Getting Nude: The Best 'Your Lips But Better' lip shades

Three of life's greatest and most enduring mysteries:

What happens when we die?

Exactly how big is the universe?

And where the hell is that perfect shade of lipstick?

This is a mystery Plato would probably not have pondered, but it's a question on most women's lips, whether we admit it or not.

Not too pink, not too brown, not too nude, not too matte, and just silky enough without being shiny. Too much to ask?

For years I've been searching for a universally-flattering, 'your lips but better' shade of lip colour, and it's been a quest similar to the search for the Holy Grail.

I reveal to you, dear blog-readers, my Top 5*:

NARS 'DOLCE VITA' LIPSTICK: This sheer dusty rose lipstick is often voted the most “universally flattering” lipstick shade by industry professionals, and they're right. High levels of long-lasting colour pigments are suspended in a silky, transculent formula to give a sheer and natural tint, rather than a matte block colour. And the colour flatters pretty much everyone.

CLINIQUE ALMOST LIPSTICK IN 'BLACK HONEY': Inside the sexy little silver tube, the colour looks scarily dark (almost black), but appearances can deceive. Once applied, it's almost transparent. If you're not keen on super-nude shades but still want something neutral and flattering, this is for you. Suits almost every skin tone.

BENEFIT SILKY FINISH LIPSTICK IN 'GOOD TO GO': A very pretty shade of slightly deeper pinky-brown, this flattering silky-finish colour is sheer and buildable, so you can customize your look from natural to amped-up depending on how many coats you apply.

NATIO LIPLINER IN 'NUDE': Applied gently over the entire lip area, a liner can be just as effective as a stick, providing you add a good quality clear gloss or just a Chapstick on top. Bargain brand Natio have invented a colour that deftly manages to be that elusive blend of warm pink with a hint of brown - and for $10, it's a bargain.

My Runner-up lip liner is MAC's Spice, probably one of the most recommended lip liners of all time. Looks great on everybody, works well on its own and also blends with almost every lip colour. Tip: be careful with lip liner or risk working the 'Eminem's Ex Wife' look.

MAC LIPSTICK IN 'TWIG': One of the most popular shades in my collection of 72 (and counting) lipsticks. Coveted by brides who ask to look pretty but not 'made up', and worn a daily basis by women who can't be bothered with full makeup but want to look polished.

HONORABLE MENTIONS GO TO:

Chanel Lip Liner in 'Nude' (handed like a sacred baton between makeup artists, and worth every cent); Revlon Superlustrous Lipgloss in 'Shocking Spice' (Limited Edition but worth hunting for).

TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PERFECT SHADE:

For Olive or Medium Skin:
To highlight olive or tanned skin, always go for shades that will warm up your complexion, such as something with highlights of warm pink or gold.

For Dark Skin:
Go for brown and gold hues. Your natural look should contrast your dark skin-tone ever so slightly, so pick a brown shade with flecks of gold and then finish off with a slick of gloss.

For Fair Skin:
The trick for you is avoiding the "washed out" look unless you want to look like you've not eaten vegetables for the past 5 years. Whatever you do, avoid a beige-nude. Go for a colour with peachy or pinkish-brown tones in it.

Happy nude-ing!

Coming soon... Rosiecheek's Beauty Awards 2009 - The Best and Worst Products of the Year.

~ Rosie x

Best budget makeup brands ever.

'Is there a big difference between cheap and expensive makeup brands?'

This is a question I get asked often... and most of the time, I say yes. A big yes. Generally, higher-end brands have formulas which contain better quality ingredients and higher levels of pigment.

However, nestled amongst the aisles of low-cost makeup, are major brands which perform consistently and boast a range of products worthy of a higher price tag.

If you need to replenish a few supplies but don't want to blow the budget, behold my All-time Favourite Bargain Makeup Brands:

THE OSCAR GOES TO: RIMMEL
Rimmel's brand statement is "Get the London look". Hmm. Personally I prefer not to look freezing and pale... but odd catch-phrases aside, in my opinion Rimmel is, the best true budget beauty buy on the market.

Why? For the extremely low price, Rimmel is a higher quality than many other leading cheap (and many expensive) brands, the range is constantly updated and reflects new trends, the products have good levels of pigment and the colours have a wide-ranging appeal.

TRY:

'RECOVER' FOUNDATION (ABOUT $17AUD): Trust a British brand to develop a product especially designed to conceal the effects of a cracking hangover. A cheap and perfect solution for the day after the night before, this is one of the best anti-fatigue, light-reflecting foundations I've tried. The primer is pretty damn special too.

VINYL LIPGLOSS (ABOUT $10AUD)
Many cheaper glosses make me look like I've locked lips with a vat of olive oil, and any wisp of hair will stick to my lips like glue. Not so with the the Vinyl range. A non-sticky formula and a carefully chosen range of colours, including fresh summery peaches and neutral pink-browns which suit almost everyone. Second prize goes to Rimmel's Sweet Jelly range - a sheer, sweet gloss which tastes amazing too.

Also look out for: 60 Second nailpolish (a fun, chip-resistant range of summer brights and Uma-Thurman-darks at an ultra-cheap price); Hide the Blemish concealer (great coverage); Volume Flash Mascara (does what it says); and a very decent range of eye shadow quads for next to nothing.

THE BEST SUPPORTING ACT GOES TO: MAX FACTOR
"The makeup of makeup artists"... Umm... I've never seen a professional makeup artist with a kit full of Max Factor, but kudos to being the brand for budget foundations and great lip colours.

The brand may not have the grooviest reputation, but the formulas are sturdy and reliable - essentially this is the beige Mitsubishi Lancer of the makeup world.

Time after time, Max Factor produce a solid product which, despite not being the sexiest addition on the market, performs even better than the last.

TRY:

MIRACLE TOUCH FOUNDATION (ABOUT $27AUD): A weightless, seamless formula which glides on smoothly and delivers beautifully blended, long-lasting coverage. Great if you like a slightly fuller coverage and a no-mess application (it comes with a high quality latex blending sponge).

LASTING PERFORMANCE FOUNDATION (ABOUT $27AUD): My first brush with the brand came through this particular foundation, and I stuck with it for 2 years before reluctantly daring to try something new. It lasts all day, all night and into the next morning if you're still going - and never cakes, fades or creases. It's that good.

