How to Strengthen Nails

• How to Strengthen Nails

Healthy nails mean strong nails - andstronger nails don't just look better, they stay polished for longer, too. But how can you build up their strength? Read on for tips and product advice for hard-as-nails talons.

The way you treat your nails has a lot to do with how strong they are. Rubber gloves might not look very cool, but if you over-expose your hands to water it will weaken your nails - so wear gloves every time you wash up.

Keep a mini-tube of hand cream, like the gorgeousAbahna Mandarin and Sicilian Bergamot Hand Cream(opens in a new window), in your bag to reduce dehydration from hand-washing when you're out and about.

We all know beauty comes from within, but this is especially true when it comes to your nails. "Since nails are growing and replacing themselves all the time, they need a good supply of minerals in the diet," Henrietta Norton, Nutritional Expert at Nurture Skincare tells us. "Mineral-rich foods include lean meats, fish, eggs, grains, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds."

Diet is the best source of these minerals, but if your doctor thinks you may have a deficiency, try Nurture Hair and Nail Strengthener Supplements(opens in a new window), which contain copper and a natural sulphur compound used by the body to build both nails and hair

How often should you wash your make-up brushes? Aimee

How often should you wash your make-up brushes? Aimee

It's important to wash your make-up brushes regularly as they harbour dirt and bacteria that can cause spots. I recommend washing them every week.

Cleaning make-up brushes can be done in two ways: you can use an instant brush cleanser for a quick cleanse, or if you want to give them a really thorough clean, wash them with shampoo and leave to dry overnight. 

Make sure that you don't get any water on the handle or the ferrule of the brush (the ferrule is the part that holds the brush fibres to the handle) - this will damage the brush fibres and make your brush moult.

MAC(opens in a new window) and Estee Lauder(opens in a new window) both do instant brush cleansers and you'll only need a small amount for each brush. Pour some cleanser into a ramekin or petri dish and dip each brush gently into the solution. 

Alternatively, put some mild shampoo or washing up liquid in the palm of your hand, and swirl the brush into it. Then rinse clean under running water. I like to give big powder brushes a quick condition after shampooing, to leave them really soft, but you don't need to do this for all your brushes.

3 Make-Up Ideas for Blue Eyes

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• 3 Make-Up Ideas for Blue Eyes

Lauren Dunn's make-up tips for blue eyes, with three ideas for eyeshadow shades that work with blue eyes, plus tips on how to complete the look

Bronze Look: Step 1

Wearing a coloured eyeshadow can really make your eyes stand out. Shades of bronze are easy to wear and flattering to most skin tones and eye colours. You can use a couple of shades and blend them together or just wear one colour all over the eyelid.

I'm going to show you how easy it is to apply and blend a cream eyeshadow. Cream eyeshadows are quick and easy, perfect for when you haven't got much time to get ready. I'm using Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow(opens in a new window) in Busy Signal, a beautiful rich bronze colour.

Start by applying the product with a synthetic brush (I've used No7 Eye Colour Brush(opens in a new window)) as these pick up the product better than a natural fibre brush. Apply all over the eyelid and up into the crease.

Bronze Look: Step 2

You'll need a good blending brush to blend the colour into the crease of your eye. I like the MAC 217(opens in a new window) or Louise Young's blending brushes(opens in a new window).

Gently brush the colour into the crease of your eye to soften the edges. If you have a good brush, it'll do the work for you. 

You can either blend a darker colour into the crease for more definition, or if you want a super quick and easy look, just use the same colour as you used on the eyelid.

Bronze Look: Step 3

You can see that this warm bronze tone really makes blue eyes stand out.

Purple Look: Step 1

Now I'm going to demonstrate a purple look that's really pretty on blue eyes. Again, you can use a couple of colours and blend them together or just wear one colour all over the eyelid. 

An easy way to apply a shimmery eyeshadow is to slightly dampen it, and apply using your finger. This will give you a really intense colour on the eyelid. I used a silvery, aubergine purple with flecks of sparkle running through it. 

Start by applying the shadow right next to your lashline all over the eyelid. To get a more intense colour apply a couple of layers and be quite firm when you apply. 

