Are you the type who feels garish and awkward in a full face of makeup? Does getting dressed up for a night out on the town make you feel like you’re wearing a Halloween costume? Do you prefer the natural look over super-stylized glamour?

If so, you’re not alone. There are millions of women just like you who’d rather not wear a lot of makeup. Whether you’re a holdover from the hippie era or your skin is sensitive to cosmetics, you shouldn’t feel like you have to slather on layers of makeup in order to look your best.

But at the same time, most professionals have a responsibility to look polished and pulled-together when they’re on the clock. So how can you put your best face forward without feeling uncomfortable? The answer may be a scaled-down makeup routine that looks neat and still emphasizes your natural beauty. Here are a few tips to help you look poised, pretty, and professional without resorting to a full face of makeup.

• Begin with the bare minimum. Aim for a flawless complexion with a light dusting of mineral powder or a very sparing coat of tinted moisturizer.

• Keep eyes light and bright. A very light coat of earth tone or neutral eyeshadow will help enhance your eyes and add a polished look.

• Enhance your brows and lashes. A little work on your eyelashes and eyebrows can go along way toward giving you a well-groomed appearance with little or no actual makeup. By curling your lashes and keeping your brows shaped and plucked, you’ll achieve a polished look without the hassle of layers of mascara. If you like a little more eyelash definition, try a few coats of clear mascara.

• Opt for a neutral lip colour. There are many options for women who want just a kiss of colour and shine. A lightly tinted gloss in a neutral shade is always a great look.

• Neat nails are the final touch. A French manicure will have your hands looking neat and neutral in no time at all. If you prefer an even lower-maintenance routine, opt for a clear or lightly tinted polish applied to closely trimmed nails.

Stock up on low-cost supplies for your scaled-back beauty routine with selections from our sale section.

As temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to swap your summer beauty routine for a regimen that’s designed to protect against the ravages of winter weather. Dry skin, one of the most common complaints associated with cold weather, can be very unsightly and uncomfortable.

However, skin experts say that the long-term impact of winter skin can be even more damaging. If left untreated, dry skin can actually speed up the aging process, making your fine lines and blemishes more pronounced. That’s why it’s particularly important to take extra care of your skin when chilly temperatures begin to set in.

If you’re ready to implement a few cold-weather skin care tips, take a cue from the top beauty experts. Here are a few basic pointers to help you get your winter skin care regimen on track.

• Avoid extremely hot water. Nothing feels better than a piping hot bath on a cold winter’s day, but beauty experts say this is a skin care no-no. High temperatures can tend to dry out the skin, so play it safe and stick to lukewarm water most of the time.

• Steer clear of alcohol-based products. The same products you rely on to clean your complexion might actually be drying out your most precious beauty asset. During the colder months, avoid using harsh toners and cleansers that contain alcohol and other ingredients that may dry your skin.

• Use a heavy-duty moisturizer. If you usually don’t use moisturizer, choose a lightweight formula and apply it several times each day. If you already have a favourite moisturizing product, use more of it than you do during the warmer months. If you have trouble keeping your hands moisturized at night, wear a pair of thin cotton gloves over heavily moisturized skin.

• Stay hydrated. When it comes to keeping your skin moisturized during the winter, what you put on your skin is only half of the equation. Don’t forget to drink lots of liquids during the day, as well. Consider purchasing a humidifier if the air in your home tends to be very dry at night.

• Cover up. If you have to brave the elements, make sure your skin is covered. Exposing your face and hands to the cold weather is one of the worst culprits when it comes to winter dryness. A scarf and gloves will not only keep you warm, they’ll also minimize your level of direct exposure to the cold winter air.

Need to winterize your skin care routine? Stock up on skin care products here.

You know the drill: you dedicate a big chunk of your morning makeup routine to getting your lips just right. You painstakingly follow the advice of all the fashion magazines and make use of the latest and most popular products. You prime, you plump, you line, you gloss. And within an hour of leaving the house, your lip colour has done a disappearing act.

Does this scenario sound familiar? If so, don’t despair. You don’t have to call in the authorities to get to the bottom of the case of the vanishing lipstick. According to the top beauty gurus, the problem probably lies in your lip colour application technique.

Let’s face it – your lips are not the best canvas for holding on to colour. They’re moist and soft, and they’re front and centre in a variety of lip colour-endangering activities like drinking, eating, talking, and kissing. If you don’t use an application technique that’s specifically designed to help your lipstick last, you’ll be stuck with pale, washed-out lips.

Want to boost your lip colour’s staying power? These hints from top beauty experts can help your lipstick last all day long.

