1. HIGHLIGHTERS are a big deal in makeup at the moment and if you haven’t tried one yet, you should.

Why? Because advancing formulas have become less about glitter and more about luminosity, glow and sheen. So no matter your age or skin type, it’s hard to determine if you are wearing makeup or just got back from summer holidays.

Basically, highlighters are makeup sorcery!

There are two types of highlighters worth investing in, powdered and cream. The cream I use during the day for a natural sunlit glow and powder is great in the evening for picking up night lights and staying power.

All you need to do is apply a tiny amount to the highest point of your cheekbones, tip of the nose and cupids bow as the last step within your makeup routine, using your fingers with cream and a small angled brush for powder. The cream in particular is multipurpose as you can apply it without foundation for a fresh and awake complexion or achieve a dewy finish by using it underneath your foundation as a primer.

My two absolute favorite highlighters are by MAC Cosmetics as both formulas offer glow not glitter, are not crazy expensive and seem to last forever.

Cream Highlighter: Mac Strobe Cream ($15 Auz)

Powder Highlighter: Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle ($47)

 

2. FRANK Body & Face

Got to love Instagram for product discovery! The edgy marketing and almost viral extent of people hash-tagging this stuff caught my eye. So I jumped on their site to realise not only was it an affordable product range gentle enough for baby skin, it was actually made out of one my all-time favourite things, COFFEE.

Seriously, the smell of the Frank body scrub is as opulent as the freshest espresso and leaves your body and bathroom smelling the same. Most importantly it leaves your skin glowingly soft and smooth (almost like using a light body oil) getting off every bit of fake tan in a much more pleasant way than the scratchy & mean exfoliating glove.

For an introduction into the Frank world I firstly recommend the Coconut Body Scrub, which also makes an excellent gift.

More recently however I also tried the Frank Creamy Face Cleanser, Creamy Face Scrub and Everyday Face Moisturiser  and I can’t see myself changing for a very, very long time.

It is just so gentle to the skin whilst removing all my makeup, leaving my skin glowing and pores clean and clear. In fact I was a Cetaphil user prior and it is just as gentle, yet much more luxurious due to the smell, lather and soft finish. I also have oily skin prone to breakouts and it seems to be keeping things under control. At only $50 for the Sweet Cheeks Bundle which includes all three it is great value, not to mention the super cute packaging.

3. BIO OIL

My mum put me onto this and now I’m obsessed. Not only does it help with stretch marks and scarring, it multi-tasks as an amazing eye serum at night before bed and I love putting it on before gym at 6am to soothe tired and puffy eyes. Most importantly, it is non greasy, zero irritant and the bottle seems to last forever- a must have in my beauty bag!

Chemist Warehouse always has the best price ($12 Auz)  Bio Oil

4. STILA Aqua Glow Watercolour Blush 

This for me was a revolutionary find in makeup. I have always loved a flushed dewy blush as opposed to powdery so preferred creme blushes,  however sometimes they turn out a bit clownish and melt off easily. This recently launched wet blush from Stila however is next level, 6 months later I am now on my 2nd jar and approaching my 3rd.

It is seriously the most glowing, dewy and transparent cheek stain ever and looks incredibly natural and fresh, the texture is literally like watercolor paint! With or without foundation it leaves your complexion glowing in all the right ways and comes in a range of colours.

I suggest you pop into Mecca or pick it up online ASAP. My favourite colour linked below is called shimmering lotus.

Stila Aqua Glow Watercolour Blush  ($36 Auz)  Shimmering Lotus

5. JAMES READ Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face

I noticed this rated as a 2015 Beauty Product of the Year within InStyle Magazine, so being fake tan obsessed I headed into Mecca to check it out. The lady in-store assured me it was amazing so I took the leap and dropped $56, walking out feeling like I spend wayyyyy too much money on make-up and praying it was worth it. Luckily, it was!

This little discovery is now my go to for an everyday glow. It is basically a luxurious gradual face tanner in a clear gel which is formulated especially for the face, so you can pop it on before bed and not only will it moisturize your skin it WILL NOT break you out or clog pores, I repeat, will not break you out! Revolutionary.

Look, do not expect to look spray tanned Tropicana overnight. This is a very subtle and build-able product which I use to manage out a fading spray tan and give myself that everyday glow. I am about to go back for bottle no. 2, the first bottle I used 4-5 times per week and it lasted me 3 months.

Check it out, stocked by the wonderful Mecca Cosmetica ($56 Auz) James Read Overnight Tan Sleep Mask Face

Love Jess x