While I don’t think anyone except models look good at 7.30am (and even then chances are they had help), Marie Claire thought we all might like to come out that early to learn a few tips, tricks and all the latest trends in make up this season. Designed so that the working ladies of Melbourne can attend before work, this year saw the introduction of an additional afternoon session, also a sell out, giving 1000 women a guide as to what they can do to impress with mascara and a lipstick. Renowned for the gift bag (over $85 of product for the price of the $35 ticket), the Marie Claire Beauty Workshop is hosted by Emily Taylor, Beauty Director at Marie Claire and Rae Morris, L’Oreal Paris Make-Up Director for Australia.

Rather than run through the ins and outs of the workshop, I thought I would just give you the good bits – the stuff you really want to know! So here they are in dot point format. Go forth and be beautiful. Because you’re worth it.

BASE
– Only use one moisturising product under foundation, otherwise it will slide.
– Don’t moisturise eyelids.
– Use a SPF 30+ EVERYDAY.
– You should own 2 to 3 shades of foundation to suit different seasons and colouring.
– Use brushes and fingers – not sponges (also a money saving tip, a lot of product gets left behind in sponges).
– Conceal after applying foundation.
– Remember that choosing a foundation is like choosing stockings – do you want opaque, matte, shiny or sheer? Foundations come in matte, mineral or dewy etc.
– Don’t forget to blend behind the ears if you are wearing a ponytail.

EYES
– Put make up on for smoky eyes before foundation
– Metallics are big this season. If you wear gold jewellery, embrace gold, if silver jewellery, silver make up. Only ever wear bronze if you are tanned.
– If you have blue eyes, use blue shadows to highlight and peaches/apricots to really make them pop.
– If you have green eyes, try shades of green and violets to really stand out.
– If you have brown eyes, anything goes (lucky bitches!!).
– Eyebrows are better if lower and longer. Do not do McDonalds arches, they will age you.
– Make your eyes stand out and look wider and brighter by lining the inside of your bottom lid with white eyeliner.
– Avoid liquid eyeliner at all costs, unless you have an expert on hand to show you how to do it right!!

LIPS and COLOUR
– Lipstick is back, with a vengeance.
– Don’t bleach upper lip hair, wax it (but not 4 hours before you are due to be at a wedding).
– Don’t match lips and nails, let them clash and embrace colour.