Read the label. Today’s cosmetic formulas are a far cry from the more rudimentary ones that existed even a decade ago, scientifically speaking. Most of the long-wearing lip colours you can find these days have been engineered to last for up to 12 hours at a stretch without drying up. If you prefer a glossy finish, try one of the new two-part formulas that have flooded the market in recent years.

Prime time. The real secret to long-wearing lip colour lies in a strong foundation. Experts recommend priming your lips, either with a specially designed lip primer product or with a light, even coat of foundation or liquid base. This layer will “grab” your lip colour and help it last for hours longer than it would on its own.

Line up. Lip liner is another way that you can extend the staying power of your lip colour. After you’ve applied a coat of primer, line your lips slightly outside of your natural lip line. Then, fill in the rest of your lips with the liner. This will add depth, dimension, and unbeatably longevity to your lipstick. Choose a colour that’s close to your natural lip shade for best results.

Powder puff. After you apply a coat of your favourite lip colour, dust on a very light layer of face powder and then add a second coat of lipstick on top. The layer of powder between the two coats will “set” the colour and significantly extend the wear of your lip product.

Apply dry. If you’re the type who prefers a wet look, begin by patting your lips dry. Although it may sound counterintuitive, this step is necessary to extend the life of what is usually the shortest-wearing type of lip product. It is very difficult for gloss to “cling” to moist lips, so applying it to a drier surface will help you squeeze every last bit of wear out of your favourite gloss.

Ready to stock your makeup kit with the tools you need for long-lasting lip colour? Browse our selection of name-brand lip products at discount prices here.

If you start up a conversation about makeup with your girlfriends, you’ll quickly find out that almost every woman has an eyeliner horror story in her past. Whether your high school yearbook picture included layers of bright blue on the inner rim of your eyes or great swooping wings of black liquid eyeliner applied with an unsteady hand, it’s time to move on.

Although it can be tricky to apply, eyeliner can add an attractive dimension to your daytime or night-time look when it’s done properly. Without liner, your eyes may not be getting the attention they deserve. A bit of defining colour can go a long way toward highlighting one of your most enticing facial features.

Some women report that they are hesitant to incorporate eyeliner into their beauty routine for fear of applying it incorrectly. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, your confidence will grow. Before you know it, you’ll be an eyeliner pro. Here are a few tips from the experts to help you get started.

Set the stage. Before you apply eyeliner, wash your face and make sure all lingering traces of eye makeup are removed. If you’re using a pencil, make sure that the tip is sharp. Lightly sweep a sparing application of facial powder over your eyelids as a foundation.

From the outside in. Hold the eyeliner in one hand. Place a finger from your other hand on the inner corner of your eyelid, holding it steady. Beginning at the outer corner, work your way towards the centre of the eyelid with short, overlapping strokes of the pencil. Then, repeat the procedure from the opposite direction until you’ve achieved the look you’re after.

Think soft and sexy. In most cases, a sharp, thick application of eyeliner is not a flattering style. This look can be aging, and it can also make your eyes look smaller than they really are. After you’ve applied your eyeliner, you can soften the line by gently smudging it with a damp sponge applicator.

Clean up. If you’ve made any mistakes while you’re applying your eyeliner, you can erase them by using a damp cotton swab. If you’re using liquid eyeliner or a waterproof formula, dip the cotton swab in a liquid makeup remover – this should easily clean up even the most egregious mistakes.

Ready to give eyeliner another try? Check out our extensive selection here.

Studies have shown that as many as 80% of women experience problems with dark under-eye circles at some point in their adult lives. Other surveys have indicated that these unsightly bags rank behind only blemishes and wrinkles as the most distressing beauty problem women face.

Although late nights and hectic lifestyles undoubtedly play a role in causing dark under-eye circles, scientists have also suggested that genetics could be a major factor, as well. Dark circles tend to run in families, so if your mother and grandmother were forced to deal with the dreaded “raccoon eyes,” it’s more than likely that you will, too.

The good news is that with the right kind of makeup and a bit of beauty know-how, you can make those dark circles virtually disappear. Here are a few clever tips, tricks, and techniques from the experts to help you escape from the curse of dark under-eye circles.

Fight purple with yellow. Use the power of the colour spectrum to fight your under-eye shadows. Because yellow lies on the other side of the colour wheel from the dark purple and blue tones that comprise most under-eye circles, concealers that are yellowish in tone are very effective at minimizing the appearance of unsightly bags. Choose a product that is specifically designed for under-eye application.

