The eight rules a beauty director swears by for skin, hair and make-up

The other day, I was trawling through British Vogue and came across style guru Rachel Zoe’s fashion rules. In a nutshell, she says, it comes down to “standing by a great suit”, “dark polished denim”, “a really good pair of heels that will work with everything, and a really great necklace”.

She is also a big fan of lip gloss “as it makes your lips look fresher”. So, I figured it was time to put out my own beauty rules.

1. If you wear foundation, always trial it on your cheek, not the back of your hand. And keep a portable mirror with you so you can go outside and see what it looks like in daylight, as in-store lighting can distort the colour.

2. While we are on the topic of foundation, if you want to apply a powder or cream-based bronzer or blush on top of your make-up, be sure to dust on a thin layer of setting powder first. Try Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($71) – it will stop the “creaminess” of the foundation from sucking up your blush or bronzer. For a fresh take on a blush pick-me-up, try Too Faced Cloud Crush Blurring Blush ($53).

3. As we all know, eyebrows are the coat hangers for the face, setting up the framework for the make-up below. But they are too often neglected, so showing them some dedication will give big beauty pay-off. To get brows in order, have them professionally shaped and tinted. For home duties, invest in a good brow wand such as Benefit Gimme Me Brow+ Brow Volumizing Gel ($49). Brush brows downwards first, to coat the top side of the hairs, then brush them up to coat the bottom side. This tip also applies for mascara application.

4. For one of the best morning skin routines around, add five drops of SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum ($258) to fingertips and massage into your skin before applying your moisturiser.

5. Keep hand cream by your bed, so you actually use it. After applying, press the palms of your hands against your cheeks to create a dewy skin finish. Try Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm ($47).

6. If you have fine hair that looks flat after shampooing and conditioning, try conditioning your hair first. Rinse it out, then do your shampoo. This will ensure your hair won’t be weighed down and look deflated.

7. OK, you knew this would be included. Always, always wear SPF 50+ and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands and around your entire neck.

8. Never underestimate the power of a smile – it is the greatest beauty gift ever. Especially if lips are glossed up, just as Rachel Zoe suggests.

ASK STEPH

What are the best products for red hair?
Hair that’s been coloured red needs special care as it is prone to fading. With naturally red hair, preserving shine and moisture are paramount, as red hair can suffer from dryness. Try a two shot – Davines Minu Shampoo and Conditioner ($52 each).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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