Also look out for: Second Skin foundation (almost undetectable coverage); their excellent range of cream blushes and Lipfinity glosses (the pretty pink 'Angelic' just scooped a major beauty award for Best Gloss of 2009).

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

BOURJOIS: If only for the superb range of eyeshadows and liners, and the '10 Hour Sleep Effect' foundation: a miracle in a bottle.

LOREAL: Spookily similar to Lancome and worth a go. The True Match Minerals foundation is the only budget brand of mineral powder I can recommend without hesitation.

REVLON: Because every self-respecting makeup kit should contain a Super Lustrous lip gloss in 'Pink Afterglow', 'Shocking Spice' or 'Glossy Rose'.

NATIO: Because their lipliner range (less than $11AUD) features some of the best nuetral shades ever - try 'Tulip' or 'Nude'. And the primers, tinted moisturisers and nail polishes are all outstanding quality.

...MEH:

Covergirl and Maybelline.

Tips:

~ When buying cheap, be careful with eyeshadow in particular. Test it by rubbing your finger lightly onto the shadow. If the colour doesn't appear really dense and slightly creamy on your fingertip, avoid it - it's loaded with fillers and will fade faster and look nastier than than a WAG with a cheap spray tan.

~ Beware of cheap foundations with talc as a main ingredient (check the ingredients on the label). The flash of a camera against a talc-based foundation will leave you with a face whiter than a post-surgery Michael Jackson. Talc should stay where it belongs: on nana's bathroom shelf.

Happy budget buying!

~ Rosie x

Rosiecheek is taking your suggestions for blog topic posts! Post your suggestions on the rosiecheek Facebook site or send me an email: rosiecheek@y7mail.com

I'm dreaming of a tight Christmas...

Are you one of the lucky (or annoyingly rich) people who will be running rampant through the shops this Christmas in a no-expense-spared present buying spree?

If so, I suggest you close the screen now. There's nothing here for you today.

If, however, you're one of the millions on a belt-tightening mission as a result of the biggest market crash we're likely to see in our lifetime, this one's for you.

A recent survey by Westpac revealed Australian consumers are indeed dreaming of a tight Christmas.

But considering we need to purchase an average of 12 gifts every festive season, it can be a hard task to keep costs down without looking, well...tightarse-ish.

With a predicted 2009 national spend of about $2.5billion on Christmas gifts, I want to try do my bit to reduce a few credit card bills, so I've scoured the shops to determine the three best value (and most attractively packaged) little makeup gifts - all for under $40.

And not a showergel-set (yawn) in sight!

TOO FACED: NEW LIMITED EDITION GLAMOUR TO GO III ($32.95AUD)
The marketing people at Too Faced might have done their sums incorrectly because this really should be retailing for about $70. Eight quality eye shadows in very wearable colours, 4 lip glosses in neutral shades to suit most lips and a blush. But not just any blush - the perfect shade of peachy pink to flatter almost everyone. Manages to be sleek and kitsch at the same time - not unlike Too Faced celeb ambassador Katy Perry.

NP SET "JET SET" ($35AUD)
The Napoleon spin-off (available at Tar-jay) has come up trumps with the ultimate all-in-one package of fabulousness. 18 eye shadows (all great shades and many with a subtle hint of shimmer), 4 bronze-based cheek colours and 4 lip glosses, encased in a portable and sleek white clutch that would look at home in the travel bag of a Bond girl. Ridiculously attractive and extremely good value.

BENEFIT BIG BEAUTIFUL EYES PALETTE ($39.95AUD)
I've had borderline religious experiences at the Benefit Counter, and this product is my mecca. Everything you need to create beautiful eye makeup in a few easy steps. Contains boi-ing (the industrial-strength concealer), an alabaster pink base shadow, a cocoa shimmer contour shadow, a rich chocolate brown liner shadow, two brushes for easy application and an illustrated, step-by-step professional makeup lesson. The perfect gift idea for the eye makeup novice or expert.

Tip!

If you're lucky enough to have a vacation (or a staycation) in the US or France, put Sephora on your hitlist for a mind-boggling array of makeup gifts at low prices.

Visiting the Sephora flagship store in New York City, I felt like Dorothy entering Oz. But sadly we're still in Kansas and must live in hope that Australia gets with the program and opens a Sephora store - soon.

Happy Christmas shopping!

~rosiex

Aisle be back...the secrets to perfect wedding makeup

Weddings: a day when tinted moisturiser and Chapstick just won't cut it.

Wedding makeup: two seemingly innocent little words that render a groom silently baffled, and many brides in a state of mild panic.

If you (or someone you know) is tying the knot and interested in a professional makeup artist, how do you know who is right for you?

Behold - hints for choosing a professional artist and tips for perfect wedding makeup:

Plan ahead
Many makeup artists will be booked not weeks in advance, but months in advance. They'll be frantically busy at peak wedding times (warmer months and Spring) so begin your research as early as possible.

Do your research
Speaking of research, a Google search will produce dozens of results for available makeup artists in your region. The trick to finding a rose amongst potential thorns is to look for qualifications (at least a Certificate-level qualification in Makeup Services), experience in formal events, a portfolio of images and testimonials from previous customers. But don't let marketing-speak do the talking. Which leads me to...

Book a trial
The average makeup trial costs between $70 - $120, but it's worth every cent. I met a girl who told me she forgot to book a trial and met her makeup artist (an underqualfied masquerader) on the morning of her wedding. Not knowing how to describe what she wanted, the bride ended up with candy-pink lips, trowelled-on foundation and mauve eyeshadow. Frosted mauve eyeshadow. Too rushed and too shy to request a change, she walked down the aisle in a stunning vintage gown, but with a face that resembled a Playboy Bunny on crack. Obviously a one-off nightmare scenario ...but worth remembering.

Prepare to go slightly heavier
Makeup novices usually freak out at the mention of "heavier" makeup, expecting a face that would make Tammy Faye Baker look underdone. If you're having professional photos, it is necessary to wear more a bit more makeup than usual or risk looking slightly washed out. The flash of a camera flash sucks away colour from the face, so prepare for a little more emphasis on your best features.