Choose a slightly darker concealer. If you have darker skin or severe under-eye circles, a yellow-toned concealer may not be the answer to your problem. Instead, opt for a product that is slightly darker than your normal foundation. The shade differential will offer you additional camouflaging power that should help disguise even the most persistent under-eye circles.

Avoid oil-based products. Although oil-based concealers are generally regarded to have more covering power than other types of formulas, they aren’t ideal for covering up under-eye circles. These products can sometimes sink into the fine lines, crevices, nooks, and crannies under and around the eyes, calling attention to the very area you’re trying to conceal.

Set your look with powder. After you’ve worked your magic with concealer, make sure that you lock it in with a light, even dusting of translucent powder. Because the under-eye area is particularly prone to perspiration, your cosmetic artwork is likely to smear and run if you don’t boost its staying power with an application of powder.

Draw attention away from your baggage. If concealer alone just isn’t enough to minimize the appearance of your under-eye circles, use the time-honoured technique of distraction to deflect attention from them. Choose a bold lip colour or eyeshadow to create a competing focal point. Just one caveat: avoid colours with bluish or purplish undertones, which could have the unintended effect of emphasizing your under-eye circles.

Ready to tackle your under-eye baggage? Browse our collection of concealers here.

When it comes to planning your big night out, half the fun is prettifying and primping beforehand. Whether you’re gearing up for a hot date, a romantic dinner for two, or a girls’ night outing, it’s always exciting to set aside your office-appropriate makeup and attire and glam things up a bit.

Still, some women are intimidated by the prospect of adopting a bolder look for evening and opt instead for a slightly enhanced version of their workaday style, while others take things too far and wind up with a look that’s more garish than gorgeous. According to beauty experts, the happy medium you should aim for is somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.

Need a few ideas to help you create the perfect look for a night out on the town? Take a look at these tips from top beauty experts, then pop a bottle of bubbly, put on some fun music, and get ready to pamper yourself as you prepare for the big event.

Disguise blemishes and dark circles. In dim mood lighting, skin eruptions and discolourations can be exaggerated and thrown into sharp relief, so it’s important to begin your evening beauty routine by camouflaging any not-so-cute features that might stand up. Dab light layers of concealer on blemishes or circles with your finger until they disappear from view.

Apply base generously. The foundation of your evening look is a flawless, porcelain complexion. Using a product that is a close match with your natural skin tone, apply makeup in light, even layers. Multiple light layers will allow you to use exactly the right amount of product without overdoing it. Immediately after you’ve applied the base, use a light dusting of powder all over your face and neck to “set” the foundation.

Create enticing eyes.  Bold, smoky, glamorous eyes should be the centrepiece of your evening look. Lay the foundation with a base coat of off-white, ivory, or buff eyeshadow applied evenly from brow to lashes. Then, create drama with a layer of shadow in a medium to dark earth tone, such as sable brown or slate grey. Using a brush or an applicator, completely cover the area between the lashes and the top of the eyelid. Blend lightly with your fingertips to remove lines and excess eyeshadow.

Shape your facial contours. Now it’s time to create a sophisticated profile by visually enhancing your cheeks with blusher. To create the illusion of high cheekbones, suck in your cheeks and apply blush generously in the hollows. Use light, even strokes, moving the brush upward and outward until you’ve achieved a dramatic look.

Add the finishing touches. The last step in creating your evening look is assessing the overall impact and then adding just the right touch with a layer of mascara and eyeliner. Select a liner in the same colour family as your eyeshadow and create a line of medium thickness along your upper row of eyelashes. Smudge gently for a soft, sexy look. Finish with black or black-brown mascara, applying two generous coats to the top lashes and one lighter coat the bottom lashes.

Voila! Now you’re ready to paint the town red. Have fun!

Need to stock up on beauty supplies before your next night out? Check out the can’t-miss bargains in our sale section here .

You’ve spent hours getting dressed up for a night out on the town. Your hair is just right, your nails are perfect, and your makeup is flawless. Now there’s just one problem – your eyebrows look more “crazy uncle” than “supermodel.”

If you’re plagued by eyebrows that grow every which way and seem to have a mind of their own, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Eyebrow growth patterns are determined by genetics, so if you’ve got a family history of wild brows, it’s very likely that you’ll have some untangling of your own to do, as well.

You may not be able to change the way your brows grow, but you can dramatically improve their appearance. With a few clever grooming tricks, you’ll be able to get your rebellious brows under control once and for all.