Blend the eyeshadow into the crease of the eye and you can also apply some to the lower lash line with a cotton bud.

Purple Look: Step 2

To add sparkle, add a glitter eyeliner along the lashline - I've used Sleek Make-Up Glitter Eyeliner(opens in a new window). Just brush some of the eyeliner along the lashline and into the inner corner of the eye.

Purple Look: Step 3

I've finished off the eye make-up with a couple of coats of black mascara. This is a really quick way to make up your eyes for a night out. When you choose the eyeshadow, make sure it has some shimmer to it and remember to add a drop of water to intensify the colour.

Peach Look: Step 1

Shades of pink and peach work really well with blue eyes, and this look should naturally enhance your colouring. 

I used a Clinique Lid Smoothie(opens in a new window) in 'Pinkgo Biloba'. Apply this cream eyeshadow to the eyelid and blend with your fingers into the crease.

Peach Look: Step 2

Next I added some dark brown eyeliner to define the lash line and make eyelashes look thicker.

To add definition to the eye, add a slightly darker colour into the crease. I used Clinique Lid Smoothie(opens in a new window) in Sassy Fras. Apply with your finger or a blending brush, blending into the crease and sweeping along the lash line.

Peach Look: Step 3

Add mascara to finish off the look. I used black mascara and a coat of Estee Lauder's 'Extreme Copper' over the top to create a softer look. 

I added a warm blush and a berry lip colour to complete the make-up look.

How to Apply Lipstick

• How to Apply Lipstick

Nothing says glamour like a swish of lipstick. It's convenient, cheap and with a bit of practice you don't even need a mirror to put it on. Here's 4Beauty's guide to applying lipstick, and how to find the right kind for your needs.

• Apply your lipstick well and you shouldn't need many touch-ups during the day. Try regularly exfoliating your lips and keeping them moisturised - this will help to create a smooth finish.

• Whether you're using a lip brush or applying straight from the stick, make-up artist Bobbi Brown(opens in a new window) recommends that you "apply an even layer over the entire lip, starting at one corner of the mouth, and keeping within the natural lines of the lips."

• She uses a lip brush to line the lips with lipstick. "Always apply the colour to the corners on both top and bottom lips. Then fill in the bottom lip and any missed areas before pressing your lips together to evenly distribute the colour."

• Blot your lips on a piece of tissue to soak up excess product and help to set the stain.

• For a really intense, long-lasting pout, repeat the process once or twice to build up a strong colour.

Lip Brushes

Using a lip brush is cost-effective as you use less product each time you apply it and can use the brush to get right to the bottom of the tube for that last bit of colour. Professional make-up artists prefer brushes because they give them more control over the lipstick, and it will last longer on your lips. Brushes also make it easier to blend lipstick into your lipliner.

Lip Liners

Lining the lips gives you the chance to cheat a bit with the shape of your mouth: you can even out lopsided lips or carefully draw them slightly fuller. Use a lip liner the same shade as your natural lip colour. Many make-up artists use lip liner to help lipstick last a long time: colour in your lips with the lip liner to create a base for lipstick to cling to.

Types of Lipstick: What's Right for You?

How to choose your lipstick depends on which finish you fancy, and, crucially, how dry your lips are. After all, you don't want to be splitting your lips every time you crack a smile.

Matte Lipstick

Matte lipstick offers bold, flat, gloss-free colour and should not be attempted by the faint of heart or dry of lip! It contains more pigment and fewer emollients than other lipsticks so dehydrated lips will stay dehydrated - but it does last a lot longer. Matte lipstick is a favourite with fans of the retro look.

Sheer Lipstick

Sheer lipsticks are great for anyone prone to dry lips (as they contain a high proportion of oil) and for women who like a natural look. Even shades that look dark or bright in the tube will translate into barely-there on the lips.

Creme Lipstick

This type of lipstick has the intense colour of a matte but with a more forgiving texture and less flat finish. It can still be too dry for women with dry lips, but it lasts well.

Satin and Moisturising Lipstick

These lipsticks contain more oils than their cream equivalents (as well as additional moisturisers, such as Vitamin E) but the colour is not as strong on the lips and they need to be re-applied regularly. They're the ideal choice for anyone with dry lips - the glossier the lipstick the more moisturising and comfortable it's likely to be.

