Time to LASH out

Here's how to fatten, fake and flaunt them with style!
- pic by robertrootes


1. Always curl your lashes before applying mascara.

2. To bulk up less-than-luscious lashes, dust translucent powder over them before you apply mascara to build them up.

3. Next, use your mascara wand to set the curl. Keep your eyes open and look down, then place the brush along the tops of your lashes. Slowly twist the wand back towards yourself, moving downwards - it'll grab your lashes and the mascara will hold the curl in place.

4. To finish coating, position the brush on the underside of your lashes and push back up, wiggling the brush at the base and stroking upwards. Repeat three or four times.

5. For a truly pro-finish, use a lash comb from the base of your lashes to the tips for a perfectly even effect. Invest in metal lash prongs as it won't clog like plastic ones.

6. Most celebs have make-up artists enhance their lashes with individual falsies. Squeeze a little lash adhesive onto the back of your hand then using tweezers, pick up an individual falsie and dip into the glue. Repeat with more falsies and position several at the outer edges of each eye for a seriously flirtatious flutter.

Lash Extensions (Is it worth Investing?)

Temporary (2-5 days)

- If you're not into fiddling with falsies, get a pro to do all the work for you!

Permanent (3-5 weeks)

- Single silk fibre lashes are glued onto the ends of your own lashes. It only takes an hour. Your first visit will cost around AUD$150 and the lashes last for three to five weeks, after which you can get a top-up with infills for about AUD$50-$60 for a 20 minute session.

Beauty Shopping

Nuts about beauty products? Here's some buying tips you should know first!

1. Make sure you know what type of skin, hair and nails you have before you set out. Ask an expert if you're not sure: a facialist, hair stylist and manicurist can determine them for you.

2. List any known sensitives you have and the ingredients that cause them, so you can check labels and eliminate any likely toublemakers!

3. Write down the things you NEED and those you WANT: This helps you to set a budget and resist them temptation to make impulse buys.

4. If you're shopping for new makeup, particularly foundation and blusher, go with clear skin, and use cotton buds to apply and never put your fingers in pots for risk of infection.

5. Use tissues instead of toe separators. Roll them into a thin barrel and weave between your toes before you apply polish.

6. Go for cotton squares instead of cotton balls, as they won't leave those annoying wool fibres on your nails.

7. Lanolin is a great alternative to foot or cuticle creams, as it acts as a barrier for dry hands and feet, and softens the cuticles.

8. Avoid metal emery boards as they can rip and tear the nail.

9. When buying polish, always choose a basic red and a pale pink. These two shades will never go out of fashion.

10. Don't be tempted to buy whatever is on sale! Remember, know what you WANT =)

11. Sectioning clips are a good investment, especially if you have long hair, as it will save on blow-drying time - you can concentrate on small areas at a time.

12. Look for products that perform two or more functions and buy smart.

13. Skincare is all about protection and maintenance, so ensure you start everyday with a zinc oxide-based sunscreen.

14. To avoid (further) damage, always apply sunscreen not only to your face but to other areas exposed to the sun on a daily basis, like the decolletage and the backs of the hands.

Tips fr Denice
15. Vaseline is a GREAT product for this cold season. I use it to soothe chapped lips, keep brows neat, mix with powder eyeshadow to make a creamy/glossy look and more! =)

Pout & Proud

For femme fatale without the killer attitude, Try a slick of Lipgloss in a bold shade!
- pic by nordstorm.com

The Modern Minx

According to Jeanine Lobell, make-up artist and creator of cult brand Stila, "More than any other piece of make-up, lip-colour can alter your mood." Bold red lipstick is the ultimate boost, but can be difficult to wear. So if you want the colour without the fuss, we have tracked down this clutch of cute, wearable and easy-to-apply gloss pots. When seeking out your perfect red, you need to test the colour on your lips, not your hand, as the shade of your dace differs from that of your body. To apply, place dots of colour in the centre of your lips and then, using your little finger, work towards the corners of your mouth. If you want a more precise finish, use a square-ended lip brush.

Tip fr Denice:
- Using lip brush with your lipstick/gloss/pot for application helps the item to last longer and ban any wastage =) Great if you're investing in luxury brand lippies!

10 Rules of Hair

The 10 golden rules for creating (or faking) luscious locks!
- pic fr londonhair.com


1. WASH LESS
- 'Don't over wash your hair," says 2005 Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Oscar Cullinan. 'Only shampoo every other day or you'll strip the natural oils which give hair shine.'

2. GO NATURAL
- Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and the juice of half a lemon, then massage into hair after washing to correct your hair's pH level and give it shine.

3. TREAT YOURSELF
- 'Use treatments regularly to help keep the cuticles in tact,' says Oscar.

4. IRON MAIDEN
- For instant shine, cheat and use a straightening iron to smooth strands.

5. SMOOTH IT OVER
- 'Hair that's curly or wavy has an uneven surface so it doesn't reflect light as well,' says nu:u 'hairologist' Michael Brennan. Smooth it up with a sleek shampoo.

6. BRUSH UP
- Invest in a good quality brush. It massages your scalp as you brush and will distribute your natural oils through your hair.

7. SWALLOW THIS
- 'Eat foods with high vitamin E and Omega 3 fat content, like nuts and fish, to keep your hair sleek,' says Oscar. Or u can cheat in capsule form of these vitamins =)

8. SPRITZ IT
- For a truly luxe lustre, spray your locks with hair shine. It will leave your hair scented too!

9. BRIGHTER BLONDE
- As blonde hair tends to be drier than other colours, it doesn't reflect as much light so it can look dull. When your hair's dry, use a treatment product to brighten it up.

10. GLOSS 'N' GO
- 'For a sleek finish, work a little serum into your hair,' says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Collinge.

A tip fr Denice's experience
- When blowdrying, keep it in one direction to avoid frizz
- Then finish off with a 1/2 a cent of serum for max shine.