• Bring out the big guns. The first step in taming unruly brows is imposing a more orderly shape on them with a brow brush. Forget about those wimpy little combs you can buy at the drugstore – opt instead for a heavy-duty professional model. If you can’t get your hands on one, makeup pros suggest subbing in a clean, unused toothbrush in a pinch. Brush from the tip of your brow to the outside ridge using a forceful stroke and repeat 5-10 times on each side.

• Trim and pluck to contain brow growth. If you’ve been “blessed” with long, curly eyebrows, using a pair of tweezers alone is simply not going to cut it. Instead, use a pair of cosmetic scissors to get the growth down to a manageable length, and then use tweezers to shape the brow.

• Don’t go for an overly styled look. If you’ve got thick, unruly brows, it’s best to steer clear of the whisper-thin, silent-movie-star look. You’re better off sticking with a thicker brow profile that will be easier for you to attain and keep up. The good news? All the leading fashion mags are predicting that a thicker brow line is one of the hot new trends for fall, so your naturally thick brows are in style!

• A little dab of wax will help. If you’ve combed and plucked and your brows are still out of control, you may be able to bring them into line with a wax-based styling product. Several leading companies offer products specifically formulated for eyebrows, but experts say that any wax or pomade can do the trick.

• If all else fails, consult with an expert. Tried everything you can think of to tame your brows, and they’re still running wild? It might be time to get professional help. Your favourite salon probably offers brow waxing services. Although a waxing session isn’t exactly cheap, it can be worth the money to get the help of a pro who knows how to bring even the wildest brows into submission. While you’re there, ask for their advice on keeping your brows in line between visits.

If you’re in the market for new makeup tools, take a look at our selection of cosmetic accessories here.

As the hot summer months wind down and the first hints of autumn begin to arrive, our thoughts turn from picnics, barbecues, and outdoor fun to blustery days, changing leaves, and cosy nights by the fire.

But just because you’re packing away your bathing suit and sundresses for the year, that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on glamour. With just a few tweaks and changes to your beauty routine, you can look just as stunning in autumn as you did all summer long.

Your autumn beauty arsenal should contain basically the same ingredients and components as your summer makeup kit. One across-the-board tip that beauty experts recommend is stepping your makeup palette down a few notches in terms of colour and intensity. While summer palettes tend to be bold and bright, flattering shades for autumn are clustered in the darker, richer end of the spectrum.

As the international fashion season swings into high gear, beauty magazine editors around the world have started to name the hot new trends that will define this year’s cool-weather must-haves. Here are a few beauty tips to help you make the transition from summer to autumn.

Go for full, structured brows. The days of pencil-thin eyebrows are dead and gone. This autumn, generous, strong brows are taking over the pages of all the hottest fashion magazines. However, that doesn’t mean you should put your tweezers and shaping tools in storage. The new brow profile for fall is full but structured, with impeccably clean lines and a strong centre peak.

Choose brown and berry tones for lips and nails. Summer colours tend to be bright and bold, but this year’s autumn picks are deep, warm shades inspired by the changing landscape. Think mocha, wine, latte, berry, eggplant – these tones should be the centrepieces of your autumn makeup palette.

In the market for a new lip look? Check out our full line of lip products here.

Opt for glowing, translucent skin coverage. Bare skin is in during the summer months, but this year’s autumn look favours light, radiant coverage. You can achieve this look by applying your standard foundation or powder with a light touch, or opting for a sheer product that offers a built-in glow. Don’t forget blusher to complete the look!

Stock up on your favourite foundation here.

Get glamorous eyes with a touch of glimmer. Summer looks are often over-the-top with bold colours and effects. This autumn, take a slightly different tack by using with a shadow that adds just a touch of shine to a base colour. A slight “glimmer” – as beauty experts call metallic colours — will give your eyes the attention-getting look you want without sacrificing style and sophistication.

Looking for some new shadow colours? Browse our extensive collection here.

Play up your lashes, but don’t overdo it. This summer, the hottest stars were often seen wearing multiple sets of false eyelashes and heavy layers of mascara, a look that hearkened back to the 1960s. The autumn version of this trend is similar, but toned down. One set of false eyelashes matched with an even coat of full-bodied mascara will give you the glam eyes you’re after without looking out of place as cooler weather sets in.

Give your eyes a little extra help with false eyelashes.

Everywhere you look these days, plump lips are coming back with a vengeance. Whether you look up to supermodels such as Naomi Campbell or superstars like Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie, a full pucker is a definite fashion must-have.

Unfortunately, not all of us were lucky enough to be born with the kind of full lips that make that oh-so-desirable “bee-stung” look possible. In fact, according to beauty experts, the vast majority of women need a little extra help to balance out the proportion between their lips and the rest of their facial features.

