As many of you know, I LOVE me some clothes and I can pretty much tell you anything and everything about what to wear and when and why.

But when it comes to make-up I’m still a novice in so many ways! (Although I’m DEFINITELY up for learning more!)

So I’ve enlisted my gorgeous friend Eleanor from Eleanor Dorn Makeup to give us a few simple tips and tricks for nailing your makeup everyday.

my gorgeous friend and talented makeup artist Eleanor Dorn

Not only is she a make-up pro, Eleanor also sells her own line of brushes (check them out below) AND she runs make-up workshops for groups to show you everything from how to nail a smokey eye to highlighting and contouring as well as everyday and corporate makeup.

Here are a few questions I asked Eleanor recently that I know I still want the answers to, so I’m sure it will come in handy for you too……

Q & A with makeup artist Eleanor Dorn

1. What are the 5 top makeup brushes everyone needs and what do you use them for?

My top go to makeup brushes I can’t live with out are:

1. My #4 Foundation brush  – forget using your fingers to apply foundation, a brush will give you a more even & consistent  coverage on your face.

2. My #1 Powder brush, It’s all about setting your makeup once you have finished your look – I use a large powder brush teamed with a translucent powder to finish my makeup ( it takes away shine too!) 

3. My #3 Angled powder brush – Contouring doesn’t have to be hard or scary, you can do an easy contouring using a bronzing powder – and have defined cheekbones in seconds.

 Watch my how to quick and easy highlight and contour brush to learn how! http://www.eleanordornmakeup.com/howto/quick-highlight-contour/

4. My #8 Precision crease brush, I have over 5 different eyeshadow brushes in my range, however my #8 is my go to for applying all over eyeshadow as well as blending eyeshadow out perfectly. 

5. My #18 Brow brush – Before filling my eye brows in with a pencil I always brush them into shape, this makes defining my brows easier, I also brush them after penciling them as well to blend the colour out to give my brows a natural look. 

2. how often should you clean your brushes and how do you do it?

For your own personal makeup brushes, I’d recommend giving them a deep clean every 2- 3 weeks – you can see my quick and easy tutorial online http://www.eleanordornmakeup.com/howto/makeup-brush-deep-clean-tutorial/

If a quick clean between clients or during the week – you can spray them with Isopropyl alcohol, which is available from your local chemist.

3. Does your morning makeup routine always have to take a long time?

No – not at all. A quick morning makeup routine can be 5 minutes – my basic to go routine goes like this:

• use a BB cream for coverage,
• set with a translucent powder
• followed by a brush of bronzer and a shimmer to highlight my cheekbones – and of course eye brows.
• Even if I am in a rush I always make time to fill in and make sure my brows look tidy.

4. What is your number 1 favourite makeup product and why? 

My number one makeup product would be my MAC mineralize skin finish powder – the most gorgeous powder which you can use to highlight your face and really give it a glow.

Eleanor’s favourite beauty product, The MAC mineralize skin finish powder.
Available at MAC counters everywhere

5. How important is it to prep your skin before applying makeup? 

It’s important to have a good base to start your makeup application on. A clean, washed face is a perfect canvas followed by a nourishing moisturiser.

Primer can be used to further smoothen out the skin, specially if you have a special occasion and would like your makeup to stay on longer.

More importantly – always wash your face at the end of the day, and again moisturise.

6. Tell me a little about your workshops?

My Let’s talk makeup workshops are designed to teach you all the makeup basics and tricks of the trade to create beautiful makeup looks.

Set in a relaxed, fun environment it’s a great way to see close up how do those must have makeup looks, like contouring and a smokey eye. Invite your friends and make an evening of it!

CLICK HERE for more info on these fun and informative workshops.

So there you have it, so awesome tips to start with from a girl who really knows here stuff!

What about you. Are you a beauty junkie? Or are you a beauty beginner like me? How useful were these tips? Tell me in the comments below, I’d love to know!

Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always,