Ask for classic
If you want to look polished but not overdone, the golden two words to ask for are: "classic and neutral". Looking back on photos in 20 years time, 'statement' makeup will always look dated.

Avoid matching the eye makeup colours to bridemaids dresses or flowers
It's more common than you think. Hello, 1984.

Love thy artist
Almost every makeup artist adores their job - and it shows. A good makeup artist will turn up on time. A great makeup artist defines "on time" as 10 minutes early. It's important to find someone friendly, professional and calm - and a sense of humour helps, too.

Waterproof mascara.
No explanation needed.

Primer
Why? Read my previous blog post on makeup's little miracle worker.

Pack a mini kit
It won't look freshly applied all day and night so pack a mini makeup kit of blotting papers and your chosen lipstick (or a sample).

Be careful with 'dewy'
Every bride wants to look dewy and fresh, but avoid too much highlighter or you'll be working the Canola-oil look in photos. The same goes for lipgloss. Wear something creamy and matte for a longer lasting and polished result.

Pash-proof your lips
No lipstick will stay perfect all night but the secret to longer lasting lipstick is to prime, line your lips, add lipstick with a brush, blot - and apply again. This technique will ensure your smackers last through about 15 kisses with your beau, and one unexpected lip-smash from drunken Uncle Barry.

Upcoming blog topic: Stay tuned for the top 5 most wearable lipstick shades, including 3 colours which are consistently chosen by brides.

Von Teesing yourself ...

Who would have known the ultimate retro goddess once worked the Sorority Barbie look, and worked it good?

This image is proof of the power of makeup (and a good hair colourist).

If it doesn't inspire you to try a different look once in a while, nothing will.

I've received a few requests from women who are bored with the same-old same-old and want to try a classic retro look for a special occasion, but...

Their biggest concern is a total fear of red lipstick. "I couldn't pull it off" is the most common reason why women constantly favour the natural look over full-on reds.

The secret to wearing red is knowing which type of red suits you - and it's all about your skin tone.

Creating a retro look to rival Dita on a 'good-face day' is easy and requires only 5 basic steps:

Skin: This is obviously not the time for tinted moisturiser. Go for a primer followed by a full coverage, quality foundation but apply it sparingly to avoid looking too 'done'. Retro skin should look flawless and velvety smooth - Napoleon's China Doll foundation is an incredible product to achieve this look. Blot with a translucent powder to minimise shine.

Cheeks: Back away from anything bronzer-related. Go for a deep, true pink - again, MAC do one of the most comprehensive ranges of pink blushes on the market, or try a cheek stain.

Eyes: A secret tip is to prep your eyes first with whitening eye drops. Keep the eyelids very bare with a matte (not shimmery), light beige shadow from the lid to the brows. Sparingly apply a tawny brown colour to the crease. Next, channel the zen-like calm of Mr Myagi, as you're about to apply a single sweep of black liner in a graceful motion, winging it upward and outward to the edge of each eye.

Lips: The single most vital thing to remember when choosing a red lipstick is your skin tone. Are you a warm red or a cool red? If your skin has pinkish undertones you should stick to reds that have a pink base (think of the colour of a cherry). If you have have warm yellowish tones, you will best suit a red with a touch of blue (think of the colour of a ripe apple). One of the most fail-safe reds for most skin tones is MAC's Russian Red. For a precise, neat finish - prep your lips first with a red liner, accentuating your cupid's bow.

Eyebrows: Little coat hangers for your face. If you've over plucked your coat hangers, give them a holiday for a few weeks and have them professional shaped by the experts, such as the gurus at Benefit.

Tips:

~ Having red lips does strange things to women. Beware of the effect if you're attached...

~ For the eyeliner-phobe or novice, avoid liquid eyeliner (it's too watery and even the tiniest of errors will show). For the easiest application, use an angled brush and a black gel liner. Gel liner is the ultimate secret weapon for achieving that perfect cat-eye look. The robust consistency ensures it glides on slowly and smoothly. Practice makes perfect, so rehearse this and you'll be an eyeliner master in no time.

~ You don't have to be porcelein-skinned to pull this off. In fact, you can work the retro look even if you're a bronzed beach babe. Red lipstick with a touch of gold looks stunning against bronzed skin.

~ Keep red lips totally matte. Avoid the temptation to apply any form of gloss over the top - it's just way too "Simply Irrestible filmclip".

~ Ultimately, have fun with makeup and experiment with a new look every now and then. If you're too reluctant to go the whole hog, just invest in a red lipstick. Teamed with nude eyes (except for a swoosh of mascara), it looks sexy, modern and polished.

~ Rosie x

Next blog-topic, due to reader feedback, is "How to Choose a Good Makeup Artist for a Special Occasion". Watch this space...

The Zit Remedy!

Eleventh Commandment: Thou shall develop a massive pimple approximately 24 hours before a special event. The pimple shall be at its peak at the precise moment thou needs it to disappear.

Yes, this is an unpleasant topic - so let's get it over with!

I'm in my early thirties and am one of the millions of women who, despite being beyond the teens, gets the occasional pimple. A pimple so big it could qualify for a postcode.

And, as if by a bizarre karmic payback, it always appears the day before a party or a special event. Never when I'm planning a weekend of vegetating on the sofa in pyjamas watching HBO boxsets.

What's with that?

A surprising number of women in their 20s and 30s have asked what is an effective way to treat 'adult pimples' - the ones which seem to come out of nowhere and get instantly, irritatingly huge (sort of like the Australian Idol winner).

Over the years I've tried a number of products and have whittled them down to these two miracle workers:

HASTA LA VISTA BABY:

PROACTIV SOLUTION REPAIRING SOLUTION ($39.95 - ORDER ONLINE)
Let's try to block out the ultra-annoying infomercials for a second. This is the heavy artillery of pimple solutions, originally developed for those who experience mild to severe acne. Unlike many mail-order products, this stuff does what it promises, and then some. If you have sensitive skin this may not be your best match: it literally blasts all blackheads and pimples from the skin by depriving them of all moisture in a super-drying action. Leave it on overnight, and within 2-3 days the offending pimple will be gone.

