With Halloween a little over a week away - it's time to take a look at our top five Halloween beauty tips to help prepare you and make sure you look your best.

Anything goes when it comes to creating a frightening Halloween look from fake blood, bright red lips, false eyelashes to face paint. Whether it's effective makeup ideas or skin care tips you need, you've come to the right place!

1. Try your makeup before hand

Wanting to wear fake blood as part of your zombie costume or perhaps try your hand at some ghoulish makeup? We really would advise to try your makeup out beforehand to help ensure you get the look you want and also to see how different products feel and work on your skin. It will also enable you to see what effort may/ may not be needed to remove it all at the end of the night! Baby wipes at the ready!

2. It needs to be cosmetic grade

Choosing cosmetic grade beauty products like glitter and makeup will ensure that your skin’s that little bit better off for the night as cheap costume makeup from party stores can be pretty harsh on your skin. It's just the one night to splurge a little, so why not treat (not trick) yourself! - see what we did there!?

3. Seal it in place

Makeup should be sealed in place to help ensure it lasts as long as the party does! There are a number of makeup sealers on the market, or you could always cheat by applying a light mist of hairspray instead. However, if you're prone to breakouts or have really sensitive skin, I'd probably advise you skip this beauty tip!

4. Matte for maximum impact

Matte eye shadow is worth its weight in gold when it comes to perfecting the ghoulish look on Halloween. Purple and brown shades can be used for dirt and bruises, and green and white shades help to create corpse-like skin your friends will be envious of!

5. It’s ok to go a little O.T.T

If there’s one time to go all out and experiment with makeup, it’s Halloween. Infact it's safe to say the term O.T.T goes out the window for this one night only, all you need to do is have a look at Heidi Klum's various outfits over the year's to work that one out! Rosy coloured cheeks, exaggerated eyeliner or bold lips! Getting into character is probably one of the most important Halloween beauty tips that there is! 

💕 Another lovely set of LVL lashes last night, look how it opens up the clients eyes, my favourite treatment by far!

Only £40 and lasts 6-8 weeks, contact Natalie on 0779 4477024 to book an appointment 💕

Just to advise that Shrinking Violet contains an active ingredient at the highest topical strength to quickly change the structure of the fat cell wall, to allow intercellular fat to be released and easily excreted by the body.

No other wrapping system comes close in terms of ingredients and results. This is handmade by a cosmetologist in the UK, and must not be confused with any cheap, home style MLM schemes. This is for professional use only ladies and gents!

Book your wrap today with Natalie at Beauty Define 0779 4477014 💕

When choosing cosmetics, understanding your skin tone can really come in handy. I am not sure about you but I don't always understand terms like the right undertones for and what it means for choosing make-up. Here are some of the easiest ways to determine your skin tone.

1. How does your skin react in the sun?

Probably one of the best ways to determine your skin tone is to think about what happens to it when you spend too much time in the sun. We always advise you wear sunscreen, but if you've ever forgotten to apply it, does your skin burn or tan?

Burn easily? Then you've likely got a cool or neutral skin tone. Or if you tan, you can probably assume that you have a warm or olive skin tone. But please don't ever forget your sunscreen again!

2. What does your natural skin tone look like?

You can tell a lot about your skin tone through your natural skin colour. Experts say, if your skin has a yellow or ash tint, you have an olive skin tone. If you have skin without any hints or pink or olive, you likely have a neutral skin tone, which makes it easier for you to find the right make-up. A touch of pink indicates a cool skin tone.

3. Examine your veins

Experts say examining the veins on your wrist will help to determine your skin tone. If your veins are purple or blue, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins look more of a greenish colour, likely you have a warm skin tone. If you're having a hard time figuring out the colour of your veins then likely you've got a neutral skin tone. Easy peasy! 

4. Dare to bare

If you're going to examine your skin, make sure it doesn't have any make-up or other products on it. Otherwise, likely your results will be less than true. So, when you get ready to discern your skin tone, wash your face well and pat it dry before getting started.

