Philosophy’s Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas make up is a lightweight  powder formula that acts as a concealer, foundation and finishing powder all in one, giving your skin an airbrushed look. Plus, it contains SPF15 so you’re getting protection from the ageing effects of the sun every time you apply it.

It’s suitable for all skin types. Even though it’s a powder foundation, it’s non-drying on the skin.

If, like me, you have tiny red veins in your cheeks, and dark cirlces under your eyes that are difficult to cover with normal foundation, this product is great because it really covers all those flaws, but still manages to look barely there, not heavy and caked-on. AND….it’s really quick and easy to apply.

The all-in-one theme is continued in the packaging of this handy product, as it comes with a sponge applicator in the top of the jar and a mirror in the lid, so you have everything you need in one. A real desert island must have!

QVC have a great demo video, where you can see the airbrush makeup being applied on different skin tones, so you can choose the right colour for you. Find out more about Airbrush makeup, from the Philosophy cosmetics range, here….

You may never have heard of Ariane Poole, but she has been one of the worlds top make up artists for the last 25 years, with an impressive client list of celebrities, models, pop stars and even royalty!

Five years ago, Ariane launched her own make-up range. Now, I always think that cosmetics designed and produced by actual make up artists are good, because if you’ve made-up as many faces as she has, you know what works and what doesn’t!

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ariane several times on QVC and Ideal World shopping channels, demonstrating her range of gorgeous cosmetics. One of my favourite items from her range is the Classic Smoky Eye kit. The velvety texture just glides on and makes it really easy to blend.

As well as the classic black palette, the Smoky Eye kit also comes in shades of plum or brown, which is great if you ‘re a bit nervous of going for the full-on black.

These great kits come with everything you need to get that knock ‘em dead sexy, smoky eye look. And they even come with step-by-step easy to follow instructions included, so you can be your own make-up artist!

The Classic Smoky Eye Look kits are on special offer at the moment, so grab one quick here…..

MAC Blush comes in a variety of finishes and shades, from matte to shimmer to somewhere in between, and every colour you could dream of. MAC has something for every skin tone. That’s why they are such a favourite with make up artists. The texture of these are so soft and silky, it takes practically no effort at all to get a beautiful natural colour to your cheeks, without overdoing it.

Available in Frost, Matte, Satin, Sheertone and Sheertone Shimmer finishes, and with around 40 colours to choose from, I have yet to hear of anyone who couldn’t find a suitable shade.

MAC Powder Blush is definitely a candidate for best blusher, and normally sells for around £17.00, but you can find it for as little as £7.99.  A bargain, for a professional quality product, and it lasts absolutely ages!

Buy it here from £7.99

Another make up artists best blusher is Benetint, by Benefit.  For those of you haven’t yet tried it, Benetint is a sheer lip and cheek tint. It’s a clear liquid, and comes in a nail varnish type bottle, which might seem a bit weird, but it makes it really handy to take with you, and easy to apply, with it’s own brush.

Just a tiny dab of Benetint gives the most gorgeous, natural rosy glow to your cheeks and lips, that lasts all day. Don’t be scared by the colour in the bottle, it’s not as dark as it looks. You only need a couple of tiny dabs on the cheeks, blended in with the fingers. The colour goes sheer and just tints the skin, giving a natural looking flush.

Many makeup artists use Benetint for filming on period dramas. Especially now, with the advent of High Definition, as everything has to be totally authentic and perfect. Benetint is ideal, because it looks completely natural and suits all skin tones.

As a makeup artist, I would also recommend Benetint to all Brides for their wedding day makeup. It looks great in the photos, and will stay on your lips (not on your Groom’s!), after your wedding kiss! Just top it off with a touch of clear gloss, or lip balm, and it will last till the evening reception.

You should try MAC Bronzing Powder. The shade ‘Matte Bronze’ looks very dark in the container, but, used sparingly, it looks very natural, even on fairer skins. It’s quite sheer, so you can build the colour for a deeper shade on darker skins. Truly a great bronzer. Furthermore as it’s matte, it looks great as a contouring powder under cheekbones and along the jawline etc.

Not afraid to shine? Try MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden. With just a hint of shimmer, it still looks natural and gives a sheer, healthy glow to paler complexions. It blends beautifully and gives a natural wash of colour.

MAC BRONZING POWDER – Bronze or Golden, usually sells at £17.50, but you can buy it for as little as £12.50. Still not cheap, I know, but it really goes a long way and lasts for AGES! And it’s worth paying that bit extra for a truly natural looking finish, and not looking like you’ve been “Tangoed”!

Buy it here from £12.50  

But, enough of the science, the best bit about Bare Minerals foundation is that it’s so natural looking, and quick and easy to apply, that even a complete novice can’t go wrong. All you need is a nice, fat brush and just a few swirls of the mineral foundation over your face, and you’re good to go!

Try it out here, with this start up kit. It gives you everything you need, including brushes and an instructional DVD……      

Or, for the full range of Bare Escentuals makeup, including Bare Minerals foundation, take a look at QVC. They have a great ”foundation shade selector” page, where you can really see the colours up close, so you can make sure you order the right colour for you. Check it out here…….