ELLA BACHE CREME INTEX NO. 2 ($49AUD)
I cannot recommend this highly enough - it is the holy grail of all pimple products and delivers overnight results. Okay, so the word 'lesions' is undeniably gross - but in this case, I can say it loud and proud. This was especially developed to heal and calm acne lesions (there, I said it) and severe oily-skin breakouts. It's a brilliant antibacterial, oil-absorbing treatment which calms inflammation and redness, and has cod liver oil to promote speedy healing while thyme oil and zinc oxide purify skin. Works small miracles overnight and rapidly heals even the most angry of offenders.

TIPS:

~ Apply concealer extremely sparingly and dab it on very lightly. Blot with a sheer powder. Excellent and inexpensive acne-fighting concealers are: Revlon's Colourstay Blemish Concealer or the Rimmel Hide the Blemish range.

~ Its obvious, but resist the urge to put your hands near your face... unless it's 2am and you're doing an inebriated vogue-ing impression to a Madonna megamix. About half of adult blemishes are directly caused by touching your face, or by the transferal of bacteria when doing what all women secretly do but won't admit to doing: squeezing pores.

~ Scrub. One of the best ways to prevent build-up which causes blocked pores. I'll be reviewing the best and cheapest, and the ones to avoid - soon.

~ If you absolutely must get a bit of squeeze-action happening (there's a time and a place for emergency measures), cleanse your face first, use a tissue (never bare fingers), and immediately add a repairing cream or a dab of tea tree oil.

~ Rosie x

Thanks to the legendary Degrassi Junior High for my blog title inspiration. For those rare souls who know the show, you'll hopefully appreciate it...

Eye spy with my little eye...the best shadows for your eye colour

Every day I say a little prayer of thanks that most of the makeup trends of the 80s are over.

This was an era when we genuinely believed blue eyeshadow (or worse: unblended stripes of yellow, pink and orange) looked divine. At the time, the idea of 'blending' was about as incomprehensible as Duran Duran splitting up.

Thanks to the likes of the legendary Kevin Aucoin and superbrands like MAC, we now have universally-appealing shades designed to flatter specific eye colours.

One of the most common questions I get asked about makeup is "What shades of eye shadow suit my eyes?"

So here are my top pics... and no stripes in sight:

FOR BLUE EYES:
Blue eyes are often seen as the lottery winner of eye colours, but the wrong shade (such as pinkish tones) can often make blue look red or washed out. If you hair is blonde, red or dark, it doesn't matter - most shades of shimmering bronze, warm browns, vanilla and peachy-golds will look fantastic teamed with blue. Blue-eyed girls can opt for a blended charcoal-black liner, but for a more flattering daytime look, a chocolate brown looks softer and more natural.

FOR BROWN OR BLACK EYES:
The most versatile eye colour ever: almost everything suits you, dammit! Creamy coffee colours with a hint of shimmer will make dark eyes look velvety and seductive; metallic stamps of colour in plums, deep blues and teal are ideal for creating an impact. Experiment with highlighter in the corners of your eyes to give them a lift.

FOR GREEN EYES:
Green-eyed girls can smile smugly in the knowledge theirs is the most rare (and often the most impactful) eye colour on the planet. I rarely recommend purple eyeshadow, but in the case of green, this is for you. Go for rich shades of violet, plum or purple and rejoice in the fact that black eyeliner (blended well for a smoky effect) looks incredible. If you're not too keen on plums or purple, try a dusting of golds or shimmering neutrals.

FOR HAZEL EYES:
So many women look mildly disappointed when they say "my eyes are hazel" but I think this is the prettiest of eye colours. Depending on the time of day, the chameleon quality of hazel eyes can transform hazel to chequered-brown, forest green or a mix of both. Experiment with colours for brown and green eyes - try coffee neutrals with a hint of shimmer, deep violet, purple or plum and if in doubt - simply smudge black eyeliner along the upper lid for maximum impact.

TIPS:

~ If you're over 35, throw out anything frosted.

~ Blend. See the rosiecheek post on brushes ('a brush with the law').

~ Use a tiny sweep of highlighter (such as white or cream) just below your eyebrows. It will emphasise the arch.

~ If you're averse to experimentation or prefer a simple look, invest in a good quality palette of neutrals (vanilla, beige and a few browns). Bobbi Brown do some of the best and most wearable colours on the market.

~ Rosie x

Cheek stains - the best (and the worst)

First up, I'm going to say this: couldn't the inventors of 'cheek stains' come up with a more appealing name? Any product with the word 'stains' doesn't sound great, especially teamed with cheeks...

All hail Benefit for rechristening an unappealing-sounding product with a cute name. (no surprise really: they call zit cream 'Boo Boo Zap')

Top reason why cheek stains are becoming increasingly popular: they look more natural than ordinary blush and will last all day (and night... and into the next morning if you're still going).

They're also the ideal alternative if you prefer not to looked bronzed or shimmery, or if your colour has a tendency to disappear before lunch.

Added bonus: the flushed and glowing result will make your colleagues wonder what you got up to before work...

The best are:

BENEFIT BENETINT (ABOUT $45AUD, CHEAPER IN THE USA)
The original and still the greatest. A rosy, kiss-proof, waterproof and natural colour. Apply it and you will radiate the "I've just finished a brisk run through the park in winter" look, without having to lift a finger. Or your feet. Benetint can also be used on lips for a long lasting stain with no chance of sliding onto teeth.

BENEFIT POSIETINT (SAME PRICE AS ABOVE)
The new and cuter little sister of Benetint. It does everything big sister does, but has a petal-pink colour and a milkier, sheer formula. Beautiful on all skins from fair to dark. A favourite for brides.

BLOOM CHEEK TINT ($24AUD)
The second best thing to Benetint, this light gel-based formula is foolproof to apply and has the best blendability of all cheek stains I've tried.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS:

MODEL CO CHEEKY TINTS ($34AUD)
THE BODY SHOP LIP AND CHEEK STAIN ($26.95AUD)
Beware of formulas which dry too quickly or stain unevenly. I applied these and resembled the lovechild of Dolly Parton and Bobo the Clown.

Tips:

~ Try not to whip out your cheek stain after a few Christmas champagnes or you'll risk accidental spills (and permanent stains) on clothing. Lewinski, anyone? No amount of Preen is going to save you from this disaster.

