Dinki di dos and don’ts

25 Jan 2010 05:57 AM | Posted by bh'sOlivia

Sick of hearing about beauty tips and handy tricks that simply don’t apply to us down here in Oz? (Cue how to keep your complexion rosy when it’s snowy – huh?)

Never fear, we’ve been chatting to some all-Australian beauty brands and make-up artists for their face-saving beauty tips that you, as Aussies, need to know.



“In hot weather the skin perspires and the pores of the skin open more, which can lead to oilier skin. That’s why facial spritz is the perfect summer companion! Leave facial spritz in the fridge and use it on the face before applying foundation. This will cool and calm the skin and make you feel completely fresh, especially on those humid days. Make-up applies smoother to cool skin and helps you get that flawless look. I recommend Urban Rituelle Garden Party Cucumber & Linden Blossom Floral Mist. “ – Karen Haining, owner, Urban Rituelle

Jurlique’s latest offering, Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator, is the perfect partner to combat clogged, summer skin. In the heat our pores expand and sunscreen and make-up can quite easily collect and build-up to cause breakouts. It’s important to exfoliate every two days to rid the skin of these impurity-causers. With the inclusion of indigenous Australian plant extracts (wattle, quandond and lemon myrtle), it’s a sure fire way to stay purified and patriotic as you scrub.

Slav Field, make-up artist for Inika Cosmetics, recommends a bronzy summer glow for Aussie girls. The best way to do this is to apply Bronzer (Inika Mineral Bronzer is perfect) in the shape of the number three – starting at the centre of the face (your forehead), round to the cheekbones and down to the jaw line.

Aussie make-up artist Nicola Burford recommends “keeping your tinted sunscreen shine-free with a little dusting of sheer, colourless powder.” She also advises that you invest in a good cleanser to banish all traces of zinc-based sunscreen.

 “Creamy-based cheek and eye products look beautiful in the summer heat. I like to opt for water-resistant cream eye shadows and pencils to keep make-up looking perfect all day long. Also, using a primer under your base will minimise the need for blotting powder during the day; stopping your make-up looking muddy and cakey with perspiration,” She adds.

“Mix your Alpha-H Colour Creator with your body moisturiser for a light summer tan.” – Jamee Doherty, owner, Alpha-H

“Prevent ingrown hairs caused from waxing or shaving by exfoliating once or twice a week with a granular scrub. Exfoliating removes dead skin build up so ingrown hairs don’t get trapped, this will also lift stubborn hair from the follicles. E.g. True Solutions Face and Body Scrub. Apply on damp skin and work from the feet up all over the body using circular motions.” – Gwen Giorla, Beauty Therapist, True Solutions

“For perfectly natural-looking skin try a light dusting of Vani-T’s Loose Mineral Foundation. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to give you natural protection from the sun and mother of pearl powder to boost the skin’s complexion. This lightweight foundation won’t sweat off, break apart or leave you with a greasy shine, so you won’t need to re-apply or blot during the day.” – Tanya Nelson, Product Manager, Vani-T

“Primer is designed to help prime and soothe the complexion to help make-up last longer. My Auto-Pilot primer contains chamomile, yarrow extract and vitamin E to deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration that’s perfect for the Australian summer – it’s made here too!” – Napoleon Perdis, Owner/Founder, Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

“You can still wear foundation in summer, if you like. In fact, I was recently holidaying in Palm Springs with my family and my daughter’s sunscreen kept having to be re-applied. My wife put some China Doll foundation on the girls because she knew it was long-wearing, waster-resistant and had sunscreen protection – it lasted all day. – Napoleon Perdis, Owner/Founder, Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

“A handy tip to give you added protection against the harsh summer sunlight is to apply Dr LeWinn's ULTRA R4 Rejuvenation Fluid with SPF15 before you apply your make-up. Use a small amount on your face and neck, rubbing it in an outward stroking motion. It contains peptide power so it not only combats the signs of thermal stress, it also helps to reduce it!” – Claire Lancaster, Make-up Artist