I have been on the look-out for a good concealer that'll help cover them up. Touche Magique works for me, and it certainly brightens my eyes even more. I just love the over-all effect, when I lay a decent amount of mineral foundation on top of it. It definitely gave my skin a smooth flawless finish! :)

Loving L'Oreal

I am a recent mineral makeup convert. I have never been much of a makeup person but with all the hype on mineral makeup going on, I decided to give it a go, just to see if it was something that I can learn to love.

My first attempt was when I purchased L'Oreal's True Match Mineral Foundation in Buff Beige. I am glad I gave it a chance because it really does wonders! I've never liked that heavy, cake-y feeling that some foundations gave. Though this one gave me great coverage, it felt so light on my skin I can barely notice it. Even J noticed how beautiful the finish was, and that for me was the true test of good makeup, as men don't usually notice these kinds of things. I've recently purchased their blush in Soft Rosewood, and it has not failed to impress me once again.

Impossibly Irresistable

This is the latest item I have in my makeup bag -- Clinique's Impossibly Glossy Lip Gloss in Plum Passion. As I have mentioned earlier, I have been shopping around for products which suit me, and this one certainly takes the cake! I am not much of a lip gloss fan as they tend to be really sticky and thick. Also, to much shimmer is not my thing. But when I tried Clinique's IGLG, I fell in love with it.

Why? Because even if it is a lip gloss, it was very light on the lips but at the same time giving you that little bit of shine and color, without being too overdone. this one's a winner for me, and I am quite keen in trying out the other shades as well. That is my new obsession now. :)