~ If you have dry skin, apply a little extra moisturiser first. Some stains contain a drop or five of alcohol, which can be drying.

~ Avoid using a stain if you're wearing much foundation. It performs best and looks the prettiest on a fresh face. At most, wear a sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser.

Happy... erm, staining!
~ Rosie x

Out on the lash!

Every woman has had at least one mascara disaster, a painful one being the infamous 'Eye Poke' (applying it in the car then your driver slams on the brakes).

In my case it was the 'Water Witch' (emerging from a pool, channeling my best attempt at Effortless Pool Babe, only to later discover I unknowingly had two rivers of thick black goo running down my face, leaving me looking more like the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Hot.)

Disasters aside, mascara literally fuels the makeup industry - it is the most popular makeup product in the world. Between formulas and wands which lift, curl, separate, define, lengthen AND hang out your washing, what to choose?

In a mascara I want three big basics: absolutely zero clumping, Bambi-long lashes, and a longwear formula with no risk of panda-eyes.

In a long history of love affairs with mascara, I've tried about 50 and these are my top 3 picks for overall performance:

CHRISTIAN DIOR 'DIOR SHOW'(NOT CHEAP - TRY TO GET IT DUTY FREE OR PAY ABOUT $60AUD)
An extremely pigmented formula means you only need one coat to transform the stumpiest of lashes into weapons of mass seduction. If you want two or three coats - go ahead, it still won't clump - the dense, high-quality brush equals absolutely no clumping whatsoever. It doesn't smudge and a tube lasts at least 4 months of continual use, making it worth the price.

MAX FACTOR 2000 CALORIE (ABOUT $17AUD)
Yes, it's been around since Madonna worse fingerless lace gloves, but for good reason. A far more superior cult product than Maybelline's Great Lash, this is the penny-pincher's version of Dior Show. It does what Dior does, give or take a smidge of quality, so if you're on a budget this is the gal for you.

LANCOME DEFINICILS HIGH DEFINITION (ABOUT $50AUD)
The George Clooney of mascara: gets better over time, continually performs well, looks great. The more you use this product, the better it gets. Tip: I heard a rumour that Loreal products are made by the same manufacturers as Lancome. True? After sampling many Loreal mascaras and skincare, the quality, smell and texture is scarily similar. So, if you're saving cash, check out Loreal before splurging on this.

Avoid: Maybelline Great Lash (don't believe the hype), MAC Waterproof (clog-n-clump-city)

Tips:

~ Try not the pump the wand. Wand-pumping = air in the tube = drying = clumping.

~ Avoid those dual-wand products asking you to coat your lashes in white stuff first. I call these 'Winehouses'. If anything needs white stuff first to help it perform - avoid at all costs.

Happy lash-batting!

~ Rosie x

Mineral foundation: a fad, or here to stay?

Unless you've been living the life of a hermit, you will know about the biggest trend to sweep the makeup industry in the last decade: mineral makeup.

AC Nielson reports that in 2005 the annual sales of mineral makeup in America skyrocketed from $5.5 million to almost $150 million just two years later. Woah.

Just a fad? Nope.

The big difference between mineral makeup and normal foundation? Traditional makeup contains binders, synthetic dyes, talc and fillers. Mineral makeup is made only of finely ground natural ingredients such as zinc and titanium (okay - dirt), without the chemicals.

Mineral makeups can also provide longer-wearing, fresher coverage than many 'normal' foundations or tinted moisturisers.

Warning: All women should be issued with a Restraining Order against the cheap ones. They're low grade, coarsely milled and have bad brushes. Many still contain fillers, despite claiming otherwise. Avoid supermarket brands if you can.

Why go mineral? Incense-burning 'knit your own tee pee' types will feel warm and fuzzy about the natural ingredients.

But for me, the warm-fuzzy-factor isn't a selling point. I want performance and coverage.

My top picks are:

Isaada Cosmetics (PRICES VARY, EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT $60AUD)
I use this on brides after applying regular foundation - it doesn't fade, it's waterproof (and therefore tear-proof) and has a luminous finish, ideal for transforming Bridezilla into an ethereal goddess. Sun lovers will also appreciate the broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

idBareminerals (PRICES VARY, AVAILABLE AT DAVID JONES AND DEPARTMENT STORES)
Bloomingdales don't have an idBareminerals counter. No, they have an idBareminerals department. Quite simply: this stuff delivers results. Applied over your normal foundation, it also adds extra coverage for occasions when you need completely flawless, red-carpet skin. David Jones have great value starter packs for $100. If you're heading to the USA, stock up there: it's almost half the price.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics (PRICES VARY, EXPECT TO PAY ABOUT $60AUD)
Developed by a former Beverley Hills medical aethstitician who wanted to create a natural makeup to help cover severely traumatised skin, Youngblood is fast becoming a cult brand based purely on performance. The range of colours is excellent - not too pink, not too orange. Try their outstanding bronzers too (if it's pay day).

Tips:

~ Always apply mineral makeup with a kabuki brush. Buff it gently into the skin.

~ Less is more.

~ A medium-sized tub should last 3-4 months, so dollar-for-dollar it's worth the investment. Go for quality.

~ Rosie x

Hangover help!

If every Hangover featured the movie-version's Bradley Cooper, most girls would be drinking wine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And possibly afternoon tea.

With the party season almost upon us, there's an almost 100% probability that we will all face a hangover sometime with the next 6 weeks*.

* - Bradley Cooper not included.

In my case, it was only yesterday. That extra festive glass of wine seemed like such a wonderful idea at 1am.

The visible signs of a night of excess include red eyes, puffy face and skin duller than an episode of The 7pm Project.

After 15 years of very thorough research, behold - the essential Hangover Helpers to get you through the pre-party season and beyond.

FOR RED EYES:

PREFRIN LIQUIFILM EYEDROPS (ABOUT $8 FROM MOST CHEMISTS)
Not an attractive little bottle, but an essential item for any makeup kit - hangover or not. I've used Prefrin on everyone from sleep-deprived brides to teary models. These are the best anti-redness eye drops on the market - one tiny drop is all is takes to banish all signs of redness, all day.

