Award-winning Rae Morris is one of Australia’s leading makeup artists, her work showcased in countless magazines and advertising campaigns. If you see glowing skin and golden eyes, chances are you’re looking at Rae’s handiwork; “that’s my signature look,” she says.

As a L’Oréal spokesperson, Rae is also the key trend forecaster for the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Her vision for winter 2007? “Metallics, in particular golds and silver,” she says. “They give your look some luxury and it’s the ideal way to brighten up an eye in winter.” Read on for more of Rae’s predictions, tip and tricks …

What About Bronze This Winter?

“There are lots of bronze and copper eye shadows, cheek creams and lip colours coming through. The thing to know is that if you’re going to wear all makeup from one colour category, you need to use a mix of textures. For instance, a powder shadow, a creamy blush and gloss on the lips. Or, if you go for a creamy eye colour, keep your cheeks matt. Just be aware that you shouldn’t apply a powder bronzer straight on top of a liquid foundation - it can go patchy. Set your foundation first with some translucent powder and then add your bronzer.”

Any Other Trends to Know About?

“Androgynous brows. The Brooke Shields look is back. Also, eyeliner of all different shapes and sizes. It’s the time to start experimenting with various effects and finding looks that work for you. I’d just say, avoid encircling the eye if you have very rounded eyes - this would just make them small and closed in. My other top eyeliner tip is to use a gel liner instead of liquid, it’s so much easier to use and won’t crack.” Try: MAC Fluidline ($32 from M.A.C).

Any Other Favourite Tips?

“Always do your eyes before applying base. That way you won’t mess up foundation with any makeup fall-out. Also, avoid white highlighter. It’s so unnatural and looks grey on the skin, not to mention cheap. Pale skintones should use soft eggshell or cream shades, medium skintones work best with golds, and dark or very tanned skintones can go more bronze.”

Biggest Makeup Mistake You See Girls Making?

“Using fake tan on your body then sticking with the same color foundation. Basically, a white face with a brown body - not a good look. Either buy a second foundation to match your fake tan tone or else you can mix a little bronzing cream into your regular foundation to darken it.”

Biggest Makeup Myth?

“Smile before applying blush. Wrong! If you smile and apply blush on the apple, that’s the part of the face that will drop when you stop smiling. So in effect your blush will be visually dragging your features down. We don’t go around smiling all day long, so you’re best off doing blush with a straight face. Apply it to the high point of your cheekbones, underneath your eye, and whisk it back, out towards temples.”

What’s Always in Your Kit?

“Baby wipes and more makeup than the cosmetic floor at department stores.”

What’s Always on Your Face?*

“Sunscreen, mascara, cream blush and lanolin on my lips.”

Your Best Bargain Makeup Buy?

“L’Oréal Touch-on Colour in Cashmere Rose ($20.45, from pharmacies). I use it every day. It’s great on lips as well as cheeks.”

Any Other Personal Favourites?

“I’m loving L’Oréal NutriSummer ($14.45, from pharmacies) right now - it’s a tan and moisturiser in one. I’m also addicted to my Kérastase haircare (call 1300 365 552 for stockist info) - the Elasto-Curl line is perfect for my long, curly hair. And my favourite fragrance is Michael by Michael Kors (from $96, from Perfumery).”

Your Beauty Icon?

“Madonna. I love how she evolves herself. She (and her team) are so progressive, she always does things first. On the other hand I also love Iman’s timelessness. You can go back to photos of her two or twenty years ago and she hasn’t changed at all. She never ever was a fashion victim.”