hotbynight: Beauty Tips

Make-up and hair can bring out the best in you. Over the years we all pick up secret tricks of the trade. I'd like to share my dos and don'ts that bring out the best in me, and hopefully you too!

Your choices in hairstyle can "make or break" an outfit. Don't underestimate how hair and make-up are directly tied in with your fashion choices. Here I will share with you some of my favourite products, new make-up trends and classic looks... ever changing and evolving. Enjoy all the little tricks of the trade I’ve picked up thus far & stay tuned for more!

If you have any additions of your own, feel free to comment or email me at hotbynight@gmail.com

I like the "less is more" rule except for a night out
Spend a little more on your everyday makeup ! For that reason exactly - its something you wear everyday.
Sephora is a dreamland for makeup lovers.
Always do your makeup in bright natural light.
If you play up the eyes, leave the lips vice versa.
Get a good exfoliator… I love to scrub my makeup off at night.
Wet your eyeshadow brush before applying eyeshadow.

Side note - Can't splurge on the designer bag, shoes or dress? Make up is the perfect way to be surrounded by some fabulous designers without maxing out every credit card you own. ;)

Tip: Invest in some good brushes. I really enjoy MAC & Nars, they seem to last forever and look classic in any makeup bag.

When using your eye shadow brush, make sure you get one that isn’t too fluffy. I like to wet mine a little before applying any shadow, that way colour wont fall right under your eyes and smudge. Also, I love a big bronzer brush! It’s perfect for all over matte bronzer so make sure you get one with lots of fluffy hairs!

I Definitely love a good bronzer. It's not always easy to find the perfect one. First thing is you have to get the shade that fits you! Don't want to end up looking orange, however you want to see some great colour.

My all-time favorite bronzer is "Benefit - Hoola" It's like silk and can be applied light or darker with a few extra swipes! I've never had a bronzer that at the end of the day I can literally see it when I wipe my make up off (&not because I loaded it on either)

Another thing to look at is the shimmer. I love a healthy glow but only on the cheek bones & in summer. If you have shimmery, glittery bronzer all over your face you will have a obvious fake shine and thats annoying to try and get off when you see yourself in natural light.

What I like to do is get a nice matt bronzer that isn't too dark. Apply it with a soft brush all over … making sure to hit forehead, cheekbones and chin. Then take another brush and add a shimmery different coloured bronzer to my cheekbones for a nice glow.

Not a huge fan of the loose powered bronzers, only because I feel like I never get the same amount on the brush each time, So I end up trying to blend it all even and I'm left a shade or two darker then I wanted

I don't really like any liquid, cream or sheet bronzers… I'm an olive skin tone and I guess I just haven't found any that i've connected with.

You really can find a great bronzer for any price range.

Low - I would definitely suggest "Rimmel Natural Bronzer" Its matte, pigmented and blends well. I like it because you can find it at any drugstore, so whenever you run out your minutes away from a new one.

High- If your looking for the best of the best I would definitely recommend Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing. It creates a very natural look and is infused with moisturizers. Your skin will be thanking you after wearing this all day.

Heres my take on the best and the worst lip glosses of our time.

I have always had a thing for Soap & Glory - Sexy MotherPucker & I have to admit it was the charming name that caught my eye… then when I found out it had a plumping tingle to it I was hook'd! Only problem with it is that it can be sticky ! so forget it on a windy day … nothing worse then getting your hair trapped in your gloss.

Another safe go to lipgloss is Victorias Secret Beauty rush. They're priced right and you cant, not pick one up at the checkout at VS. Not to mention they have every flavour imaginable and they're delicious. One thing I dislike about them is that they can be too shiny from time to time. Looks great in some occasions but for everyday wear theres a little too much glitter for me.

Finally to top off my favorite's list definitely has to be YSL Volupte Sheer Candy lip balm. Wins by a landslide !! I'm in love. It goes on perfect, Not too sticky or shiny, smells amazing and it looks fabulous ! You would almost think its a lipstick however its the perfect balm. I would suggest Juicy Grapefruit. Go into any department store that sells YSL and try them all out …. I'm sure you'll find on you love.

What's your all time favourite lipgloss? Seeing as it's something I put on everyday I'm always down to find a new one to fall in love with.

xx-hotbynight

Many woman would agree that a great mascara is essential. But the question of the day: Is it worth it the splurge on a designer mascara?

Can Cover Girl really make you look like your wearing falsies? As much as I love putting on some falsies for a night out … I don't think I could make it a daily thing. (Unfortunately)

In my experience the answer is Yes, the splurge is well worth it! … Right now I'm loving Lancome and Benefit. I don't know why but I love having two separate mascaras one for fullness (Benefit) and another for length and to swipe away excess and avoid the dreaded spider lashes! (Lancome)