FOR EYE BAGS:

CHEAP: CAMOMILE OR GREEN TEABAGS. (ALMOST FREE): Daggy? Yes. Tried and tested? Double yes. Steep two teabags in boiling water for a minute. Freeze them for 20 minutes and pop them on your eyes. Okay, you will look deranged but who cares? Lie back and think of England while they banish the puffiness.

NOT CHEAP: YSL TOUCHE ECLAIT RADIANT TOUCH. (FREAKISHLY EXPENSIVE - ABOUT $70AUD - BUT WORTH IT)
After a few awkward moments with the YSL girls, I now know this is pronounced: toosh ec-lay. Not too-shay eclair. Buying this product feels like handing over a deposit on a house, but the outlay is worth it. This is one of the finest light-reflecting, fatigue-hiding concealers available. In fact the demand for this product is so great, YSL have recently created a men's version. Touche to that.

FOR DRY, BLOTCHY, DULL SKIN:

CHEAP: NATIO 'GLOW' SKIN BRIGHTENING FACE BALM ($14.95AUD)
The face balm equivalent of the Australian Idol winner: works extremely hard for almost no money. For British rosiecheekers, Boots own-brand do a cheapie which is just as effective (Boots Radiance Balm).

NOT CHEAP: CLARINS BEAUTY FLASH BALM (ABOUT $40AUD)
Use it once and you'll be addicted. I've mentioned this superb product before, and will mention it again. Quite simply this is the most effective radiance-boosting face cream. Ever.

Tips:

~ Now is not the time to go heavy. Opt for a shimmering peach-toned blush (Try Nars 'Orgasm' ) and a warm-pink gloss for lips (I'll be previewing the best lip glosses on the market in the next few weeks).

- Don't add mascara to bottom lashes - it can often accentuate dark circles.

- Utilise nature's finest and free hangover preventer: H20.

Note: - If all else fails, try applying this. Works wonders every time.

Happy hangovering!

~ Rosie x

Caribbean Queen...

Almost all of us want to look more glowing and healthy.

...unless you have Marilyn Manson's Greatest Hits on the Ipod and prefer to look like this.

If you're blessed with a complexion so radiant it inspires Billy Ocean to croon about your beauty, good for you. For the rest of us mere mortals, the assistance of a bronzer is needed.

Chosen well and applied sparingly, bronzers can look gorgeous. Chosen poorly and slapped on, the results look like this. Or worse - this. (one too many pre-application champagnes, Catherine?)

For for the bronzer-addicts amongst us (and there are many) - here are the tried and tested performers which won't leave you looking like the love-child of an Oompa Loompa:

NARS THE MULTIPLE (NOT CHEAP, BUT WORTH EVERY CENT)
Years ago Harper's Bazaar did a feature on the best makeup artists of the era. Francois Nars wanted to show sheer, glowing skin - a departure from the matted skin in fashion at the time. He used a single lipstick on cheeks, lips and eyes - nothing else was added. The Multiple was born. A few tweaks later, Nars produced the Multiple Duo - two shades of the iconic Multiple to create a healthy, shimmering flush to cheeks, eyes and lips. Try 'Orgasm-SouthBeach'. Mistake-proof, natural and stunning results.

NATURAL GLAMOUR PRESSED BRONZING POWDER (ABOUT $28AUD)
Who remembers those ultra-daggy infomercials advertising this product? Enough to put anyone off bronzer for life. Toll-free numbers aside, this New Zealand product really works. An ever-so slight touch of shimmer, SPF 12 and a true bronze shade without being 'bricky' (the awful terracotta colour of many of the bronzers on the market today).

TWO FACED 'CARIBBEAN IN A COMPACT' (ABOUT $40AUD)
Too Faced is fast-becoming a cult brand to eclipse even the likes of Benefit. Perfect if you're not sure about bronzer: this gives a radiant, fresh sheen as opposed to a deep colour. Choose 'Snow Bunny' if you're fair, 'Sun Bunny' if you're darker.

Honorable mentions:

Thin Lizzie Bronzer: another New Zealand wonder.
Benefit Hula: highly coveted, ideal for darker skins.
Bourjois Bronzing Powder: a subtle but effective look, and cheap!

Tips:

- Woah Nellie. Go very, very easy with the application.

- Bronzer looks best on days when you're not wearing much foundation.

- Choose pink-toned bronzer for fair skin or risk channeling the vibe of Sunkist, as opposed to sun kissed.

Happy bronzing!

~ Rosie x

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs on Hangover Help, lipstick shades that suit everyone (yes, everyone) and the all-time greatest 'Bambi-fying' mascaras.

A brush with the law...

If the makeup industry had a crime squad, I'd be the Head of Investigations into Misdemeanours in Eyeshadow Application.

There's a crime wave spreading across the globe, and no woman is immune to falling prey. The victim? Your eyelids. The culprit? The sponge-tip applicator.

I've witnessed women innocently hand over cash for an expensive eyeshadow trio, only to waste their hard-earned money by smearing it on with this seemingly innocent-looking accessory.

Be alert, not alarmed ladies! The sponge-tip applicator may look friendly but it's associated with a variety of serious offences against fabulousness, including substandard application, less staying power, creasing and (shock) ...uneven blending.

The solution? Brushes. If you find yourself staring blankly at the comprehensive (not to mention expensive) array of brushes with no idea about what goes where (and why), here are your five must-haves. Click on the pink to see an image of each brush.

Angled Brush
The absolute essential: shape or emphasise eyebrows by dipping it into a shadow one-shade lighter than your natural brow colour and feathering it across your brow. Wet the end and swirl it around in your shadow for a perfectly-precise eyeliner application. Dip it into gel or cake eyeliner to achieve a seductive 50-style eyeliner flick. Or just gaze at it lovingly, knowing you own it.

Bullet or 'Pencil' Brush
If you want a smokey eye (and let's face it - who doesn't love this look?), you must own this brush. The dense fibres form a nifty little 'bullet' shape, making contouring and shading a relative breeze. I'll be showing you how to easily achieve a smokey eye in a future blog post. For now, just know that bullets can be good. Very good indeed.

