Chanel Lumières d’Artifices, $90, from selected department stores and pharmacies

The latest in Chanel’s cult line of limited-edition ‘Star’ products, this gorgeous eyeshadow trio has just hit counter. Which means: Run, don’t walk! Inspired by the sequins that star in so many of Chanel’s exquisite couture collections, the goldsmith-moulded compact features an ultra-glamorous gold, a sexy smoky-silver, and a pretty pearly-white. Every shade you need to get a head-start on winter’s biggest trend: metallic (as seen at Chanel’s summer ‘07 show, pictured here). Or else, you could just buy it and stare at it lovingly - because it’s almost too beautiful to use.

Sisley Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration, $250, from selected David Jones, or call 1300 780 800 for information

First impressions: This light but luscious gel-cream is gorgeously cooling and refreshing on skin. And the instant burst of aromatherapy - by way of sweet marjoram, lavender and sage essential oils - gives an instant feel-good factor. But the specialness of this moisturiser goes way beyond skin-deep. Its star ingredient is the copper-rich green stone, malachite. While copper, with its collagen-boosting benefits, has popped up in several skincare lines in recent times, derms now say that malachite may be even more powerful for anti-ageing purposes. What’s more, according to Sisley, malachite has been shown to optimise the skin’s natural water-retention ability, which helps maintain cellular structure. Talk about style and substance.

I also have very long straight hair and have always been too scared (not to mention too lazy) to give tongs a whirl. Upshot is, I’m as clueless as you. So I’m going to hand you over to 2006 Australian Hairdrsser of the Year, Anthony Nader, from Sydney salon Raw …

“Firstly, let me just point out that medium-barrel tongs are better on longer hair, as hair will fall a lot more quickly the larger the tongs are. Also, you want a cut with longer layers, especially around the face - if your hair is all the one length, this too will mean your style will drop more easily.

“Okay, so onto the technique … Wash and towel-dry hair, then pop in a heat protector. Blow-dry hair 100% and smooth the surface with a large bristle brush. If you don’t have time to wash hair, mist with light-hold hairspray - this will give second-or-more-day hair more grip for the style. (more…)

Peaches & Cream at Alberta Ferretti: This would require some seriously flawless application, but would be worth the effort, it’s so fresh and pretty. I’d use a foundation brush to apply a medium-coverage creamy base, followed by finger-blended concealer over any red patches to create a completely smooth-toned canvas. Then an apricot-coloured cream over lids. There’s a new Becca Lip & Cheek Crème I love – the shade is Blossom. I know it’s not an eye-specific product, but I just tested it on my lids and it does a pretty good imitation of this look. Buy it for $45 at Adore Beauty.Milkmaid at Bottega Veneta: Sienna first did the plaited band and messy bun look back at the Golden Globes. But she’s Sienna. Real-people world: the new printed and decorated headbands that are coming through are a lot less Little Bo Peep. Also in real-people world, this strawberry-milky makeup is probably best left for the pale girls. I’m not on commission or anything, but Becca have another Lip & Cheek Crème coming out soon, it’s called Tuberose and it’s rosy and gorgeous and would be perfect for emulating this look.

Big Cat Eyes at Prada: These feline eyes are more of the roar than purr variety. In other words: for the brave among us. And those with un-wonky hands. For boldest effect, use a black cake liner and a slanted eyeliner brush. This gives you great control to create the line and build it up. Also, if you dampen the brush tip, you’ll be able to paint on pigment more intensely. Try: Cargo SmokeyEye Eyeliner Duo in Katmandu ($49) and Pout Angle Brush ($35, both from Rescu Beauty Bar). As for that hat-head hair … perhaps best worn with a hat.

Veronica Lake at Gucci. Divine, but looking at this makes me feel a little exhausted. Really, who has the time to do all curling of hair and layering of makeup required for this look, apart from 1940s movie stars. Quick modern take: side-part your hair and use a red lippie to stain lips for instant look-fresher.

I worked on a beauty shoot with Rae on Tuesday (she’s pictured here at a L’Oréal event - she’s their spokesperson). Rae’s one of my favourite makeup artist to interview (she just knows so damn much) and work with (her makeup is gorgeous and luxe and wearable all at once). We did a Winter Metallics theme for an upcoming issue of a new mag I’m working for (you’ll see it out in a couple of months - I’ll tell you more about it then). But for now, here are some neat tips I picked up at the shoot…

• Highlighter should always be lighter than your skintone. So, if you’re pale, go for a pearly-pinkish highlighter. If medium: a champagne-gold. Dark: a true gold.
• When highlighting under the brow, only do so at the very highpoint of arch - otherwise you could visually exacerbate any puffiness.
• Don’t apply powder bronzer straight on top of a liquid foundation - it will soon break up and go blotchy. You need to set the foundation first with translucent powder, which will in turn give powder bronzer a great base for longer-lasting hold and colour.
• You know that beauty cliché that goes: smile, then apply blush to the bit of your cheek that pops out (aka the apple)? Apparently, wrong. Rae explains that because the apple drops once you stop smiling, lower placement of cheek colour can actually draw features downwards. Not the desired effect when it’s already hard enough to fight gravity. So - always apply blush with a straight face, and aim to whisk colour from the high point of apples back and blended out towards temples. (more…)

So it’s official: Kate Moss is bringing out her own fragrance, in conjuction with perfume powerhouse, Coty (who do Kylie, SJP, Gwen, a stack more). There are no details on the scent yet, except that it will launch in Australia some time this year. For now, you’ll have to make do with this photo - she’s pictured at the press announcement in London. Looking ridiculously stunning. How a girl can have as much fun as she does and still look so gorgeous, well that’s just plain unfair.