Lip Tint and Lip Stains

Lip tints and stains are liquids that drench lips in colour but don't contain wax. They are often used with gloss on drier lips.

Ethical Lipstick

One of the main ingredients of most lipsticks (especially very red ones) is carmine - which is principally made from a species of insect found in South America and parts of Mexico. You'll find it labelled as CI-75470 on your packaging. For more information onchemical ingredients in lipstick, read this Ecologist article(opens in a new window) from May 2006 or this Guardian article(opens in a new window) on homemade lipsticks. Companies such as Green People(opens in a new window) make carmine-free lipstick.

Long-Lasting Lipcare

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• Long-Lasting Lipcare

Poor old lips...they're often a forgotten part of our faces as we're kept busy worrying about spots, or keeping the crow's feet at bay. But they deserve some TLC too. So if your lips are starting to look a little neglected – especially in the cold winter weather - follow our tips for long-lasting lusciousness.

Exfoliated skin can absorb products more easily, and that goes for your lips too. But they need gentle treatment, as the skin in this area is very thin, with only around five layers, compared to the 15 on your face.

How to Do an Eyeliner Flick

How to Do an Eyeliner Flick

Eyeliner flicks never go out of fashion. Here's how to perfect cat eye make-up

Step 1

This striking make-up look is a classic - but it does require practice. You can either use a liquid liner or cream eyeliner. If opting for a liquid liner, I recommend L'Oreal Superliner(opens in a new window) (which is what I'm using here) or Bourjois Liner Feutre(opens in a new window) as the nibs give you good control.

If you prefer a cream liner go for MAC Fluidline(opens in a new window) as the texture's creamy and it doesn't dry out. You'll need a thin eyeliner brush to apply; I like the No7 Precision Eyeliner Brush(opens in a new window). You may also want some pointed cotton buds, which are great for tidying up.

First, think about how thick you want your line to be. I always start off quite thin - you can make the line thicker as you go on. Start off by applying the liner at the inner corner of your eye. Make sure it's right next to the lash line and there's no skin showing between. Gently draw the liner across the eyelid. Don't worry if you make mistakes - you can tidy these up with a pointed cotton bud.

Step 2

If you're confident drawing free-hand, continue to paint the line across the eye making it slightly thicker towards the outer corner. You can gently pull the skin so it's taut and draw the liner to the outer corner of your eye to create the 'flick'. If you need more guidance, keep reading to find out how to do it another way.

Step 3

Draw a short line from the outer corner of your eye and angle it where you want your flick to be. This will differ for each eye shape. As my eyes are quite round, I like my liner to extend from the middle of my eye. Experiment to see what suits you - some people like their eyeliner flick to be quite high, but it's up to you.

Step 4

Extend the upper line to meet the lower one and create a triangle. If you're happy with where the flick is, fill in the gap to complete your line.

Step 5

Once you've finished filling in the line, go over and check there are no gaps. This is when you can tidy up any mistakes you might have made. Just slightly dampen a cotton bud and carefully tidy up.

Step 6

An eyeliner flick looks pretty just with plenty of mascara, but if you want to add more definition to your eyes, blend a brown eyeshadow into the crease to open up the eye.

Amazing Lip Scrub Using Honey & Brown Sugar

Amazing Lip Scrub Using Honey & Brown Sugar

You can buy a wonderful brown sugar lip scrub from Sara Happ for $22 (I've owned mine for a whopping 8 years) or you can make one yourself for pennies.

How to Make a Honey & Brown Sugar Lip Scrub:

• Place about a pencil eraser-sized dollop of honey in your palm.
• Add to the honey a pinch of brown sugar.
• Mix them together in your palm with your finger. Add a drop of water if mixture is too gooey.
• Apply mixture to lips, rubbing the mixture into lips in a circular motion.

That recipe is one of my 2 favorite remedies for scaly lips. The other one I swear by doesn't taste as yummy but is more convenient because it just involves Vaseline and a toothbrush and doesn't involve me going to the kitchen for brown sugar and honey.