Small Fluffy Blending Brush
This brush works harder and faster than Whitney on a comeback tour. Use it to apply a wash of sheer eye colour to your lid, or to blend your dark smokey eye shades, or to apply a highlight shade to your browbone. You'll use it almost every time you put eyeshadow on.

Lipliner Brush
Show me the girl who whips out a lipliner brush every time she applies lipstick and I'll show you a freak. Who has the time? Or more importantly - the inclination? However, this is a handy tool to have in your kit. For special occasions, apply your lipstick with this brush for staying-power and a neat finish. Clean it, wet it, dip it into eyeshadow and it doubles as an eyeliner brush, ideal for controlled application.

Medium-Sized Fluffy Blush Brush
Simple and necessary. If you're a blush-lover or contouring-cohort, you'll probably have a variety of these. If you just want one, get it medium-sized with good quality, natural fibre bristles. Use it to apply blush (obviously) but also as a powder applicator. It also doubles as a handy emergency shelf-duster, but that's a story I probably shouldn't reveal here. Yet.

Tips:

- You don't need to spend a lot of money on brushes, but try not to skimp. Ebay often have great deals on bargain brush kits which would otherwise cost a fortune. The Body Shop also do decent cheapies. For the best of the best, go straight to Bobbi Brown, or (cue the salivating) the all-out, unbridled luxury of MAC.

- If you're not sure if you want to purchase high quality brushes, know this. They will last at least 10+ years and will ensure your makeup looks polished and professionally-applied, every time. Worth the investment? You decide.

- Unless cleaned regularly, brushes sneakily harbour zit-causing bacteria and other nasties I won't mention in case you're eating. There's no need to spend money on a brush-cleaning solution unless you're sharing your brushes with others. Simple warm water and shampoo works perfectly.

Happy brushing!

~ Rosie x

Plump up the volume

Very few women in this world are blessed with a pair of lips that would make a strawberry this lucky.

Most of us prefer to avoid injectables for fear of being 'Leslied' - my term of reference for an allergic reaction to lip fillers, as made infamous by British TV star Leslie Ash. Leslie, a naturally pretty woman, decided to fall prey to the pressure to stick a needle into her lips - with unexpected results. The wind aint changing for Leslie - it was a permanent allergic reaction.

So for us mere mortals with an aversion to needles, the occasional use of a lip plumper allows us to channel our inner Angelina (sans Brad), if only for a few hours.

I'll state this upfront: lip plumpers don't produce miraculous results. But - if chosen well, they do produce a noticeable result.

Lip plumpers work their magic by being more irritating than Kyle Sandilands. Loaded with ingredients such as menthol and camphor, the formula 'disturbs' the delicate skin of the lip area, thus creating a plumping effect as your lips struggle to understand what the hell is going on.

Upside: a temporarily fuller and more lustrous pout.
Downside: 20 seconds of mild stinging as the formula goes to work.

My favourites:

DuWop Lip Venom (about $40AUD from specialist makeup stores)
This heady, sweet-tasting cocktail of cinnamon, ginger and essential oils causes blood to rush madly to the surface of the lips. You know a product has cult status when the marketing gurus behind the phenomenally successful Twilight movie team up with DuWop to produce a spin-off product. Vampires aside, the original Lip Venom packs a massive punch, if you can grit your teeth through the initial sting.

Too Faced Lip Injection (about $28AUD from specialist makeup stores and Myer)
Claims to make lips look 'up to 20% fuller in 5 minutes' - and you know what? They're not lying. It comes in a range of sheer and pretty colours, with Techno Kiss being a personal favourite. Tip: hide this from your girlfriends or you'll be sharing it around forever. The two girlfriends who sampled my Lip Injection suddenly morphed into mega-flirts and susequently met their new beaus the very same evening. Placebo effect? Probably. A bit of innocent fun? Definitely.

Most makeup brands have produced a plumper at some point, but don't bother with the cheaper versions. In this case, you get what you pay for.

Happy plumping!

~ Rosie x

A girl's guide to faking it

Thanks to Irish descent, I have skin so pale I could be a convincing stand-in as Casper.

I embrace it (most of the time) and can rest smugly in the knowledge that in my forties I will not resemble a leather boot. But when summer (and skin-baring clothing) is upon us, it's time to ring in the emergency assistance of the 'faux glow'.

Since the 80s, fake tan has come a long way. No longer do we need to risk looking like a walking bottle of Tang. Streak-proof, non-orange products are everywhere.

However, the industry still needs to catch up on stink-factor. Let's face it, most fake tans emit an unpleasantly sour waft once applied. A waft so strong even girls like me with big brothers (and thus acclimatised to regular strenches) will recoil in horror.

I've road-tested most big brands for streaks n stinks, and can heartily recommend these 3:

ST TROPEZ AUTOBRONZANT (about $45AUD for a pump-action bottle)

Weird name for a fake tan (is 'autobronzant' a word or a line from The Terminator?). But this stuff really works. Yes it's pricey, but it is foolproof, gives instant colour, smells decent and has a green base which means it develops into a natural-looking brown as opposed to an orange-based tinge.

PALMER'S NATURAL BRONZE GRADUAL TANNING MOISTURISER (SO CHEAP IT'S NOT WORTH LISTING THE PRICE)

The cash-conscious or tan-shy should snap this up immediately. For those who like to start out slowly and ease into things, this is your new best friend. It has a chocolatey aroma too, which can never be a bad thing. This budget buy outclasses the over-hyped Johnson's Holiday Skin, which quite frankly smells horrendous and is prone to making most skin look almost as yellow as the bottle it comes in.

ELLA BACHE GREAT TAN WITHOUT SUN ($39AUD)

Yes, this is a bit messy to apply. To guard against hand-staining you need to use a pair of bizarre sponge-gloves. Hide these from your love interest as he or she will think you've gone mad. But the results are worth it. It imparts a more glowing, natural and light-diffusing finish than any other FT I've ever tried. Instantly. And it has a lovely expensive-salon smell. Purchase immediately.

Top 3 application tips:

- Scrub your body first with a cheap mitt (about $4 from most chemists).
- Don't muck around. Do it fast and rub it in well.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and gently pat a towel on your knees, elbows and toes to prevent staining.