5. Compare next to white paper

Still unsure of your skin tone? Then don't worry, you're not alone as it's not always easy to figure out! A piece of white paper will help do the trick! Just hold the paper next to your face and if it appears yellow or golden, you have a warm skin tone. If your skin has a pinker appearance, you have a cool skin tone.

6. Step into the light

Natural light mimics most of the lighting in the average locations you spend time so is the ideal light to apply make-up. However, the light can also tell you a lot about your skin tone. If you look better in white light, your skin tone is cool. If you look better under yellow light, assume you have a warm skin tone.

Now that there is a distinct nip in the air and unfortunately it seems like we have waved goodbye to summer for another year, it’s time to adapt your skin care routine so the cold days ahead don’t harm it. Luckily, it isn’t time consuming or difficult, just a few little tweaks here and there that can easily be done in just a matter of minutes. Having some ways to prep your skin for the winter season is a simple way to make sure it’s as enjoyable as possible.

1) Don’t skip the sunscreen

We all seem to associate sunscreen with summer to help ward of sunburn, skin cancer and signs of ageing. However, in autumn and winter, it’s still important to keep applying sunscreen to all the exposed parts of your body such as the face, neck and ears every day to prevent the drying effects of too much sun exposure. Sunscreen will also help ensure that your skin stays hydrated and radiant all through the colder weather that’s lies ahead.

2) Change moisturisers

It may be hard to believe with autumn and winter being wetter seasons but your skin actually gets drier when the weather cools off. It’s therefore important to switch to a thicker, more emollient rich, moisturiser to prep your skin for colder days. Apply a thick layer and allow to soak in to increase your skin’s barrier against dryness.

3) Reduce the number of times you exfoliate each week

A good exfoliation all over the skin can work wonders and give it an amazing glow and keep it really soft. But when the colder seasons move in, it’s a good time of year to cut back just a bit as too much exfoliation can leave your skin susceptible to the colder, harsher air. We’d recommend gently exfoliatng just once or twice a week unlike every day which many people do.

4) Ensure you’re drinking enough H2O

It seems natural to drink lots of water in the months when it’s hot outside and you get super thirsty all the time. But it’s equally as important to keep up the hydration during autumn and winter. Water helps keep your skin looking young, fresh and hydrated. So don’t leave the water bottle at home, carry it with you wherever you go!

5) Eat lots of nutrients

Just like above, it always seems that little bit easier to fill up on fresh produce in the warmer months. However, fruits and vegetables are just as important all year round as they are in the summer as your body still needs all the vitamins and minerals they contain to protect the health of your skin. So keep loading up on them!

Why not treat yourself to a full set of Individual Eyelash Extensions by Natalie at Beauty Defineat. Natalie is one of Braintree's finest eyelash technicians.. Semi Permanent Eyelashes are applied individually lash by lash to your own lashes, creating a fuller natural look by Natalie who is a fully trained Eyelash Extension technician and a member of BABTAC..

Individual Eyelash Extensions are already a huge hit with female celebrities. The great benefit of these Eyelash Extensions is that they do not clump together like traditional false Eyelash Extensions, they are practically weightless and give you an overall effortlessly 'glam factor' look. Lashes can last up to 3 weeks or indefinitely with regular refills.

Natalie Specialises in semi permanent eyelash extensions so you will receive the best treatment for your lashes.

I really look forward to seeing you soon for your new glamourous individual eyelash extensions and remember if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Natalie

I for one would love to know all the top tips and advice celebrity dermatologists have to offer. You don’t have to be a celeb or mega rich to glean their knowledge, in fact we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out these top tips from the best of the best, incorporate them into your skincare routine and you’ll feel the benefits in no time.

Ava Shamban, MD

Shamban is based out of Santa Monica and has an enviable list of celebrity clients, not surprising with her living so close to Hollywood. Shamban recommends rubbing a washcloth soaked in cold water all over your face to help clean out your pores, and stimulate the blood flow to help make skin look radiant and fresh.