Over the last several years, it’s become increasingly common for women to turn to cosmetic surgeons to help plump up their lip profile. Stars like Melanie Griffith and Meg Ryan have made these procedures a regular part of their beauty routine.

Although these outpatient lip-plumping procedures are quick, easy, and relatively safe, they can still cost a pretty penny. Plus, the results are often very pronounced, resulting in unnaturally protruding lips that can be unflattering.

So what’s a thin-lipped fashionista to do? Well, stylists say there’s a much easier way to get the kind of plump, luscious lips you’re craving without spending a lot of money or submitting to risky procedures that could result in the dreaded “trout lips” look. With a few simple makeup tricks, you can create the illusion of plumper lips in seconds. Use these tips to get a lock on the lip look that’s right for you.

• Line up. The easiest way to create the illusion of full lips is simply to draw them on. Using a lip liner can help you subtly expand the borders of your lips. Start with clean, dry lips and apply the liner just outside your natural lip line using soft, feathery strokes. Avoid a harsh, solid line.

• Colour yourself plump. Many women who want a bolder lip look think that bright, attention-grabbing shades are the best way to go. However, beauty experts say that softer, mid-range shades are more helpful when you’re trying to create the illusion of fuller lips. Pinks, corals, bronzes, and roses are all safe bets for your lip-plumping routine.

• Go glossy. If plumper-looking lips are your objective, it’s time to set aside your dull, matte lipsticks. While a lipstick makes it harder to exaggerate the shape of your natural lip profile, gloss adds multi-dimensional colour and shine that can catch the light and create the illusion of a fuller pout. Experts suggest using a high-shine gloss product for the best effect.

• Look to the latest products. No lip-plumping primer would be complete without a discussion of the newest lip-plumping products that have hit the market over the last several years. These clever brush-on formulas use mild irritants to create fullness in the lips, giving you that “bee-stung” look you’ve always wanted in seconds flat. Almost every major cosmetic company offers their own version, so try a few before you choose your favourite. Women with sensitive skin or allergies may want to opt for another lip-plumping option.

• Stay hydrated. It may be hard to believe, but the amount of water that you drink every day can play a major role in determining the girth of your pucker. Your skin’s texture varies significantly based on your hydration levels, and everything – including your lips – tends to draw back when there’s not enough H20 in your system, so drink up!

Looking for the quickest lip-plumping results? Be sure to check out Blush’s full selection of lip colours and products here

You’re the type of girl who takes looking good seriously, so you’ve spent a bunch of time, money, and effort putting together the perfect cosmetic kit. Now, you’re the proud owner of an arsenal of tools that would put a professional makeup artist to shame. What’s next?Just as you spend time tending carefully to your skin, hair, and nails, it’s also important to get into the habit of taking care of your makeup brushes and applicators, especially if you’ve invested in a higher-quality set (and we certainly hope that you have!).

Top makeup artists and medical doctors alike urge women to keep their makeup brushes and applicators squeaky-clean. Here are just a few reasons why regular makeup tool maintenance is so important:

Improved application. Want to guarantee that your makeup goes on smoothly and beautifully? A clean, well-tended brush is the best way to ensure a perfect application, each and every time.

Longer life. If you’ve invested in a high-quality makeup brush set, you want it to last as long as possible, right? Beauty experts say you can double or even triple the life of your beauty tools with a regular cleaning and maintenance routine.

Guard your health. Believe it or not, your average makeup applicator is teeming with icky bacteria. You can protect your precious eyes and skin from infection and other illnesses by making sure that your brushes and applicators are always as clean as possible.

If you’re thinking that the process of cleaning and maintaining your brushes is going to be too time-consuming, don’t worry. Once you get the elements of a basic routine in place, you should be able to run through it in no more than a few minutes. Here are a few simple steps that will help you keep your makeup brushes in tip-top condition.

1. Fill your sink with a few inches of lukewarm water. Lightly twirl your brushes in the basin, but take care not to saturate them. Using too much water may harm the structural integrity of the applicator.

2. Use shampoo or a mild body soap to wash the brush or sponge. Gently work up a slight lather, kneading the applicator tip with your fingers. If you have trouble removing all the debris and residue, use a weak baking soda solution or a specially formulated brush cleaner.

3. Air-dry over night. Gently return the bristles or applicator tips to their original configuration, and then lay your brushes and applicators on their side on a small washcloth or tea towel. In the morning, they’ll be as good as new!

If you’re in the market for a top-quality set of professional makeup brushes, don’t miss Blush’s signature line of cosmetic tools.