The objective of using fake tan is to give a subtle glow. There's nothing fresh and summery about trying to channel a 'girl from Ipanema' vibe when the only thing Brazilian is your bikini line.

If you're fair, stick with 1-2 shades darker than your normal skin-tone or risk eventually looking like this.


~ Rosie x

The Prime Time

The first time I heard about primer I thought the beauty industry had invented yet another 'must have' product to guilt me into spending more cash on something I didn't need.

Oh how wrong I was. The night I lost my "primer-ginity", I was going to a black-tie do and wearing enough makeup to make Dita Von Teese look underdone. Dinner, drinks and dancing later, I arrived home as the sparrows were chirping and hopped (okay - stumbled) into bed in a full face of makeup.

Upon wakening my head was exploding, but the makeup looked almost freshly applied.

Nothing had moved except my hair (which now resembled Tina Turner in a wind tunnel).

And so began a love affair with primer, the next vitally-important step after water-drinking when it comes to a decent face.

The difference between primer and any normal face cream is (not surprisingly) what's in it.

The non-geek description is: primer contains stuff that makes your makeup stay on longer.

The Poindexter description is: primers contain a mix of polymers, silicone and wax-based ingredients which act as a buffer, assisting products to bond to the skin and dramatically increasing longevity of makeup. (And to think I failed science class, twice).

I'm weirdly proud to say I've owned about 15-20 different brands of primer and swear by the following three:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (about $50AUD for a decent-sized squeezy bottle)

More of an emergency rescue device than a primer, this wondrous cream deserves a special mention. It erases most signs of fatigue and leaves skin tighter and brighter than a Cappa Cappa Delta cheerleader. A very thin layer is all you need (otherwise it's prone to caking) and apply your foundation immediately. Added bonus: applied more liberally and it doubles as a very good face-mask.

MAC Prep + Prime (about $45AUD)

Yes I have a thing for presentation and the sleek, panther-like elegance of the black MAC packaging is very sexy. Packaging aside, this delivers results and will give your makeup an extra 6-8 hours of staying power. It fills in fine gaps and lines, sort of like a girl's version of polyfiller. It has a subtle luminous finish, meaning it deflects light and departs radiance without being 'sparkly'. I dislike products which claim to be luminous, but make you look like you've smeared your face in cheap glitter. This doesn't do that. I heart Prep + Prime - it just works.


Australis Primer ($13.95AUD)

Remember those ultra-daggy Australis ads from the 80s? Girls with teased 'wave' fringes and frosted mauve lipstick? And let's not forget the Australis eu de toilette (oh, the toilet) - the gift every Mum had to fake a happy face for on Mother's Day. Since those dark days, Australis has been yanked into the new millenium and now boasts a very good range of products. The primer is no exception: it does what it says, it prevents skin from absorbing your foundation, it fills in fine lines, it smells gorgeous - and it's cheap. So cheap you may as well buy two.

Added recommendation: if you're lucky enough to live somewhere sunny, check for one with SPF.

Now don't get me started on primers for the lips and eyelids. Another time...

Happy priming!

~ Rosie x

In deep water...

When I was 25, I awoke one morning to discover I’d magically morphed overnight into a weathered old woman. It wasn’t some odd remake of Freaky Friday, either.

The puffy bags under my eyes were so big they could have doubled as emergency flotation devices. My skin resembled the driest part of a Siberian desert at the peak of drought season.

For a 25 year old, this was a shock – shouldn’t I have the peachy, glowing skin of well, a 25 year old?

I retraced my steps and here’s where I hit ‘Stumbling Block 1’. The total inability to actually retrace my steps. Too many cocktails, too little sleep and (here’s where Agatha Christie made the discovery) – no water in days.

I was high-tailing it around London in a frightening state of dehydration, none the wiser.

The only water I drank was in a cup of Tetley’s and… well, vodka and soda has water in it, right?

Before I even start reviewing anything you put on your skin, consider for a moment the effects even mild dehydration has on your overall fabulousness.

Research has shown about ¾ of all Aussies are “chronically dehydrated” – which means we’re plodding through life with slightly fuzzy-thinking, mildly depressed, with a 3% slower metabolism and daytime fatigue.

A little story: I did a makeup trial on a lovely bride-to-be who had spent close to $500 on pre-wedding facials. She was lamenting the dry and dull state of her skin. She was in her late twenties but could have passed for much older.

I asked her how much water she drinks – and bride-to-be stared back, blankly. Without flinching she told me she had not drank water. For 2 whole years.

She survived on fizzy drinks, coffee and wine. Consequently, no matter how many luminising and hydrating products I used on her, her skin looked a bit like a Hobbit's heel.

Unless she got cosy with water, the bride was only ever going to look just a teeny bit mummified.

Before my water-loving days I had persistent eye bags, despite slathering on the eyecream every morning. Oddly dull skin, no matter how much I invested in expensive scrubs. Even after 8 hours sleep on clean sheets, a girlfriend commented I looked 'freakin exhausted'.

I’m not pretending I’m now a water-guzzling saint. Sometimes I go days on just a few glasses and the results are simple: I look really bad.

So before anything else, start with the basics. Your skin will say thank you.

Bottoms up!



~ Rosie x

Playtime!

Makeup and beauty should be fun. Like playing in a big box of crayons, but for grown-ups.

It shouldn't be a chore. It shouldn't be about hiding perceived flaws, or spending a fortune on things you don't need.

Rosie Cheek is where you can stop by to discover one girl's opinion on what's good, what's great, what's amazing (and what's not) in makeup, skin and haircare.

Who am I to think I know what I'm talking about? Click on 'About Me' to learn more.

I give honest reviews and am not afraid to talk about the bad stuff.

I'll also be introducing you to the fantastic products you need to get in a long-term relationship with. I'll tell you which ones are faithful... and which ones are prone to cheating!

Here's your place to discover what's worth a big investment, and where you can get a cheapie which works brilliantly.

If you have a question, please ask. If you have a concern or a comment (good or bad) - I'd love to hear from you.

So let's get started...

~ Rosie x

Welcome!

So, the blog is born. Welcome all makeup, skin and haircare addicts, recovering addicts, experimenters or recreational users. I hope you have as much fun here as I'm going to! ~ Rosie x