David Colbert, MD

Any celeb with a big event coming up is likely to call on David Colbert to make sure their skin is in tip top condition, but don’t worry, he is happy to share his expertise with us too! Colbert recommends a diet with very little unprocessed foods, which will help your skin stay beautiful and glowing with health from the inside out. Colbert also advises against heavy use of fillers such as Botox, but instead recommends that a healthy diet is the best tool for keeping your skin looking its best.

Patricia Wexler, MD

No one can deny that Cindy Crawford is beautiful, and her skin is to die for! Wexler is Cindy’s doctor and has some great advice to share including using depuffing cream with caffeine to fight undereye bags. Notice how celebs always look great no matter what they did the night before? Well I think we might have uncovered the secret! Try this tip for yourself and you’ll be ready for the Christmas party season in no time!

Fredric Brandt, MD

Doctor to Madonna, Brandt’s advice to clients to prevent sagging skin is to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen each and every day. You should be aiming for an SPF of at least 30 and use it generously every day. Don’t know about you but I don’t want saggy skin – pass me the Factor 30 now!

Howard Murad, MD

Kim Cattrall of Sex in the City fame is one of Murad’s clients and don’t you think she always looks great? – a sure sign he knows what he is talking about! His advice is actually pretty basic which is great for us because it means we can try it at home! He advises clients to keep their skin hydrated by eating fruits and vegetables with a high water content. Try the likes of celery, cucumbers, mangoes and apricots as they are full of important nutrients, but also help keep your skin healthy, says Murad.

Harold Lancer, MD

With Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian among his clients, we want to know what this man has to say! So here it is, he recommends you should stay away from toners and benzoyl peroxide as these items can really dry out your skin, which strips it of the oils it needs to keep bacteria from getting in your pores and causing blemishes. As an alternative, he suggests using an oil absorbing product to help prevent spots and pimples and keep your skin looking beautiful and healthy.

Feeling good about ourselves is two fold. It’s important to be happy to be important with what’s on the inside just as much as what’s on the outside. Taking pride in our appearance doesn’t have to mean taking it to the extreme — after all, it only takes a few small beauty and fashion hacks to increase all-around confidence without the need for a full-on makeover. Keen to know simple secrets to happiness? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Spray tans, not just good for bikini season

We’re certainly not talking giving Ronseal a run for its money here! Buuut a good spray tan can really help to even out your current skintone (and let’s be honest, give those pale legs a nice bit of colour and the confidence to dare to bare) and will help you rock dresses, swimsuits and skirts with confidence.

A good fitting bra will help you rock any look

Fact: you don't have to be born with a cleavage to die for or a great décolletage. You can fake it and go wild with a killer push-up bra that looks smooth and fab under everything.

Shoe inserts will help you walk with confidence, without the pain!

Killer heels may be all the rage but burning balls of the feet and heels that are crying out for help are not! And thank god, there's no need to be in pain. Walk like you mean business (not like you are ready to crawl) with shoe inserts that are made for high heels. The little extra cushioning under the balls of your feet will feel like heaven after you've been standing — and strutting — around looking amazing all day.

A signature scent will give you a spring in your step, everyday

Ever had that moment when someone instantly thinks of you when they smell a certain scent? A spritz of a signature scent is the perfect way to start your day - find yours!

Big round brush is a must

Wish every day was a good hair day – we know the feeling!  A big round hairbrush that helps to add body from roots to tips when you're blow-drying you 'do will get you one step closer to the barnet you always dreamed of!

It probably won’t come as a shock to learn that there are a number of factors in what you consume that can affect your beauty. Ultimately, what you put in your mouth during mealtimes will play a role in many aspects of your looks. So, if you’re struggling with dull hair, limp nails and bad skin, just some simple adjustments can make a big difference. As a starter for ten, here are some of the top things to consider when it comes to diet and beauty.

