makeup tips from Nicole Thompson; Gua Sha and sunscreen indoors

Beauty icon Lucille Ball. The skin! The brows! The lips! The cheeks! Everything was rosy perfect, all topped off by her best feature: her humour.

Rule I live by Beauty rules are made to be broken! Life is too short to be beige.

Top tip ever The secret to smoother, longer-lasting foundation is applying it in layers. The first layer is sheer, the second layer will glide on. Use a fluffy face brush in a circular motion.

Must-have product An eyelash curler. Every second client apologises to me for their short lashes but I always say, “Hell no, they just need curling.” My current favourite is the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler (mecca.com.au, $34).

Never leave the house without Some version of a pink lipstick. If I’m in a hurry, I also tap the colour onto my cheeks and eyelids for an instant lift.

Trend: Gua Sha

This Chinese massage practice is a great addition to your skincare routine to help release tension and improve circulation. Using a good face oil like Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil (jurlique.com, $75), begin at your neck and gently work your way up.

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I’m always on the hunt for innovative new foundations and Chanel’s Sublimage L’Essence de Teint Serum (myer.com.au, $202) is a light-reflecting, lightweight formula that leaves skin hydrated and comes with a foundation brush for seamless application.

Ask Steph

Do I need to wear sunscreen when I’m indoors?
Yes, you should apply an SPF facial mist or powder and top up every two hours. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush SPF30 (adorebeauty.com.au, $99) is a favourite powder. Simply apply over your make-up.

Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to [email protected].

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale February 21. To read more from Sunday Life, visit The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.