How to keep your skin glowing during winter

Each week, Sunday Life’s beauty director Stephanie Darling roadtests a different makeup or skincare trend to find out whether it’s worth your time. Ahead, a lipstick makeup and the power of a peel.

The subtle bling of the gold gives helps give any look a modern edge.Credit:iStock

Road Test

I’m yearning for a deep bronze lip with a touch of gold, so have turned to Mecca for some inspiration.

The lowdown Mecca make-up artist Franky is pretty excited at the prospect of a dramatic change (my usual lip choice is every shade of nude) so we get down to it. She cleanses my face first, then massages in a moisturiser. Next comes Stila One Step Correct primer ($55) to reduce any redness in my skin. Then a new find for me, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($33), to prep my lips. This is followed by Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops ($55) mixed with the luxurious Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation ($117), which Franky blends with a brush to get perfect coverage. She then removes the excess lip balm and colours in my entire lip with Mecca Max Zoom Liner in Chocolate ($17), before finishing with a generous dab of Nars Hardwired Eyeshadow in Galapagos gold ($33) in the centre of my lips.

Downtime Sixty minutes.

Pain factor I love having someone do my make-up; it really is therapeutic.

Results Shazaam! I love the depth that the chocolate colour brings to my lips, while the subtle bling of the gold gives them a modern edge.

Where to get it From mecca.com.au. Cost: $125 (redeemable with purchase).

At home I walk away with the Mecca Max Zoom Liner in Chocolate and the Nars Hardwired Eyeshadow, which I can also wear on my eyes.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, $134. Scott + Sullivan The Peel, $90. Perricone MD Exfoliating Peel, $68.Credit:Jennifer Soo

Trend: Facing off

Exfoliating your face is a delicate exercise, so the general rule of thumb is once a week at most. Start by cleansing your face and patting dry, then apply the peel onto your face and neck. Leave it on for the suggested time, then rinse well for brighter-looking skin.

Add to cart

Our latest pop-of-colour lip fave is Burberry Beauty Kisses in Bright Coral (sephora.com.au, $56). Apart from its brilliant hue, it’s hydrating and long lasting. Go full throttle and apply two coats, or play it down by dabbing on just a hint with your index finger.

Ask Steph

How do I stop my foundation from pilling?

Before applying foundation, make sure any skincare products have been absorbed and your face is dry. Next, take the time to apply a primer and let it dry; this will not only help prevent pilling, it will increase the longevity of your base. Try Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (mecca.com.au, $56).

Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale July 25. To read more from Sunday Life, visit The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.

Sunday Life's beauty director.

Share this post