Skin that glows from within

You need a well-balanced diet made up of foods from each of the food groups if you are craving radiant skin. For example, if you don’t often eat fruits or vegetables it’s likely you will be running low on the key nutrients that support healthy skin. Sufficient whole grains and lean protein are also important. A diet that is nutrient deficient diet is likely to result in skin that is dry, cracked and lacking lustre. Start upping the nutrients and it won’t be long before you notice a change in your skin!

Weight

Let’s not forget that beauty comes in all sizes. Although being unhealthily overweight can lead to a number of health complications as well as having a negative impact on self-esteem. If you are currently suffering health complications as a result of your weight, it pays to speak to your doctor about shedding some of those pounds. If you feel more confident, it will only make you more beautiful than you already are!

Better mood

A smile is one of the most attractive things we own, and it’s free. Have you noticed before how just flashing a smile instantly makes you feel more attractive? Well guess what, a healthy diet is an important way to keep your mood balanced so that smile isn’t compromised. Nutritious foods make you feel healthy as well as making you feel good about making healthy choices. That’s definitely something that will put a smile on your face!

Lovely locks

Hair, just like your skin, needs healthy foods to help ensure it is healthy, shiny and strong. The majority of foods that support healthy skin also contribute to healthy hair so it’s a win win situation! Pass me an avocado!

Muscles that look and feel good

Protein is the biggest nutrient that plays a role in how your muscles look, after all, muscles need adequate nutrition just like the rest of your body. You need to ensure you’re getting enough protein to help your muscles function so you can build and strengthen with exercise while also helping them recover afterward. Pay attention to your muscles and you’ll reap the rewards of an enviable toned body.

Nails that are as hard as nails

Hair, skin and nails are all made up of essentially the same components, although in different forms, so it makes sense that they can all be positively or negatively impacted by the things you eat. Protein rich foods such like low-fat dairy, eggs and lean meats are perfect for strong nails. Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal and lots of fruits and vegetables will also give you nails to be proud of!

The SkinBase microdermabrasion Facial™ is a safe, controlled treatment that intensely exfoliates and resurfaces the skin.  It's the leading skincare treatment in the UK & Ireland for complete skin rejuvenation, available at over 1,600 leading salons. A fine jet of abrasive crystals gently removes dead skin cells layer by layer and a vacuum action lifts away the debris, stimulating the blood flow and encouraging collagen and elastin formation that results in firmer, revitalised and youthful looking skin. Wrinkles disappear, acne scarring is reduced and dull and tired skin is completely banished - sometimes after just one treatment.

Effects are usually seen after the first treatment, with ongoing improvements seen week after week during a course. Your SkinBase therapist will perform an initial consultation and recommend a course length to you.  Usually, this will consist of 6 to 8 treatments, 7 to 10 days apart.  Skin problems such as acne or acne scarring, or deeper forehead wrinkles may require up to 20 weeks to achieve full improvements.  After a course is completed, a single monthly treatment will maintain your skin's improvements.

The SkinBase microdermabrasion Facial™ is a safe, controlled treatment that intensely exfoliates and resurfaces the skin.  It's the leading skincare treatment in the UK & Ireland for complete skin rejuvenation. A fine jet of abrasive crystals gently removes dead skin cells layer by layer and a vacuum action lifts away the debris, stimulating the blood flow and encouraging collagen and elastin formation that results in firmer, revitalised and youthful looking skin. Wrinkles disappear, acne scarring is reduced and dull and tired skin is completely banished - sometimes after just one treatment.

Effects are usually seen after the first treatment, with ongoing improvements seen week after week during a course. Your SkinBase therapist will perform an initial consultation and recommend a course length to you.  Usually, this will consist of 6 to 8 treatments, 7 to 10 days apart.  Skin problems such as acne or acne scarring, or deeper forehead wrinkles may require up to 20 weeks to achieve full improvements.  After a course is completed, a single monthly treatment will maintain your skin's improvements.